Summer has come to a close, and with it we say goodbye to hot sunny days, wearing short-sleeve tops, and squeezing in a hack after work. However, its not all doom and gloom theres plenty to enjoy about riding in the run-up to winter.When multiple riders in our Hack 1,000 Miles Facebook group shared their favourite things about hacking out in autumn, we thought it was sure to inspire you to get out in the saddle and make the most of the season ahead.These are some of the best things about hacking a horse in autumn, according to our #Hack1000Miles challengersSeasonal coloursThe changing leaves creates beautiful shades of red, orange and brown to enjoy, particularly if you are lucky enough to have forest or woodland rides to enjoy.Dry and sunny yet fresh autumn afternoons. They have beautiful colours and evening skies, said Sarah Hamilton.Being alone in the woods, just me and my trusty steed, with the autumn leaves, said Nicki Smith.I think autumn is my favourite time of year to hack, its so pretty, added Tamsyn Cheetham,who shared a photo of herself riding Clover (right) and her mum Claire riding Honey (left) (see main image).No flies!The fly spray can now be packed away until next year as those pesky biting bugs have finally disappeared, making rides more comfortable.No flies is the best bit, commented Anne Cahling.The weather (yep, really)Theres something satisfying about enjoy a ride on a crisp day where the sky is a cloudless bright blue and the sun shines but a bit of breeze has you reaching for an extra layer. The cooler temperatures means less sweating, which is something both horse and rider will appreciate.Its nice not having to wash the sweat off the horse after hacking, said Helen PostleI love the sunny yet crisp days, added Angela Bartley.Quieter roadsNow the summer holidays and harvest are over, many find the roads to be quieter particularly around holiday destinations or in rural areas.Its my favourite time of year to hack out, said Ann Thomas. There are less farm vehicles and no holiday traffic.Fewer walkersIn a similar vein, the colder weather tends to drive more people indoors, leaving tracks and bridleways empty.I love the autumn. With fewer people out and about we often have the tracks to ourselves, said Karen Arckle.Warming up afterwardsTowards winter as the cold starts to kick in, it can be satisfying to get out for a ride and then come back indoors to warm up.I love autumn and winter hacks. There is something so pleasing to my soul going out and getting wet and blown about while wrapped up all snug with Indy splashing in puddles and crunching fallen leaves, said Kate Duffield. Then warming up with a full English and a brew!I love the autumn colours, and being all snuggly in my warm jacket, said Mandi Ackerman. When I get back to the yard I have a lovely hot chocolate and a chocolate bar.Softer groundMore rain after a dry summer can revitalise hard ground, making it much better under foot for our horses.Both Kerry Flinton and Lynda Buckingham agreed that better conditions are one of the things they look forward to.Sunsets, changing leaf colours, softer ground, crunchy leaves, listed Kerry.Crisp temperatures, clear skies and soft going, added Lynda.Foraging funFor our horses, autumn brings with it a bounty of snacks to be enjoyed.My Shetland Ted would say he likes the autumn because theres sweet chestnuts and fallen apples lying on the ground just waiting to be eaten, shared Karen Arckle.As the season progresses we get to take off his sweet itch rug and he can enjoy the sunshine.Halloween!Its spooky season literally! joked Charlie Madeley.And with it, comes the chance to spook-proof your horse to all manner of ghouls, ghosts and witches or join in the fun and dress up yourself!Lead image: Shared by Tamsyn CheethamFind out moreWhat is #Hack1000Miles? *VIDEO*Join the official Hack 1,000 Miles Facebook groupSign up for the #Hack1000Miles newsletterRelated contentSix signs youre a happy hackerRider posture when hacking: how important is it?Would you hack out on a muddy horse?Why the colour red could play a part in road safety for ridersThe post Best things about hacking in autumn according to #Hack1000Miles challengers appeared first on Your Horse.