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HI Spy: What’s on your equestrian bucket list?

Have you ever stumbled upon a photo or video of horses and riders in some exotic location and thought, “I’m going to ride there one day”? When watching your equestrian idols, do you feel determined to find out first hand what it’s like to win at the big shows? Does watching someone like Stacy Westfall ride without tack inspire you to do the same with your own horse if it’s the last thing you ever do?



Maybe you’ve simply always wanted to see the Chincoteague Ponies swim across the channel or find out what it’s like to ride a tölting Icelandic horse.



There are so many things to do as an equestrian that you could fill up several lifetimes with different adventures. But which ones make the list of experiences you want to have before you kick the bucket?

For some inspiration, check out A Rider’s Bucket List. Then click “Submit a Comment” below and tell us what makes the number one spot on your equestrian bucket list. Some responses may be selected for a future issue of Horse Illustrated!

One selected response may be selected by the editors to win a monthly prize! If you would like to be eligible for the prize, please include your email address in the comment form (email addresses are not publicly displayed.)

See all HI Spy questions >>

Horse Illustrated

Horse Illustrated is the magazine for people who are passionate about horses. Each issue offers advice on horse health and care, plus user-friendly training tips for both English and western riders and engaging lifestyle features for horse lovers.

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  • THERE ARE AT LEAST 3 HORSEY THINGS THAT I DEFINITELY WANT TO DO BEFORE I KICK THE BUCKET!!
    1. PARTICIPATE IN EITHER A 50 OR 100 MILE ENDURANCE RACE WITH MY OWN ARABIAN.
    2. ATTEND THE MAJOR ARABIAN SHOW IN SCOTTSDALE, AZ AT LEAST ONCE, MAYBE MORE!
    3. RUN ON THE BEACH FOR AS LONG AND FAST AS MY ARAB WANTS TO.
    I WOULD POSSIBLY LIKE TO TRY A WEEK LONG CATTLE DRIVE OUT WEST, BUT IM NOT SURE IF I COULD GO THAT LONG WITHOUT A BED AND SHOWER! SO IM STILL THINKING ON THAT ONE.

  • My number one wish would to be a famous endurance rider. My other top ones would be...
    1. To ride on a beach (preferably in Greece...)
    2. Ride without tack or at least bridleless.
    3. Gallop in an empty field alone just me and my horse.
    4. Nurse a horse back to full health.

  • I know many people would love to do tricks and others want a bond, I currently ride a deaf Freisian Sport Horse and he is teaching me confidence. I would love to one day be able to ride any horse walk, trot, canter and not to be afraid.

  • I have many goals I strive to accomplish as an equestrian, from winning a jumping competition to becoming successful at my career as a professional horse trainer. But my one greatest desire that surpasses them all is to strengthen my relationship with my horse and build an everlasting, irreplacable bond with her that no word can describe. Life with that kind of relationship would be the ultimate adventure for me.

  • I have many goals as a rider. The one I would most like to accomplish is the goal of becoming a horse trainer and have my own little ranch/barn. I also want to have that one special horse in my life that I care about more than anything in the world and have a great relationsip with.

  • I would want to help children with special needs learn to ride and befriend horses. I hope this would help share my joy of horses and ponies. I would also want to volunteer at a stable with rescue horses because I could help the poor horses have a brighter future! For myself, I would really want to learn how to jump and perfect my equitation skills.

  • I have already ridden a variety of horses, from reining horses to trail horses, from ponies to drafts, and even gaited horses, but I'm always on the lookout for new horses to ride. Even though I only want to excel in one discipline I would jump at the chance to ride any good horse; jumpers, barrel racers, dressage or cutting horses.I think that it's fun to get to ride and experience as many horses as you can. You never know, you might find a new discipline that you really like.

  • I have always wanted to train a horse that ends up on TV or in a book. or ever better in the Grand Prix! I would also love to just ride into the sunset. over the hills and into the wild!

  • Ok, I am so Excited that they posted this question because i was actually writing my Equine bucket List!!!!
    *Ride with Clinton Anderson in his clinic
    *Go camping with my horse in the mountains
    *Go swimming in a lake with him
    I hope I can do everything on my list and more!!!!!

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