Goodbye dreary winter, and hello sun! Spring has sprung, and everyone is itching to go outside to celebrate the longer days and rising temperatures. With spring break and summer vacations on the horizon, it’s time to start planning engaging activities that you can do with your horse-crazy child. 

DIY Horse Toys 

Although toys are not essential for your horse’s wellbeing, offering enrichment opportunities gives them the chance to express natural behaviors in mentally and physically engaging ways. DIY toys not only save you money, but they are also a great way to spend quality time with your child. Plus, toys are the perfect boredom buster to keep your horse happy and healthy! 

Start off simple: all you will need for this toy is some sturdy rope or twine, plus fruit and veggies, such as apples, carrots, cucumbers, and lettuce. First, prepare your fruit and vegetables into slices and chunks, then cut your string to the preferred length. Punch holes into your slices, and thread them onto the string. Once you have everything on the string, secure it with a knot, and it’s ready to hang in your horse’s stall.  

See the full instructions for the “Things on Strings” toy here.  

Horse Suncatcher 

Tissue paper suncatchers are simple to make, brighten up any space, and are the perfect craft for your little one. To start, you will need wax paper, tissue paper, a paint brush, glue, scissors, and cardstock. Prepare the tissue paper by cutting it into small squares and use the paint brush to apply a thin layer of glue onto the wax paper. Place the tissue paper onto the wax paper and set aside to dry. In the meantime, draw the outline of a horse, horse head, or whatever shape you prefer, on the cardstock. Cut out this shape and once the glue on the tissue paper is dry, use your pattern to trace your shape on the tissue paper. Use scissors to cut your tracing, and now, enjoy your new suncatcher! 

See the full instructions for the tissue paper horse suncatcher here. 

Scavenger Hunt 

Not only is a scavenger hunt an enjoyable activity for children, but it’s also an easy, customizable teaching tool great for long days spent at the barn. Include items children can easily find around the barn, such as mucking tools, a lead rope, a horse with a face marking, safety signs, or a wheelbarrow. To up the ante, assign teams and give a prize to the first team to find all the items.  

Visiting Lexington, Kentucky  

As the Horse Capital of the World, Lexington is home to some of the most legendary horses in the world. Thanks to Kentucky’s abundance of farms, you can get up close and personal with horses at almost any time throughout the year. Many of the farms in Lexington and surrounding areas provide farm tours, which you can book directly through the farm website, or through tour providers such as Visit Horse Country.  

Whether you are a Lexington native or are planning a visit to the Bluegrass State, there is no better place to learn about horses than at the Kentucky Horse Park. From the educational museums to interacting with retired racing legends, all ages can enjoy a day spent at the park.  

There’s so much to do at the Kentucky Horse Park so expect to spend several hours there. Kids especially enjoy the newly renovated Kids’ Barn where they can take part in hands-on educational activities including how to groom a horse and an interactive cross-country ride. Plus, they may get to meet Pixie and Apple, the Kentucky Horse Park’s residential miniature horses who are always ready for a friendly visit.  

Another highlight for adults and kids alike are the guided trail rides around the park. The 35-minute trail rides are available for riders of any experience level, and pony rides are also available for children ages two through 10.  

Even if you don’t get the chance to travel to Kentucky, chances are, there is an equestrian venue near you. A simple Google search should allow you to view nearby venues you can tour, and you can always use the “Competition Search” feature on the US Equestrian website to find competitions near you.  

Upcoming Equestrian Events: 

• 

  Citrus Cup Regional Horse Show, World Equestrian Center, Ocala, Fla. 

  • Date & Time: April 23-26, 9 a.m.– 9 p.m. 

  • The Citrus Cup at World Equestrian Center showcases top Morgans, Saddlebreds, and other breeds from across the United States in disciplines including English, Hunter, Wester, Dressage, Carriage, and over fences classes. 

• Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event, Kentucky Horse Park, Lexington, Ky.  

  • Date & Time: April 24-27, All Day 

  • The Defender Kentucky Three-Day is the best weekend all year! Visit one of the world’s premier equestrian events showcasing the world’s highest level of equestrian eventing. 

• Devon Horse Show, Devon Horse Show and Country Fair, Devon, Pa.  

  • Date & Time: May 22-June 2, All Day 

  • The largest and oldest outdoor multi-breed competition in North America, the Devon Horse Show features exciting competition, unique food, boutique shopping, and fun for the whole family.