This is the ultimate bucket list for all things horsey.
Imagine getting to go swimming with your horse or gallop a Thoroughbred? Some of these are pretty achievable and some are once-in-a-lifetime opportunities. I yet to do many of these things but they’re definitely now on MY bucket list!
These are all things I hope to do, and you should say you’ve done before the end of your life.
Let’s get started!
1. Ride side-saddle
I think this would be super fun! I mean this one is pretty achievable, you could probably do it this next time you ride! If you like it, maybe you should set some funny goals for yourself… cantering side-saddle, riding for a few minutes in your ride side-saddle, or see if you could do jumping side-saddle! :O
2. Watch a jousting match
Find yourself a good old jousting match! I think I’ve actually seen something similar- at a medieval dinner show called Medieval Times. I’m not sure if it was actual jousting but there was definitely lots of stuff similar to it!
3. Watch a herd of wild horses
Whether it’s out in the plains of Wyoming, on the beaches of North Carolina, amidst the mountains of Ecuador or roaming the deserts of Namibia, Africa. There’s so many places to go see these magnificent creatures in their home habitat while on vacation or even maybe near where you live!
4. Visit the Spanish Riding School
Watch the glistening and beautiful Lipizzaner stallions preform at the famous school of Vienna.
5. Play and watch a polo match
This has got to be on the bucket list for all equestrians! Feel what it’s like to canter after that white ball and be apart of a polo team. And of course getting to watch a real game with real riders would be amazing too!
5. Attend each of the Triple Crown races
Go visit the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes, the classic races for 3 year old Thoroughbreds. Who knows, maybe you’ll get to see one of the worlds next big racers like Secretariat or Man’O War!
6. Watch a foal birth
I think this would be such an amazing experience! Maybe it’s your horse or a friends but definitely don’t miss the opportunity to see the birth of a horse if it arises.
7. Ride where Heartland was filmed
I don’t even know if it’s possible but this is every horse girl’s dream for sure! Being able to roam around the mountains of Alberta just like Amy!
8. Dress up your horse
Design your own costume for your horse! There’s so many amazing ideas out there. People have really gotten creative with it! Maybe there’s a local Halloween contest or you could host your own at the barn!
9. Sleepover at the barn
Every horse girl’s dream is to have a sleepover with her horse and all her barn besties at the barn! Who says you can’t do it as a grown up horse lover? Spend the night with your horse on a random night even!
10. Attend a hunt
Tally-Ho! Attend a classic Foxhunt! I’ve gotten to learn a little more about this discipline lately. There’s still modern day foxhounds that you can be apart of. Become a huntsman for a day and experience this old tradition. I so want to do this someday!
11. Gallop on the beach
Definitely has to be at the top of every Equestrian’s bucket list! The salty air, the soft thud of your horse’s hooves on the sand, the water spraying up, I would for sure love to do this some day.
12. Ride a draft horse
Have you ever had the opportunity to ride a heavy horse? I think riding a big powerful creature like that would be so neat! Their big chunky gaits are probably a lot different than what most people ride. But from Clydesdales to Shires, Belgians to Percherons I think everyone should have the opportunity to ride one of these gentle giants.
13. Hire a professional photographer to take pictures of you and your horse
Whether at the barn, capturing your awesome dressage test at the show or jumping that giant ditch in the XC field, splurge on yourself and treat yourself with some gorgeous pictures of your bond and how hard you’ve worked with your horse.
14. Buy your dream saddle
Go for a shopping spree! Treat yourself to that gorgeous saddle you’ve been drooling over forever. Us equestrians sacrifice so much for our horses. Technically yes, the saddle will just be for your horse too but there’s something satisfying about stepping up into a beautiful saddle everytime you ride. Save up and go for it!
15. Try vaulting or trick riding
This is one of those disciplines that looks super neat to try! You don’t have to be as good as all those super crazy riders that do backflips and hand stands on their horses, but give it a go! Attend a vaulting lesson and try something new.
16. Ride an Icelandic at a tölt in Iceland
This is quite specific circumstances, but everyone who’s had a chance to ride Icelandic horses in Iceland could not speak high enough of it! Experience the classic fifth gait of these horses while overlooking the stunning beauty of Iceland.
