Fall is just about upon us, and there’s no better way to celebrate the season than with some crunchy apples and a hayride. Here at Robinette’s, we offer horse-drawn wagon rides through our orchard on Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 5pm (weather permitting).
Let’s take a look at the history of hayrides on farms in fall, along with the benefits of hayrides.
The History of Hayrides
First off, let’s define a hayride. Also known as a hayrack ride, a hayride is an American pastime that takes guests on a leisurely journey through a farm, field, or orchard in a wagon or cart carried by horses, a tractor, or a truck filled with straw or hay for sitting.
Hayrides started as a way for farmhands to more easily transport hay carts to and from barns. Since the 19th century, hayrides have changed from people sitting on a 15- to 20-foot hay bale to sitting on a flat platform coated with hay or straw for increased safety.
The haying season is traditionally a very hectic time on a farm. Although not for entertainment purposes back then, hayrides were a way for farmworkers and farm children to ride hay carts back to the barn to unload them. Once the railroads started to get popular in the late 19th century, rural holidays and tourism started to get more popular with so many urban families reading about fun hayrides in children’s books.
Local farmers then took advantage of this demand and started to offer “genuine hayrides” on carts of hay to bring in a bit of extra money. Over the years, hayrides became a traditional that people engaged in for entertainment value rather than function.
4 Benefits of Hayrides
From stress relief to socialization, there are many benefits associated with taking hayrides in the fall.
- Stress relief: It can be very calming to take a leisurely ride through orchards and fields while watching the scenery go by. The calm ride and soothing setting helps people of all ages de-stress after a long day.
- Outdoor enjoyment: Spending time outdoors can boost mood and energy, and make people feel more refreshed while getting some Vitamin D.
- Socialization: Hayrides are social activities that allow family and friends to spend time with each other. Socialization offers a mood and self-confidence boost for young and old.
- Exercise: To get to a hayride, you have to walk, which is a healthy form of exercise no matter what. This helps to increase strength and fitness while burning calories.
Book Tickets For a Hayride at Robinette’s Apple Haus & Winery
Book your tickets for a hayride today at Robinette’s. Our horse-drawn wagon rides are just $12 per person for ages 3+ (free for kids two and under). To learn more, call us at (800) 400-8100. While here, be sure to visit our winery, bakery, and cider mill.