As the air turns crisp and lesson schedules shift with the daylight, fall offers riding instructors the perfect chance to blend fun, tradition, and solid horsemanship. These ideas range from lighthearted arena games to practical seasonal lessons that prepare students for winter horse care.
🎃 Fun Fall Activities
1. Jump the Pumpkin
This is one of my favorites and even more challenging when done in the open. Make a line of sizeable pumpkins and have each rider take a turn. Like “musical stalls,” remove one pumpkin on each round.
Check out my PDF for Jump the Pumpkin
2. Pumpkin Poles
Perfect for the walk–trot, non-jumping group. Set up a course of poles on the ground and decorate the ends of each pole with pumpkins. Use a prescribed “course” and have students take turns at the walk or trot.
3. Pumpkin Shuffle
A relay game for teams using smaller pumpkins—one per team member.
Check out the PDF for Pumpkin Shuffle
4. Pumpkin Weave
Simply replace your normal weaving obstacles with pumpkins.
For ideas, see the Pumpkin Weave PDF:
5. Autumn Equitation Trail
Level: All levels; scale difficulty by gait or obstacle complexity.
Create a short course using logs, poles, a jacket to pick up, a gate to open and close, and similar obstacles. Add fall-themed cones or flags for color.
Instructor Tip: Combine equitation focus with trail accuracy for an engaging schooling pattern.
Safety: Introduce one obstacle at a time; ensure footing is dry and secure.
6. Apple Core Challenge
Level: Walk–trot or lead-line.
Set up cones or buckets as “apple baskets.” Riders carry beanbag “apples” and drop them in from a halt or walk without losing reins or position.
Instructor Tip: Use it as a precision and steering exercise.
Safety: Ensure riders don’t lean too far; spot beginners on the off side.
7. Thankful Trail
Level: Suitable for all, especially group trail rides.
Mark pauses along your route where riders share something they’re thankful for—about their horse, their barn friends, or what they’ve learned this year.
Instructor Tip: This builds empathy, patience, and reflection.
Safety: Choose a calm route and maintain spacing so horses stay relaxed while riders talk.
8. Harvest Fun Show
Level: Intermediate and up (or paired beginners).
Combine all your Saturday lessons into a fun show where students share horses. You could even host a prep lesson earlier to teach how to enter classes and prepare for the day.
Host a laid-back schooling show with lighthearted events such as “Pumpkin Pattern Equitation,” “Ride-a-Buck Turkey Trot,” or “Best Fall Costume Horse.” Include team events for extra camaraderie.
Instructor Tip: Keep judging supportive and educational.
Safety: Check costume safety and confirm horses are desensitized.
9. Barn Decorating Party
Level: All ages.
Invite students to decorate stalls or fences with safe fall décor such as cornstalks, mums, and ribbons.
Instructor Tip: Turn it into a teamwork lesson about stable safety.
Safety: Avoid plastic bags, dangling cords, or decorations within horse reach.
Practical Fall Horsemanship Lessons
10. Blanketing Basics
Level: Intermediate and up; unmounted or supervised hands-on.
Teach how to blanket and unblanket safely, adjust fit, and secure straps. Demonstrate how to fold or hang blankets when not in use and check for rubs.
Instructor Tip: Have students practice on a patient horse or with a blanket over a barrel first.
Safety: Stress staying to the side, not behind, and avoiding sudden movements.
11. Clipping and Coat Care
Level: Advanced beginners and up.
Review why, when, and how horses are clipped. Show examples of trace, hunter, and full clips.
Instructor Tip: Use diagrams or photos if you’re not actively clipping that day.
Safety: Discuss ear protection, cord placement, and horse sensitivity.
12. Cool-Down and Cooling Out
Level: All mounted riders.
Teach how to properly cool a horse after work—walk under saddle, hand-walk, and use coolers. Compare fleece vs. wicking materials, and explain the differences between cooling out in warm vs. cool weather. Emphasize precautions for horses with heavier coats.
Safety: Remind students never to blanket a sweaty horse.
13. Hoof & Tack Care for Muddy Weather
Level: All students; older students can lead demos.
Demonstrate cleaning hooves packed with mud, checking for thrush, scratches, and other hoof issues. Discuss how to identify risen clenches or an overgrown hoof and what to do about snow packing.
Instructor Tip: Combine this with a tack-cleaning day or a “gear check” to teach students how to spot worn or faulty equipment.
Safety: Use cross-ties or ground manners stations to keep horses steady during demonstrations.
14. Feed and Condition Check-Ups
Level: Intermediate and up.
Discuss how diet and condition change with the weather. Teach students to body-score horses and record weight estimates using a tape. It reinforces observation and responsibility.
15. Winter Riding Safety Talk
Level: All riders; tailor to age and experience.
Discuss seasonal hazards—shorter daylight, frozen bits, stiff reins—and how to dress warmly without bulk. Consider creating a Winter Ready Checklist handout for students to keep in their binders or tack trunks.
Instructor Tip: Include reminders about checking weather, telling someone your ride plan, and adjusting lesson length for temperature.
Safety: Test bits for cold, avoid icy footing, and ensure riders can remove layers if they overheat.
Instructor Reminders & Suggestions
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- Cooler temperatures can change both horses’ and students’ attitudes—use this season to discuss how behavior shifts with the weather.
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- Test decorations and obstacles before involving students.
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- Adjust expectations by weather—shorter sessions, longer warm-ups, and dry footing only.
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- Keep group sizes small for mounted games to maintain spacing and safety.
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- Use helpers for younger riders handling blankets, tack, or trail gates.
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- Encourage reflection: ask each student to name one new skill they learned this fall.
Closing Thought
Fall is a beautiful time to connect your students with their horses and their learning. With a mix of fun activities and practical horsemanship lessons, you’ll keep your program lively, educational, and safe as the season changes.