So you’re thinking about doing something really special, maybe a wedding proposal or a big birthday bash… and you want horses involved? Good choice. There’s something magical about adding these beautiful animals to your event that just makes everything feel more, well, epic.
## **First Things First – What Kind of Event Are We Talking About?**
Look, I’ve seen it all. Marriage proposals where the ring comes out mid-ride at sunset (yes, people cry). Hen’s parties where everyone’s laughing so hard they can barely stay on. Corporate team building where the boss finally loosens up. Even kids birthday parties where the birthday girl feels like an absolute princess.
The thing is… horses make everything better. But you gotta plan it right.
## **Start With The Basics**
**How many people?** This is huge. Are we talking intimate group of 4-5 or a whole wedding party of 20? Different numbers need different approaches.
**What’s everyone’s riding level?** Be honest here. If grandma hasn’t been on a horse since 1972, we need to know. Mixed groups are totally fine – we just match horses to riders.
**What vibe are you going for?**
– Romantic sunset ride?
– Adventure-packed obstacle course?
– Gentle beach stroll?
– Full day expedition with lunch?
Don’t worry if you’re not sure yet. That’s normal.
## **The Timeline Thing**
Okay so here’s what nobody tells you about planning events with horses… you need more time than you think. Not just for the riding part.
**Book at least 6-8 weeks out** for special events. Why? Because:
– Popular dates go fast (especially weekends)
– Weather backup plans need discussing
– Special requests take coordination
– Some people need time to mentally prepare (first time riders, I’m looking at you)
## **Making It Actually Special**
This is where it gets fun. I’ve helped setup some pretty incredible moments:
**For Proposals:**
– Private sunset ride to a scenic spot
– Photographer hiding in the bushes (yes really)
– Champagne waiting at the perfect location
– Even had someone arrange rose petals once
**For Parties:**
– Obstacle challenges for competitive groups
– Beach rides with picnic stops
– Multi-location adventures
– Themed rides (cowboys, medieval, whatever floats your boat)
**For Corporate Events:**
– Team building exercises on horseback
– Leadership lessons (horses are amazing teachers)
– Half ride, half ground activities
– Mix of riding and obstacle courses
## **The Practical Stuff Nobody Thinks About**
**Clothing:** No flip flops. Ever. Long pants, closed shoes. Tell your group now, not the morning of.
**Weather:** Tasmania weather is… interesting. Have a Plan B conversation early.
**Photos:** Horses + special moments = amazing photos. But phone cameras while riding? Not so much. Consider a photographer.
**Food & Drinks:** Riding makes people hungry. Plan for après-ride nibbles.
**Transport:** How’s everyone getting there? Designated drivers if you’re planning champagne after?
## **The Secret to Success**
Here it is… ready?
**Talk to the horse riding team early and often.**
Seriously. We’ve done hundreds of special events. We know what works, what doesn’t, and how to make your crazy idea actually happen. That proposal on horseback while dressed as a knight? Done it. Hen’s party obstacle course competition? Multiple times.
The more you share your vision (even if it’s fuzzy), the better we can help make it real.
## **Quick Planning Checklist**
– [ ] Rough date picked
– [ ] Guest count estimated
– [ ] Budget ballpark figured out
– [ ] Checked everyone’s riding experience
– [ ] Thought about the vibe/theme
– [ ] Considered photos/video
– [ ] Weather backup discussed
– [ ] Transport sorted
– [ ] Post-ride plans made
## **One Last Thing…**
Don’t stress too much about everything being perfect. I’ve seen proposals where the ring nearly fell in a creek, corporate events where the CEO fell off (gently), and birthday parties where it rained the whole time.
You know what? Those are the events people still talk about years later. The horses don’t care if everything goes to plan. They just want to give you an awesome experience.
And trust me… they will.
Ready to start planning something unforgettable? The horses are waiting, and they’re pretty good at keeping secrets if you need them to.
*- Bryce*