Farm tours can be great ways to interact with animals and learn more about animal and land stewardship.

Visiting a horse farm will give you an inside look at the daily operations of a working horse farm. Whether you're a seasoned equestrian or a novice horse enthusiast, you need to learn more in order to make the most of your visit. There are several things you should do to ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable experience.

We put together the guide below to share our top tips on how to prepare for a horse farm tour. Keep reading to learn everything there is to know before you visit a horse farm.

Bring Snacks and Water

Horse farms can be hot and dusty, so it's important to stay hydrated during your tour. Bring a reusable water bottle and fill it up before you start your tour. You may also want to bring some snacks or energy bars to keep you fueled throughout the day.

It is best to avoid sugary snacks and sugary drinks because not only can they dehydrate you, but they will also attract insects, bugs, and wildlife.

Choose Appropriate Gear

When you're visiting a horse farm, it's important to dress appropriately for the weather and setting in order to enjoy the experience. It is best to opt for comfortable and sturdy footwear, and comfy clothes that provide full coverage—and that you don't mind getting a little dusty.

Avoid wearing shorts or sandals, because these can be unsafe around horses. Instead, wear long pants and closed-toe shoes with a good grip. Do not wear high heels, bright colors, and flashy jewelry. Bright colors and shiny jewels can sometimes spook horses.

A hat and sunglasses can also be helpful, especially if you're touring the farm on a sunny day. There are also equestrian shops at most horse farms where you can buy gear to make your tour more enjoyable. Usually, you can find everything from hats to boots to saddles in these shops.

Check the Weather

Before you head out on your horse farm tour, check the weather forecast for the day. If it's going to be hot and sunny, bring sunscreen and a hat to protect your skin. The sun can really be intense and strong during the summertime so make sure you are fully protected.

If it's going to be rainy, bring a raincoat or umbrella to stay dry.

Bring a Camera

A horse farm tour can be a great opportunity to take some beautiful photos of horses and the farm. Bring a camera or smartphone and snap some shots to remember your visit. Just make sure you ask permission before taking photos of the horses or staff.

When you’re taking pictures make sure you avoid using a flash and also avoid making loud noises that will startle the horses.

Follow the Rules

When you're visiting a horse farm, it's important to follow the rules and guidelines set by the owners. These rules are in place to keep you and the horses safe, so make sure you pay attention and follow instructions.

Don't approach any horses without permission, do not pat them, and don't feed them without the owner's approval. Patting a horse is a big no-no because horses do not find patting their head as something comforting. This is because horses do not pat each other, they actually nibble or scratch each other as a form of bonding.

Some of the most common rules horse farms have in place include:

Do not enter a stall without permission
Do not feed the horses unless a staff member tells you to
Keep a safe distance at all times
Avoid making loud noises
Do not make sudden movements around the horses
Never approach a horse from behind
Do not touch any equipment unless you have permission to do so

Ask Questions

Horse farm tours are a great opportunity to learn about horses and the horse industry, so don't be afraid to ask questions. Farm staff and tour guides are usually happy to answer questions and share their knowledge. Be respectful of their time and expertise, and remember to thank them for their time at the end of the tour.

Some great questions to ask include:

What is the farm’s history?
How many horses are there on the farm?
What different breeds of horses does the farm have?
What services or programs are available?
How are the horses taken care of?

This might sound silly, but pack a notebook and a pen. When you are learning about horses, the farm, and the equine industry you can take notes. You can also jot down questions while you’re on the tour, so you can ask them when you have the opportunity.

Leave No Trace

When you're visiting a horse farm, it's important to leave no trace because you don’t want to accidentally leave something that a horse will eat and get sick. A horse’s nutrition is actually a very important part of its diet. Don't leave any trash behind and avoid touching or moving any equipment or supplies unless you're given permission.

If you're visiting with a group, be sure to keep noise levels down and stay together as a group.

Remember that a horse farm is a working farm, and the owners and staff are busy caring for the horses. Be respectful of their time and don't interrupt their work. If you're asked to leave an area or stay back from the horses, do so without argument.

Ready to Have a Blast Visiting a Horse Farm?

Now it is time to follow all of our tips above and enjoy your horse farm tour. This is a perfect way to see some beautiful horses up close and personal, while also learning more about the horse industry. A horse farm tour can truly be an educational and fun experience.

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