A Very Horsey Halloween
‘Tis the most wonderful time of the year. No, not Christmas. In fact another season entirely, autumn! What can be better than horses and fall? A horsey Halloween! For this month’s blog hop I am writing about my favorite Halloween tradition.
Is there anything better than fall colors? The crunch of leaves underneath hooves, meandering through the wooded trails. In the distance, I spot a doe lazing in a grove. No more flies, no profuse heat. Just a beautiful day in nature.
It’s the most wonderful time of the year. This October has been better than most. I turned the big 4-0. My book, Equestrian Handbook of Excuses (<- affiliate link), has been nominated as a literary selection for the 2017 Equus Film Festival. And my company, Bridle & Bone Wellness is busier than ever.
The weather has been warm and perfect for spending time at the barn. Preparations are in motion for Halloween here in New Jersey.
But the most exciting thing? Preparing for our annual Halloween Horse Show at Lancaster Equestrian Stables. Now those who know me will be unsurprised, but if you are just joining- I do not love competing in horse shows. I love photographing horse shows. I love leading my daughters in horse shows. But that’s it. In my four decades I’ve been in exactly four horse shows. But what I will do, is join the horse/ rider costume contest.
Ironically, the only blue ribbon I’ve earned was in last year’s costume contest with Delight. I was the Billy Madison of competitors, with tweens and teenagers alike in the ring. My husband laughs, but truly equestrians have an agelessness about them.
The most surprising part- I won the blue ribbon! My first ever. I could not have been more excited than if I actually had to ride against all these other competitors. I spent a lot of time on our costume idea. We were sugar skulls from Dia de los Muertos. He was so skinny- and I’m not- that I joked and called us Ms. Curvy and Mr. Bones.
This year presented an amazing opportunity. My two youngest daughters wanted to join the costume contest this year with the ponies they ride. It’s easy enough to put together (ahem BUY) for the kids. But ponies are a whole other ball game. These ponies are utter saints for sure, but I do not have a crafty bone in my body. Creative yes. Crafty, not so much. So we’ve been planning for a month.
We had our costumes all ready for this year, but sadly a nor’easter blew through the Halloween Horse Show was rescheduled. Still, we went to the therapeutic riding center’s Halloween party and got to see some amazing costumes.
Which costume is your favorite?
0 Comments
Amy Brooks- Horses in Movies & TV
Ghostbuster and Marshmellow man!!!
Heather Wallace
Oh yes! A lot of these horses and ponies are my massage clients, and Oberon is definitely a big marshmallow.
howverydaisy
Milk and cookies is epic.
Glad things are going well for you. And well done for the book nomination!
Heather Wallace
That one made me laugh! Thank you so much. Congratulations on your equestrian blogger award as well!
Cathy Armato
These costumes are incredible! Congrats on the success of your book, that’s awesome!
Love & biscuits,
Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them
Emma K.
What a fun tradition!
Heather Wallace
We certainly have a great time with it! A lot of thought and creativity goes into this.
Enviro_Dog
I love the idea of horses in costume! Great wings on the angel horse. I also love going out in the woods while the leaves are changing – the best time of year.
Heather Wallace
That is my favorite time to be outside on the trails as well. Nothing like the crunch of leaves underfoot. We do have to be careful though because it is rut for the deer and the bucks get very aggressive.
Kamira Gayle
Yes. I love this time of year too! Ah…brisk cool mornings, nice chill to the air at night..perfect for sleeping and snuggling up to your loved one. No humidity and pumpkin spice and everything nice. Happy belated birthday too! Hmm I love the skeleton and Batman costumes. Really and truly they are all very clever.
Heather Wallace
Thank you for the birthday wishes! Nothing better than autumn leaves, a chill to the air, and a fire going. Best time of the year.
Lori Hilliard
I love the bee and the flower – very creative!
Heather Wallace
I agree!
Pawsitively Intrepid
I love all the costumes. Yours is excellent! And you are so right- horses and fall pair so well together!
Heather Wallace
Thank you! We were very proud of it. This is absolutely the best time of the year.
Jill C
So love the costumes — so creative! Congrats on the book too that is amazing — looking forward to seeing you at the book signing!!!!
Heather Wallace
Thanks Jill I appreciate your support!
Debra Bailey
These are some really cute Halloween costumes! I didn’t know people dressed up with their horses, but I am so glad to know they do. It’s adorable! Such creative pairs! I have to say the Harry Potter and the flower/bee pairs are my favorite.
Heather Wallace
My vote is definitely Harry Potter but the bee and flower has my vote for creativity. First time I’ve seen that one.
Ruth Epstein
I love the costumes, so much fun that the horses join in for Halloween – would love to go to an event like this one day
Heather Wallace
The horses are good sports about it usually! Sometimes I think they actually love it. Or I could just be telling myself that.
Amelia Johnson
I remember riding in Christmas parades in our town as a 4-Her. My horse was furry and scruffy looking since he spent most of his time in the pasture…we wore tassels on the bridle and reins…silly and fun. I think I like the bee/flower costume the best…maybe…it’s so hard to like just one.
Heather Wallace
Oh how cute! We have a few that grow out their winter pajamas but most we blanket. And it IS so hard to pick just one costume.
Shelby @ For The Love of Paws
Oh my gosh, LOVE the costumes!! The Harry Potter one is one of my favorites. 🙂
Heather Wallace
Me too! I’m such a fan of the Wizarding World.
Amy Hempe
Some day I’ll own my own horse that I can dress up in an Alice in Wonderland themed costume!
Heather Wallace
#LifeGoals I totally get it! I would do the same. Luckily I have free rein with Delight, but it would be nice to have my own horse and then I could really go all out. I can’t justify buying some of the things I would want but only use once.
Rodney's Saga
Favorite? I agree with the judges. You two looked great.
Heather Wallace
Thanks so much! This year I had a Wonder Woman joint costume but the show was canceled due to poor weather. I’ll have to hold on to it for next time. Or when I get bored and just want to spice things up. LOL
The Ladiez of Beaglebratz Manor-Mom Kim here now
Oh I love all the costumes – really can’t choose a fav altho I love yours the best. After high school, my folks had a small farm and we had 4 horses, bred, raised and showed western a couple more. Decorated the barn and tack for Christmas but never thought much about doing anything for Halloween – wish we would have now. (from Facebook)