17. Drive a horse or a team of horses
Have you ever got to drive a horse? All horse breeds can be trained to drive but maybe you’ve got a friend or neighbor that specializes in driving. Check it out, see how it goes!
18. Ride in a clinic with a famous trainer
Who’s your riding hero? Is it possible to get a clinic with them? Splurge on yourself a bit and experience their riding and teaching style! This would for sure be a great chance to further your riding and become a better and stronger rider.
19. Ride in Africa amongst Zebras and Giraffes.
Man, this picture!! Stunning! I don’t know who wouldn’t want to do this! Definitely not an opportunity to pass up and of course now on my bucket list!
20. Gallop a Thoroughbred
The feeling of racing down the track down 50 mph on that big, powerful creature. Something that for a lot of equestrians never gets to happen but I’m sure a lot wish they had the opportunity! Figure out how to exercise one of the Thoroughbreds at a track you know about.
21. Teach your horse something impressive
Teach your horse something cool! Maybe it’s a fancy move like the Spanish walk or the piaffe. Maybe you help him learn to bow, rear or smile. Impress all your friends on how smart your horse is!
22. Commission a professional painting of your favorite horse
Commission a personal painting from your favorite artist of your heart horse. It could be yours now, it that special horse that you love and miss. It would definitely be something you would treasure and a great thing to decorate your house with!
23. Host a Kentucky Derby Party at your house
Go all out with good food and drinks, summery outfits and of course the iconic hats! You can even do some low key betting to see who can predict the winner.
24. Ride at sunrise
This one isn’t too far out there. You could do it next time you ride if you wanted! Of course having a beautiful sunrise experience like the picture above looks amazing as well though.
25. Ride at a working ranch
Maybe you ride on a ranch all the time but for most riders, the idea of herding cows on your faithful mount overlooking beautiful mountains and countryside is just a dream. Unleash your inner cowboy/cowgirl! Maybe that great uncle Henry could use some help for a week or you could take a well earned vacation at a dude ranch.
26. Attend the annual Pony Penning swim in Chincoteage
Most equestrians grew up reading the classic Misty Of Chincoteage books by Marguerite Henry. Imagine actually attending the annual Pony Penning of Chincoteage, Virginia. Then after the ponies swim from their home of Assateague island to Chincotage island you can experience the auction! This annual event happens each year to help control the population of the herd.
27. Go swimming on your horse
At the top of every horse lover’s bucket list is probably this photo above! The beautiful blue sky, crystal clear green water around some tropical island and riding bareback on your horse, a light breeze cooling the warm day.
28. Help to break a young horse
It would be amazing to be apart of the training of a young horse. Some people start their own horses that are now big jumpers or reiners! It’s a great experience that requires lots of patience and work but a big reward in the end.
29. Ride tackless
A lot of riders enjoy doing bareback, but have you ever ridden bridleless too? Could your horse even handle it? 😉 Watch some videos, learn how to train your horse to respond even without any tack. It’s a perfect way to improve balance and work on communicating your aids without relying too much on the tack.
30. Try horse yoga
The photo above says it all. It just seams to calming although I’m sure it’s pretty challenging as well. It’s a great way to improve your balance and stability while on your horse! Find a local class or clinic to start!
31. See the Budweiser Clydesdales in person
Find out how to see these iconic big beauties! The thundering of hooves, the jingles of the bells, definitely something that would be amazing to see in person!
32. Teach a new rider how to ride
Give back to the horse community by teaching another rider the basics! Maybe it’s a friend or a kid that wants to try it out. Plus they say teaching helps you learn and become a better rider yourself. Over 90% of what you teach, you learn.
33. Win a blue ribbon
Everyone should experience what it’s like to win a blue ribbon. Even if it’s just for best turnout or winning the egg and spoon race! There’s something about the classic blue that shows just how much you worked and it allows you to see that it all paid off.
Well, maybe you’ve got some new things to add to your equestrian bucket list? I believe these are all things every rider regardless of discipline or riding style should experience at some point in their life. What else is on your bucket list that I didn’t include? Feel free to share in the comments below! I hope you enjoyed and remember…
Keep riding!
Lucy <3