Hayride Facts & Worksheets

A hayride, also described as a hayrack ride, is a classic North American pastime that entails a leisurely journey in a wagon or cart carried by a tractor, horses, or truck and filled with hay or straw for comfort.

See the fact file below for more information on Hayride, or you can download our 26-page Hayride worksheet pack to utilise within the classroom or home environment.

Key Facts & Information

History 

• Hayrides have always been held as pleasant activities, usually in conjunction with fall harvest festivities.
• Throughout the hectic days of the haying season, it was one of the rare occasions during the day when farmworkers and farm children would ride packed hay carts back to the barn for unloading.
• With the introduction of railroads in the late nineteenth century, rural holidays and tourism increased in popularity since many urban families had read about bucolic hayrides in children’s literature.
• Local farmers took advantage of the demand and began offering “genuine hayrides” on carts laden with hay since it was more profitable than selling the same quantity of hay to “summer folks” (although most farmers did both).
• During the period when farming was changing from a subsistence system to a current one, there were few means to bring actual money into the regular farm.
• Although a simple trip gradually supplanted the real concept of riding on top of a load of hay in a wagon sitting on a layer of hay designed to soften the ride, the hayride finally became a true tradition. 
• This was thought to be considerably safer (if not more enjoyable) than riding perched 15-20 feet on top of a slick mound of hay on a moving truck.
• Hayrides are still conducted commercially today, either as a way for farmers to make extra money or for people to enjoy themselves during the fall. A hayride may stop at a pumpkin patch during the fall, so guests can choose a pumpkin or be let off to choose apples.
• A corn maze entrance can also be reached via hayrides for customers.

Haunted Hayrides

• To entice thrill seekers and capitalize on the Halloween season, these hayrides may include special effects and performers portraying ghosts, monsters, and other terrifying things. Haunted Hayrides are popular across North America, but most notably on the East Coast, with notable stops at Crownsville, MD, and Mountville, PA.

Tradition

• Hayrides began as a way for farmhands to transport hay carts to and from barns.
• Tourism and holidays were popular in the nineteenth century, allowing urban households to visit the country. To supplement their income, local farmers began arranging commercial hayrides.
• Hayrides are often towed by tractors or trucks, and most itineraries include seasonal landscapes such as a pumpkin patch, scarecrows, farmland, and other autumnal sights.
• While these excursions are not as marketed as amusement park rides, it is nonetheless recommended that all hands, feet, arms, and legs remain within the ride at all times.
• Since the nineteenth century, hayrides have changed from sitting on a 15-20 foot hay bale to a flat platform coated with straw or hay.
• Most people are unaware that they are not sitting on genuine hay. On several of these Autumn outings, straw is utilized instead.
• Hay is cultivated expressly for the purpose of feeding cattle, horses, and other animals.
• Hay varieties include legumes, meadow hay, orchardgrass, Timothy, and clover.
• Different varieties of hay have different nutritional contents, and the place where the crops are cultivated has a big impact on the animal diet. Hay bales typically cost between $35 and $60 per bale.
• It is picked before the plants generate seeds, increasing its nutritional content and producing a more nutrient-dense and digestible product for cattle.
• Straw is a byproduct of grain production. Straw is produced as a result of cultivating wheat, rice, oat, barley, rye, and buckwheat. These bales are normally priced between $4 and $5 per piece.
• It is recycled after grain crops are harvested, utilizing stems left over after the harvesting process.
• True to the activity, what most people sit on during a typical hayride is cultivated as bedding for cattle. Hay is cultivated to feed cattle and would be too expensive to use as bedding during the Fall season.

How to Stay Safe During the Ride?

• Despite the fact that hayrides are generally thought of as a fun pastime, there have been instances where hayrides have overturned or swerved off-road, resulting in injury or death. 
• Other accidents can occur when hayrides crash with other vehicles on or near roadways, like in a 1989 event in Cormier-Village.
• To minimize accidents while getting on or off the hayride, a well-organized procedure with specified loading and unloading zones is essential. 
• Signs in the loading area should clearly identify the basic safety principles, as well as the minimum age and height requirements for riding alone.
• These restrictions should be reiterated before the hayride departs after a farm employee has loaded the wagon. Passengers must adhere to the following hayride safety requirements:
  • Load and unload passengers one at a time.
  • Avoid stepping on hay bales.
  • There will be no youngsters on the back bales.
  • Adults must be present at the entry (s).
  • Maintain your seat while the trip is in motion.
  • Always keep your arms and legs inside.
  • Jousting will not take place.
• Hayride safety check: Once you have everything set up before your guests come, go over a last checklist to guarantee their safety on your hayride. A 15-item hayride safety checklist has been developed by the National Children’s Center for Rural and Agricultural Health and Safety.
• Throughout the hayride: Aside from ensuring that your driver is comfortable with the tractor and that the route planned is mostly off-road, there are a few more considerations to take. The driver should never allow anyone to stand between the wagon and the tractor while it is driving, including passengers.
• Drivers should go gently, as if they were walking. A driver should never take an unplanned detour since the intended route has been examined for potential impediments, and changing it might result in unexpected problems.
• Supervisors should be active and present on the hayride to verify that all riders obey the hayride guidelines, such as keeping hands and feet in the wagon and remaining seated. They can also help with loading and unloading, as well as communicating with the driver and adhering to supervisory rules.

Hayride Worksheets

This is a fantastic bundle that includes everything you need to know about Hayriding across 26 in-depth pages. These are ready-to-use worksheets that are perfect for teaching students about Hayride, a recreational activity where participants sit on bales of hay that are stacked on a trailer, typically pulled by a tractor.

Complete List Of Included Worksheets

• Hayride Facts
• Search and Define
• Test Your Mind
• Safety First 
• Let’s Have Some Fun
• News Flash
• Share It!
• Show Your Creativity
• Photo Collage 
• Your Fall Festival
• One Page Comics

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a hayride?

A hayride is a recreational activity where participants sit on hay stacked on a trailer, typically pulled by a tractor or horse. The trailer is driven through rural or scenic areas, allowing people to enjoy the scenery and fresh air.

When is the best time to go on a hayride?

Hayrides are often associated with autumn and the harvest season but can be enjoyed at any time of the year. They are a popular activity during festivals, fairs, and Halloween events.

Is a hayride suitable for all ages?

Yes, hayrides are generally suitable for people of all ages as long as they are able to sit on a bale of hay. An adult should accompany children.

What should I wear on a hayride?

Wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing, such as jeans and a sweater or jacket in cooler weather or shorts and a t-shirt in warmer weather. Also, consider wearing closed-toe shoes, as the trailer and hay may be bumpy.

Is a hayride safe?

Hayrides are generally safe, but as with any outdoor activity, it is important to follow the rules and guidelines set by the operator. Make sure to sit securely on the hay bale and hold onto any handrails or handles provided. If you have any concerns or medical conditions, inform the operator before the ride.

Link/cite this page

If you reference any of the content on this page on your own website, please use the code below to cite this page as the original source.

<a href="https://kidskonnect.com/fun/hayride/">Hayride Facts & Worksheets: https://kidskonnect.com</a> - KidsKonnect, February 10, 2023

Link will appear as Hayride Facts & Worksheets: https://kidskonnect.com - KidsKonnect, February 10, 2023