No competitions? No worries! How to fill your weekend with all things horsey during the Coronavirus outbreak.
2020! This will be my best competition year yet… NOT!
If your competition calendar is anything like mine, it’s pretty empty with the cancellation of competitions from Equestrian Australia, Pony Club and so many other associations due to the unwelcome arrival of Covid-19. This may leave some of you (mostly the parents) with slight relief that more time can be spent doing other things, but for those of you who are like me (a hopeless horse girl with nothing left to do on the weekends) this left me scratching my head at how much time I would have simply sitting around.
Never fear! I have compiled my top three fun and horsey activities to fill your weekends while the virus cools down.
3. Go for a trail/beach ride
Source: Rainbow Beach Horse Rides
With less need for intense training, there is more time for the fun stuff like trail riding and beach riding. There are so many amazing places to ride outside of the arena if you look for them! Trail rides are so beneficial to both you and your horse. Not only do they allow you to enjoy each other’s company in a stress free environment, it also allows your pony to gain more exposure to things he may not have seen before!
Grab a couple of friends and head out to pine forests, walking tracks (ones that permit horses) or your local horse beach to give you and your horse a fresh set of scenery and a sense of relaxation. You can still exercise ‘social distancing’ while having an awesome day out. To make your trail ride even better, pack a picnic to share with your horse on the ride!
2. Do some online shopping!
I don’t know about you, but I love to spend copious amounts of money at trade stalls on competition weekends. Missing out on these competitions means missing out on all those awesome trade stalls that keep you up to date on the latest trends in the equestrian fashion world. Make sure you keep your wardrobe fresh and keep up to date with your favourite brands so that you don’t miss a thing!
Keep in mind, a lot of your favourite brands are probably small businesses that will be deeply impacted by missing these events. The less competitions they get out to, the less their name is seen. Support those brands, especially!
1. Try out some new treat recipes
Source: Sarah Hearts
It’s no secret that horses love their treats. Why not take a break from the basic carrot or apple and try a new treat recipe for your horse to enjoy? There is no end to the wide variety of cookie, muffin and even cake recipes readily available on the internet! The ingredients are pretty simple in most cases; a carrot, some molasses and a handful of oats usually does the trick. Once baked, you can go hang out with your horse while he enjoys all the brand new flavours!
If you feel like being adventurous, try and make up your own treat recipe! Use some banana or even add icing to decorate. Get as creative as you want to – your pony will love it!
Doing something horsey this weekend that isn’t on this list? We’d love to know how you’re filling your weekend!
Tell us all about your weekend plans in the comments section for this blog on our Instagram or Facebook page.
Written by Kiana Gibbon.
