Dress up yourself and your assigned horse for FUN! What do you dream about while you ride? Are you a knight in shining armor, a princess, or Indian riding the prairie? Are you a rock star or a farmer milking a cow? Let your imagination go wild. Just keep in mind the safety and comfort of your horse while designing your costumes. Refreshments will be served!

The horse's costume party was an annual event at my riding academy. Every year I was surprised at the creativity of my students. Yes, we had a horse masquerade as a cow. And there were unicorns, horse flies, playboy bunnies, and lots of Indian ponies. The most surprising part of all was how the horses sweetly tolerated being dressed up in gossamer, construction paper, long flowing robes, and yes a cow's udder.

The most fun I think was the process of costuming the horses. Giggles and belly laughs could be heard from outside the barn's doors, clueless parents stood by holding rolls of duct tape and hay string, and once in a while a horse would whinny in the spirit of it all.

After all were dressed up they marched out of the barn and to the arena. The rule was they had to parade in hand unless they wore their safety helmets. Only a few managed to figure a way to make a riding helmet part of the costume so it basically was a lead only class. The judging was done by the spectators and secret ballots with enough categories to assure a prize for everyone. In cases of ties there was a "panel discussion" between the judges to see who needed a prize. Not the most democratic process, but it made everyone happy.

Next came the photo session. Parents and guests eagerly run to the car to get their cameras and we take group and individual shots until the contestants weary of our silliness and vote to undress the horses, feed them and meet in the lounge for their own refreshments. Already you can hear talk of the next year's party with new costume ideas.

With Halloween and fall festival season upon us its time for you to plan a horse's costume party at your barn. I promise it will be a hit. Just let the children's imaginations go wild, all you have to do is furnish the refreshments and prizes. Prizes can even be part of the fun. Let the students design homemade ribbons, or take a trip to the dollar store for some seasonal trinkets like small plastic pumpkins, glow sticks, or candy.

The most important element is tolerant, easygoing horses, which most riding schools have. Make sure the children remember the safety rules in all their excitement. They still have to wear their boots, and if riding, their safety helmets. And do not forget your camera.