10 Ideas for a Fun Horsey Summer!

Summer is here and sadly the sunshine has been (mostly) missing! But we shouldn’t let that stop us having a fun horsey summer time. If you’ve been stuck in a winter rut of a boring routine and fed up with serious lack of daylight, make the most of the longer days and try something new. If you’re looking for a bit of inspiration here are our top 10 ideas for an enjoyable summer with your equine bestie.

1. Head to the Beach – Have you always wanted to take your horse for a splash in the waves or gallop along the shore? Now is the time to do it! A short amount of research will help you find the best place to go, and don’t forget to check on the tidal times. We are based in Hertfordshire and Holkham is a great beach to go riding on.
2. Spa Day at the Yard – Now this is for the horses rather than yourselves, however you might want to treat yourself to a pampering day after! Team up with your mates at the yard and get out all your shampoos, conditioners and sprays. Get those horses gleaming and then you can guarantee they will roll as soon as you turn them back out!
3. Horsey Holiday – Your horse is part of the family so why not take them on holiday for a few days. Obviously they are not going to be joining you on your all inclusive but there are plenty of places in the UK that are set up so you can bring your horse with you.
4. Go for a Hack Somewhere New – Bored of your normal hacking routes? Box up your horse and go explore another area. This could be as simple as taking your horse over to a friends yard and exploring their hacking routes.
5. Go To Camp – Whatever your age, experience and interests, there are a variety of camps out there that are great to attend and learn new skills. From Pony Club and Riding Club to Natural Horsemanship and British Dressage – find the one that’s best for you.
6. Attend an Equestrian Event – There’s plenty of events to attend during the summer months. Eventing Season is well underway so visit Burghley Horse Trials or Blenheim Palace Horse Trails and enjoy both the horses and the shopping. For younger riders you might like to take a look at Pony Magazine’s Big Day Out!
7. Plan a Pub Ride – Love going out hacking? Love a beverage at the pub? Then why not combine the two. Go with friends and find a pub which has plenty of space for your horse to safely stand off the road. You could even arrange to meet your non horsey other half there for some quality time together.
8. Book a Photoshoot – Have you ever had some professional photos taken of you and your horse? If not get one booked during the summer months so you have images to treasure forever.
9. Try Something New – We’re all guilty of getting stuck in a riding rut at times so why not try something new this season. This could be a side saddle clinic, Le Trec or just attending a group riding club clinic. If you don’t have much of a budget, team up with friends and share your knowledge or just swap horses for a change!
10. Practice Plaiting – Get your turnout top notch this summer with plenty of practice at the yard when you’re not under pressure. Learn to sew plaits in for a super neat look. You’ll be grateful of the practice when it does actually come to show day.