Will you be ready? I am a habitual procrastinator. Every year I say i'm going to start my Christmas shopping early then end up at Walgreens on Christmas day trying to think of unique ways to give a gift card. But this year I really am planning ahead! (Really!!) Do you know what you're getting for the horse lover in your life? Here are some unique gifts you might consider, links to each item are listed under their picture. Enjoy!
#1. Custom Saddle Pads
 |
| Padded Ponies Website - Padded Ponies Etsy Page |
I'm not sure if all horse lovers are as obsessed with saddle pads as I am but I can't get enough of them.The duo at Padded Ponies have a great motto of "Striving for individuality in a uniform sport" which suits their products (and this blogger) perfectly! All of the prints and patterns are incredibly unique and everything has a very well finished look. Especially love the High Wither option! They have a selection of other merchandise including stirrup covers, garment bags, bridle bags and even a coordinating three piece set that includes saddle pad, half pad and saddle cover, LOVE!
 |
| Virginia Whip Works Etsy Page |
Whether you're looking for a way to remember a horse that's passed or simply want to keep your horse close to heart, this fashionable necklace is a great option. I love the simple design and how it shows off the colors of the hair. The bracelets made from horse hair (which this shop sells as well) are beautiful but I personally don't wear bracelets often so was thrilled to find this alternative idea. Please see website for details on hair trimmings and where to send them. These pendants come on an 18" chain, are made of silver plated pewter, and can be bought in oval or rectangle shape.
#3. Hand Painted Brushes
 |
| The Artful Equines Etsy Shop - Emily Equine Creations Etsy Shop |
I've shopped custom horse gear for a while (cough.shopaholic.cough) but one thing I had never seen before is custom painted horse brushes. Super unique and such a cute idea for any horse lover. The details are amazing and with these you'll never have to worry about mixing up brushes at the barn again. TheArtfulEquine has beautiful sets with different mantras, pictured above are The Rising Trot, Pony Love, and The H/J Mantra. And EmilyEquineCreations does gorgeous custom color schemes with unique prints including, polka dot, damask, pinstripe, and argyle that can all be personalized with monogramming.
#4. Dressage Arena Bracelet
 |
| Equine Expression By D Etsy Shop |
While the history and origin of the letters may be debated any dressage rider knows knows AKEHCMBF are letters to live by. Most of us can remember memorizing the letters with rhymes like All King Edwards Horses Can Manage Big Fences or the excitement of finishing your first dressage test halting square over the letter X all are great moments than can be remember with this bracelet. It is made of hand stamped aluminum on a dyed black leather cuff, adjustable from 7½ to 8½ with snap closure. It's unique and simple design is a great look that anyone will love wearing at the barn or around town.
#5. Custom Painted Wine Glass
 |
| The Horses Glass Website - The Horses Glass Facebook |
This one mixes two of my favorite things, horses and wine! The custom pieces by Marci at The Horse's Glass have made their way to the TOP of many wishlists and have even become so popular to have a waiting list! Once you flip through the galleries of her creations on facebook or on her website it's easy to see why. With great attention to detail like facial markings and unique coat colors including complicated paints and appaloosas, each piece is truly personalized to resemble your horse as closely as possible. She's also done a few themed sets including patriotic, tie dye, and derby days.
#7. Typography Horse Art
 |
| Skwiggle Etsy Shop |
My office is covered in a collection of photos of my horses, having them around can make me smile even on the worst of days. This piece of Topography art is something I would love to add to that collection. It's simple and elegant design is great for any home, office, or barn. You can choose a series of ten to thirty words such as important dates, describing adjectives, or personality traits of your favorite four legged friend (like piggy for my boys!). These words surround a key word and create the outline of a horse. It is also available in varying colors and shapes including, Golden Retriever, Family Tree, and Tabby.
#6. Custom Halters & Tack Sets
 |
| The Cowboy Junkie Website - The Cowboy Junkie Facebook Page |
Since I ride both english and western i'm always keeping an eye out for unique gear for either discipline. When I saw a few of The Cowboy Junkie's western tack sets I wanted them ALL! I especially fell in love with the bright colors, unique styles, and handmade touch each piece has. With rich leather and beautiful designs these sets are a great mix of funky and functional! My personal favorites are the bronc style rope halters and the turquoise with black leather tack sets. Along with tack she also creates belts, buckles, jewelry, spur straps, dog collars, and much much more.
#8. English or Western Saddle Bags
 |
| Riding Warehouse Website |
With hopes of hitting the trails more with my new gelding these saddle bags are high on my wish list. I'm constantly inventing new places to keep my phone when I ride or wanting a drink only to realize my water bottle's sitting back at the barn. They're made to be functional with 420 Denier rip-stop nylon, waterproof backing, foam padded bases, fleece underlining and yet also personable with availability in six unique colors. The cantle bag is universal between, english, western, and endurance style saddles. This is something I think any rider can enjoy for many years.
#9. Monogrammed Anything and Everything
 |
| Relatively Stables Etsy Page |
Riding in any discipline usually means owning enough gear between you and your horse to open up a small tack shop. When boarding at a large barn or traveling in groups for shows it's easy for everyone's tack to get mixed up and confused, these elegant monograms are a great way to set your equipment apart from the rest. Some are made specifically for leather but they have others available for fabrics, like nylon, and spandex. They are all high quality heat transfers that are waterproof, fade resistant, and come in many styles and colors (including patterns and glitter!).
#10. Time.
I can honestly say one of the greatest gifts for me, is getting the chance to share the crazy horse lover I am at heart with the people around me. Having someone willing to listen to me ramble on and on about how my horse prefers carrots to apples or how the position of his ears tells me how he's feeling today, means the world to me. I've had a few occasions where friends have offered to take pictures of us, or bring treats for me to give to my boy, or even just asked "How the horse today?" and those little acts of caring mean the world to me because my horse is my heart and getting to share that with someone, even for a moment makes me smile. This gift isn't just for horse lovers, your children, your spouse, your parents, your friends, your pets, the old lady down the street... This holiday season be sure to give the gift of your time to someone you love.
No comments:
Post a Comment