Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event fever is starting to build on social media, have you noticed? Two years ago I attended Rolex. It was epic–something I had yearned to do for as long as I can remember. It was definitely one of this horse lover’s bucket list items. I even rode on a guided horseback tour of the cross country course the day before with an OLYMPIC eventer as the guide! (Read the tale of the Olympic equestrian tour guide here.)

horse lovers bucket list

One day maybe I will get to ride my Thoroughbred Knight on a beach like this.

I’ve crossed many bucket list items off at this point in my life (aging helps), but there are still sooo many I want to do. Here are 30 horse lover’s (and lovers’) bucket list items. The ones in bold are the ones I have yet to accomplish. The ones in regular font or in green as links I have already done. Which ones have you accomplished? Please leave a comment so we can compare lists! 🙂

Horse Lovers’ Bucket List Items

  1. Ride a horse on a beach.
  2. Ride your own horse on a beach.
  3. Swim on horseback.
  4. Host a Kentucky Derby party at your home.
  5. Attend the Kentucky Derby in real life.
  6. Develop a killer ability to sit the trot without jiggling around.
  7. Teach your horse how to bow.
  8. Teach your horse to do the Spanish walk.
  9. Learn how to braid a tail like a professional.
  10. Learn how to braid a mane in one long French braid swoop.
  11. Take a polo lesson.
  12. Watch a polo match.
  13. Watch a polo match on snow.
  14. Visit a working ranch and ride with cowboys.
  15. Re-read all the Marguerite Henry stories you loved as a kid.
  16. Attend the annual Pony Penning swim in Chincoteague.
  17. Practice yoga, because it’s good for you and your horse.
  18. Ride in a clinic with a famous trainer.
  19. Attend the Rolex Kentucky 3-Day Event and take a bunch of XC pictures on your cell phone.
  20. Buy your dream horse.
  21. Buy your dream saddle.
  22. Introduce a newbie to horses and pay for their first lesson.
  23. Hire a professional photographer to take pictures of you and your horse.
  24. Commission a professional painting of your favorite horse.
  25. Write a letter or a card to your veterinarian thanking him or her for keeping your horse healthy.
  26. Trail ride up to the Hollywood sign.
  27. Create a DIY project with one of your horse’s old shoes.
  28. Ride side saddle.
  29. Foxhunt.
  30. Go to Breeders’ Cup with friends. (Planning to do this in November! Is it too early to think about what to wear? Anybody know where I can find a fascinator?)

Your Turn: What other horse lovers’ bucket list activities should I have included? Which ones do you also want to cross off the list?

Thanks for reading. I’d love to have you follow us (my horse Tiz A Knight, sometimes the dogs, and me) on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest! You’re also invited to subscribe to our email list too and stay updated on horsey happenings!

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9 Comments

  1. OC Holly April 21, 2017 at 7:47 am - Reply

    I am very lucky to have done a lot of these! Of the ones I haven’t that would be on my bucket list probably include sidesaddle and foxhunting 🙂 And for me personally – successfully eventing at Training level, maybe Prelim!

    • Susan Friedland-Smith April 21, 2017 at 7:52 am - Reply

      I think we need to take a sidesaddle lesson together. Now I have another bucket list item: find sidesaddle instructor in the OC. I hope you get to event at prelim!!!!

  2. Lauren April 21, 2017 at 8:27 am - Reply

    Good list. Makes me want to re-think my own horsey bucket list, and also teach Simon to do a Spanish Walk 😀

  3. Olivia @ DIY Horse Ownership April 21, 2017 at 4:44 pm - Reply

    Great list. I’d add ride the grand canyon. I got to do this in November and I think it may be a disappearing opportunity.

    • Susan Friedland-Smith April 22, 2017 at 10:39 am - Reply

      YES! I remember reading about that. I think I left it off my list just because I have an irrational fear of heights and cliffs and drops. I blame my Midwestern flatlander upbringing for that.

  4. Chance Cook October 25, 2021 at 9:57 am - Reply

    I think swimming on a horseback sounds like a great addition to my bucket list. I’ll need to train my horse though. Maybe I can get help from a professional.

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Photo of Susan with her horse Knight

I'm Susan and this is my horse Knight. We have been a blogging team since 2015 and we're glad you're here. Tally ho!

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