10 Quintessential Summer Experiences Improved By Adding Horses

And if someone asks you “can’t you do anything without bringing your horse along?”, ignore them. You don’t need that kind of negativity in your life.

Quick! Quick! There’s still fun to be had! Flickr/Anna & Michal/CC

It’s already August, people — the summer is winding down and there’s a lot of living left to cram into the next month or two before the days get really short and there’s a chill in the air. (This is a nice way of saying keep your pumpkin spice comments to yourself for another few weeks, please.)

There are a few quintessential summer experiences that we think everyone should partake in during their life — and since LITERALLY EVERYTHING is made better with horses, why not bring them along too?

1. Swimming

Whether you’re hitting up the municipal pool, the nearest seashore or the crystal waters of your local lake, summer is the perfect time for a refreshing dip in the water. Taking your horse along for a swim is a no-brainer: it’s a good workout but is also low-impact, keeps him cool and helps horse and rider bond.

2. Hiking

Hiking is just trail riding without the horse. Think about that for a little while.

3. Napping

Admittedly I don’t do as much of this as I might like, but I totally love the concept of spending an hour or two on the deck on a lounger, or maybe swaying gently to sleep in the shade in a hammock. If you love naps, you can bet your horse loves naps too. Why not relax together?

4. Family vacation

Whether this means “showcation” to you and your folks, or you’re bringing Star and Blaze along for an extended trail riding adventure, why should your horse have to stay at home while you go out and travel? (Sure, riding under the hot sun swatting at flies might not be quite the same as drinking a margarita on the beach, but your family will thank you later. These are formative experiences.)

5. Concerts and movies at the park

Cities and small towns alike are loving this concept, so there’s no reason your horse can’t also love it too. Ride or drive up to the municipal park and entertain BOTH of you this summer! Just remember to keep it down in front and maybe park your big tall horse to the back of the audience.

6. Boating

On a hot summer’s day, what is better than hitting the lake or the bay for a little manufactured breeze and the cooling spray of the sea? Guess who else would appreciate that — your horse.

7. Hanging out at the bonfire

Those country songs don’t lie — summer is the best time for getting together with your buddies, setting up a bonfire, cranking some tunes and cracking some beers and just hanging out. And who’s a better buddy than your horse? Horses love beer.

8. Grilling

Summer, for many, is all about firing up the grill and having a little barbecue — and these days, there’s basically no limit to what can be cooked on a grill if you’re creative in the kitchen. This summer, invite your horse over for a hot dog. We’re sure they’ll love it.

9. Amusement parks

It’s a commonly-known horse fact that not only do horses totally love roller coasters, but those shoulder restraints were actually designed for equines. You must be how tall to ride?

10. Music festivals

If you haven’t snuck your equine best friend into Coachella or your local small-town version, how can you even call yourself a horse lover?

The truth of the matter is that it’s actually okay sometimes to do things… without your horse. Go riding. But it’s also okay every now and then if you don’t.