Why there’s lots to love about hacking in autumn
Changing colours, crisp mornings and bridleways decorated in crunchy leaves. There’s lots to love about riding at this time of year
AUTUMN IS UPON us — and it’s our favourite time of year for hacking. The days of sweat-inducing intense sunshine are behind us; irritating horse flies have disappeared and the gradually decreasing temperatures mean there is less foot traffic to share bridleways with.
There are plenty of reasons to enjoy autumn hacking, but don’t just take our word for it. We asked your fellow #Hack1000Miles challengers what they love about riding at this time of year too.
“Autumn is a beautiful season; I really enjoy the changing colours,” says Angie Thyer. “Cooler, sunny, no flies or midges and no overheating — it’s comfortable hacking conditions for me and my horse.”
Ali Shiels describes autumn as a “magical” time for riding.
“The colour of the leaves, the misty cool mornings and the stillness of being out and about without biting insects to worry about,” she explains.
Cathy Dance’s favourite thing about the season is simply the autumn leaves — and she’s not the only one.
“I love autumn colours coming in the trees. Crisp mornings and the warmth of the sun as it comes through,” agrees
Jackie Williams.
“You can’t beat the gorgeous foliage and weather,” adds Tea Dee Steel. “And the crisp leaves crunching under hooves.”
Nature is winding down for winter and riding is a great way to watch it happen.
“I love seeing how my local area changes through the seasons and watching wildlife doing its thing,” says Claire Harper. Pamela Bartrip’s view is similar.
“It’s not too hot or cold, nor is there hard ground. Trees are changing colour and I enjoy the feeling of leaves under our feet.”
Even the dropping mercury levels are no drawback.
“I love bright, fresh cold mornings with the sun shining,” says Helen Elliott. “Tacking up in the cold and hacking out as it warms up.”
Autumn is a beautiful time of year to snap a photo while hacking. Share them in the #Hack1000Miles Facebook group and we’ll include our favourites next issue.