5 Fun Fall Activities for Horse People– No Horse Required

With the leaves changing colors and the weather turning cold, horse people from around the world hit the barn with the promise of spectacular riding weather.

But what is a horse-crazy person to do with all of the lovely weather and no horse to enjoy it with?

Fear no more! As a former Horseless Horse Girl, I’m somewhat of an expert on enjoying equine activities without a steed at hand. So if you’re wanting to embrace the season, here are 5 fun fall activities for all kinds of horse lovers!

1# The Three Bs: Book, Blanket, Beverage

This is obviously the most simple of the tasks, but it’s quite effective. Grab a mug of coffee, tea, boba, whatever, snatch that horse book from your shelf, and cozy down with a blanket for a relaxing read! Reading on foggy cold mornings is wonderful, especially if the book you’re reading has a similar ambience.

If you want to “spice” it up (pun intended: fall is spice everything, right?), try reading a book that’s outside of your comfort zone. If you don’t want to buy books, raid your library.

Good horse books for fall:

• The Phantom Stallion series by Terri Farley (Excellent Western/contemporary story, a light enough read for a mellow day but intriguing nonetheless)
• Justin Morgan had a Horse by Marguerite Henry (Set in Vermont, a good story that warms your heart)
• The Star that Always Stays by Anna Rose Johnston (not a horse book, but it’s a very cozy book so it still fits)
• Of Fire and Ash by Gillian Bronte Adams (equine fantasy, a bit more intense, when you need some spice in your reading)
• The Horse Diaries by a collection of authors (short, very satisfying historical books about horses in different points of history)

***

#2 Try Out Fun DIY Crafts!

When it gets cold outside, sometimes the last thing you want to do is hang around in the chill. If you’re the crafty type, try looking up some fun horse crafts! Learn to crochet a tiny stuffed horse. Knit a blanket for your favorite model horse. DIY and customize your horse models (more info about that, check out Customizing – BreyerHorses.com). Of course, kids, make sure to check in with your parents before searching the internet.

(Need help getting started? Check out this article by Young Rider!)

***

#3 Get Cooking!

I personally have a love-hate relationship with baking– in the sense that I love it, but it hates me I can’t seem to get anything to turn out right.

However, if you want to add a bit of horsiness to your Thanksgiving dinner, check out fun cookie recipes that you can cut into horse shapes! Try making a horse-related food– apple pie and carrot cake, anyone?

Cook oatmeal for breakfast (hey, don’t wrinkle your nose. You know how nice oatmeal is on a cold morning?) or have a “cowboy” lunch with hot dogs and baked beans. Cooking can be a lot of fun, and other people (Moms especially) appreciate it, especially if you clean up afterward.

And you can also use cooking to bless others! Bring cookies to a potluck, bake a pie for a sick friend! Indulging your horse passion and helping people is a great double win.

***

#4 Look For Model Horse Photo Shows!

Every other month, Breyer hosts photo contests where you can take pictures of your model horses based on their prompts. Often you can win Breyer models or at least participated in a fun hobby! And think of all the scenes you can build, tiny props you can make! For the detailed eye, crafty, or collector, this is a very enjoyable pastime– and it helps you take advantage of that great weather!

Check out Photo Shows – BreyerHorses.com for current shows, and Photography – BreyerHorses.com for more info on taking that perfect shot.

***

#5 Write a Horse Story

I firmly believe that fall is probably one of the best seasons for writing. Getting outside with my laptop while my ducks mill around me eating acorns and a cold wind blows– how much more aesthetic do you need to get?

Not to mention that November is National Novel Writing Month, where writers strive to write 50,000 words in 30 days. It’s a challenge, but hey! It’s awesome.

And writing about horses? Don’t get me started on the awesomeness of that. We’d be here all day. Even something as simple as fanfiction is a pleasure to write!

Not sure? Here’s some awesome prompts to get you started. Just try it, okay?

• You wake up one night and look out your window. You’re shocked to see your perfect dream horse standing on the lawn– staring at you.
• What if all of your horse models turned into real horses at night?
• You’re reading your favorite horse book, and look up to find yourself staring at the main character.
• What if all horses could speak Human?
• You get to spend an entire week with your horsey friends in Lexington, Kentucky– and end up trying to solve a mystery.

***

Cozy autumn is awesome for all sorts of activities, and it only makes sense as horse-crazy people to pull your passion into the season! What horse-related activities do you enjoy in fall?