HACK 1000 MILES
Many equestrians enjoy spending the festive period with their horses, but a few riders go above and beyond to spread some extra Christmas joy. Mel Beale finds out how
MOST RIDERS HAVE some special Christmas traditions or seasonal celebrations that they follow every year. Some head out for a Christmas morning ride or join a Boxing Day hunt, while for others the festive season is a time for friends and family and so the horse is left to spend a few content days grazing in his paddock. For yet others, Christmas is a time to spread cheer and connect with the local community — and what better way than on horseback?
Hannah Leslie hails from a family which loves the festive season, and she goes all out every year to celebrate.
“We all go over the top for Christmas. My nan was a Christmas nut, and we have carried on the tradition,” explains Hannah. “I commissioned a hand-made rug for my horse, Kobi, and I always dress him up in it with bells and ribbons. I used to work in a care home, and we would visit the residents in the run up to Christmas.”
Northamptonshire-based Hannah has planned a variety of seasonal celebrations for the care home over the years.
“A few years ago I organised a yard hack and we all sung Christmas carols in the garden,” says Hannah. “We weren’t the best singers, but everyone enjoyed it.
“Another year we delivered gifts. We put out a plea to the local community for some knick-knacks and wrapped them all up. My boyfriend, Ricky, dressed up as Father Christmas and I was Mrs Claus.
“I get my ideas from films or they just pop into my head and I give them a go.”
On Christmas Day morning Hannah and her 15-year-old Knabstrupper cob cross, Kobi, also head out for a hack.
“We go for a ride before lunch on Christmas Day. It was once something that was on my bucket list that I so wanted to do, and now I manage it every year,” says Hannah, 31. “I dress up and then get Kobi ready. If it’s raining I just put on lots of tinsel because I don’t want the fluff on my Christmas outfit to get wet. It’s the only time I venture out without hi vis, but only because I’m wearing bright red. I don’t think anyone would miss us.”
Spreading joy in her local community inspires Hannah to continue her festive outings year after year.
“Everyone looks out of their windows and the kids get so excited,” she says. “Everyone loves it.”
