Zebra for a day? White horses can have black stripes and black horses can have white stripes gently painted on their fur. Obviously, non-toxic materials are essential -- not just non-toxic, but non-toxic if applied to the skin. You also need a horse willing to tolerate the procedure! Livestock supply houses have non-toxic paint sticks in all colors but they may be longer lasting that you desire (they are used for marking animals for sorting). Therefore, make sure whatever you use can easily be washed off.
Transform your horse into a majestic moose, elk or reindeer through the use of a hat that attaches to the headstall. The below reindeer antlers are very popular not just at Halloween but serve double duty at Christmas, so consider making a pair or buying yours early before they are sold out:
Arabian riders who perform traditionally already know the beauty of a Bedouin costume. Visit Arab Horse Store to view authentic Bedouin outfits for horse and rider as made in Jordan. The price for an elaborate Bedouin costume, however, runs $1200 and up! Therefore, making your own harem outfit and decorating a saddle blanket with exotic fabric, tassels and cording may be much more feasible. Any horse would love to be decked out in fancy bridle and saddle, not just Arabians.
Cowgirl/cowboy and cow horse can be easy to accomplish with a western saddle, bridle, chaps, hat and bandanas. Okay, it may be hard to disguise a high-stepping Saddlebred as a cow pony, but stranger things have happened.
Never put a costume on a horse that has low-hanging ropes or other tripping hazards. With full safety considerations in mind, you can have a wonderful time dressing up with your horse.
Haunted Hayrides/Halloween Parties for Horses
Many facilities hold haunted hayrides. This can be a good opportunity to see draft horses close up, or even plan a hayride of your own if you have the equipment. In my community, the haunted hayride goes through spooky barns at night. People in scary costumes jump out of the stalls as you ride through to the silent clop-clop of a horse. It may be a bit too frightening for young children, so find out the age appropriateness before you go.
If you’re throwing a Halloween party, you could schedule part of it during the day at the barn so guests’ horses can attend. Prizes can be given to riders for best costume, and treats can be served to the horses. Many humans like to bob for apples but horses should never be given a whole apple. Instead, the horses can trick-or-treat amongst your guests for slices of carrots, quartered apples or prepackaged treats of molasses and oats. Don’t let them overdo, of course; just a few treats per horse.
You may also want to decorate their stall for Halloween with some new toys to prevent boredom. In my experience, toys that dangle too high are not going to be appreciated as much as ones they can access by hanging their heads down in a natural grazing position. The Likit Tongue Twister is good for entertaining stabled horses.
Lastly, Fall is a perfect time to look over winter gear and perhaps replace that worn winter blanket before cold weather hits. Something lined with non-rubbing features is the best choice.
Whatever you do to mark the Halloween season, make sure to include your horse to give them that feeling of being special. With their heightened sensitivity, your horse is sure to pick up on the holiday enchantment and be a happier animal for sharing the holidays with you.
