Tally ho, ho, ho! Welcome to the Saddle Seeks Horse 2023 Equestrian Gift Guide.The holidays are just around the corner and it’s time to dive in to shopping mode. Here is a roundup of ideas for presents horse people will love. Some of the gifts are practical and simple. Some of them are more luxurious. Take a gander at the goods and leave a comment with your gift ideas.
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Custom Breyer Model Horse (of Your Horse)
What could be better than a mini me of your (or your friend’s) own horse? You can be in the presence of the equine you love 24/7 with a small scale model of that special someone on four hooves. My friend Rebekah of Island Pony Models creates custom painted Breyers that almost bring to life to a plastic from.
Saddle Pad by Sixteen Cypress
This dressage pad is built for high performance and is styled for high fashion (and it comes in a jump saddle pad version too). I love the contoured wither relief shape and moisture-wicking lining. The outer liner is 100% cotton providing natural breathability, and the lining is a soft sport mesh which compliments the leather alternative finish giving the supporting pad more structure and durability. Machine washable. Dressage version $120.
Ororo Heated Vest
Kick the winter chills to the curb in this comfy cozy Ororo heated vest. Not only does this miracle heated vest hold a charge long enough for an afternoon at the barn, but it doubles as a great bit warmer (yes, I tuck my bridle into the vest while I’m grooming). And the good news is there is a full-on jacket with sleeves version too, for those super cold days. Revel in the warmth from Minneapolis to Maine and all the other frozen places this winter. $149.99 (on sale)
If you’d like to read my full review of the Ororo heated vest, CLICK HERE.
Equestrian Romance Series by Laurie Berglie
Where the Bluegrass Grows, Kicking On, Taking Off, and All On are equestrian romance novels by Laurie Berglie, Thoroughbred fan and owner of Chestnut Pen, a boutique marketing agency for equestrian small businesses. Readers love the authenticity Laurie weaves into her bestsellers, inspired by her horse farm life in Maryland. (You might know Laurie as @marylandequestrian on Instagram). Immerse yourself (or your giftee) in horse stories written by a fellow equestrian.
BOTORI Adler Riding Breeches
I am obsessed with my BOTORI breeches and leggings. So much so that I wear them basically as a uniform whether I’m going to the barn or not. The Adler breeches are comfortable, breathable, they have a large pocket for my phone and they are SUPER figure flattering. I have them in navy and green, but I have had my eye on these Botori Adlers in taupe.
Use my BOTORI discount code SUSAN10 and ride off into the sunset with your new favorite breeches with a 10% discount! ($149 before the 10% off, so $134.10.)
Waterproof, Insulated Boots by Ariat
From barn to ball field, these super comfortable (arch support awesomeness) Ariat Coniston lifestyle boots have been my go-to for the last few winters and muddy seasons. The footbed is wonderful and the boots zip up the back. I’ve worn them to a Big 10 football game in November and I’ve also worn them riding my horse in the winter. They are warm and when I first tried them on at the tack shop, a fellow shopper literally burst out, “Those look hot!” lol
Equestrian Wrapping Paper and Fox Ornament by Hunt Seat Paper Co.
For those who ride to hounds or merely dream of a brisk fall morning, galloping across wide fields, this foxy wrapping paper and cute Christmas ornament will surely delight. The gift wrap is $12.95 and the fox ornament is $14.95.
Spicy Pony Candle by Stable Style
Spicy Pony is filled with notes of sugared pumpkin, sweet vanilla with a dash of cinnamon and nutmeg. If you love everything pumpkin spice – this candle is for you! It comes in a six ounce soy wax tin with about 40 hours of burn time. Spicy Pony candle $18.
Marguerite, Misty and Me, biography of Marguerite Henry, author of Misty of Chincoteague
If you and your horse friends grew up on horseback or simply read and loved books by beloved author Marguerite Henry, this Julie and Julia-esque horse girl’s memoir will delight you. I spent over two years and traveled thousands of miles to track down the life story of Marguerite Henry. If you’ve ever dreamed of seeing the wild Chincoteague Pony swim during Pony Penning Week in July, my latest horse book will take you there (in a kayak). $27.00.
Peppermint Liquid Soap by Stable and Fields
This all natural castile liquid soap is fragranced with peppermint and comes in a gorgeous, resuable glass amber bottle (The pump on these bottles is shrink-wrapped to prevent leakage during transit.) This special soap is perfect for anyone who rides horses, wants to rides horses or loves the equestrian lifestyle. (Also perfect for horse dads because of its scent and neutral packaging.) $24.99.
Make a Donation in the Name of Your Equestrian Friend (and Beyond)
For the equestrian who is a minimalist or doesn’t want/need anything, consider making a donation to a horse-themed organization. A good place to start would be a non-profit near you. For example, one of my local horse rescues is the Hooved Animal Humane Society in Woodstock, Illinois.
If your loved one is a Thoroughbred fan, consider donating to Thoroughbred Charities of America, or one of the countless Thoroughbred aftercare organizations. Another wonderful cause is Brooke, an organization that supports working equines around the world and educates their humans on animal husbandry.
Another idea an online horse friend shared with me (shoutout to Rhonda) is to make a donation to your local therapeutic riding center. I’m sure they will be grateful for the support.
Yet another friend shared she knew of a generous donor who created a “scholarship” for a child from a local Boys and Girls Club to take riding lessons at a therapy riding program. My friend said, “The gift not only helped a child learn about and meet a horse, the money used also supported the weekday programs of the therapy riding program during their downtime.” Definitely a win-win-win for all three parties involved.
Thanks for checking out my 2023 Equestrian Gift Guide. I’d love to know what you intend to gift others this year and what you’re asking for from your loved ones.
Your Turn: What has been the best equestrian lifestyle gift you’ve ever received? Leave a comment and start the conversation.
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The Christmas gift I treasured most was a book my parents gave me on veterinary remedies and possessions of the past. Drenching is one of them. I remember doing it. The teeth rasping was annoying when the horse kept biting on the rasp. I did that too. Equestrians today have no idea of the methods used compared to today. The TV series “All Creatures Great And Small” Is an education.
That sounds like a super practical and thoughtful gift. I loved reading those books! All Creatures Great and Small. 🙂
A bracelet (or keychain, etc) made with your horse’s tail hair from TailSpin or other maker, Breyer or other cool model horses are always awesome, warm gloves for chore time, a heated vest, a painting or digital art of your horse (I like those made by Giftshack (I have one of my special horse), horse books are always a win (I love your Marguerite, Misty & Me book!)
Thanks for your thoughts and your recommendation of Marguerite, Misty and Me! 🙂