Balancing our work, family and horse lives is challenging enough during a “normal” month. Throw in the holidays, especially when Thanksgiving lands on November 28, and even scheduling a quick hack in order to meet work deadlines, pick up the kids or finish last-minute shopping becomes a challenge.
Despite the hectic season, finding useful and super thoughtful gifts for your fellow boarders, trainer, horse and riding friends can be one of the most rewarding parts of the holidays. Our barn families are always there to offer support for all the ups and downs we experience in our horse lives, so it’s nice to give them a little extra appreciation.
Alas, if you happen to be a fashionably late shopper like many of us, we pulled together a manageable list of utilitarian, creative, splurge-worthy—and budget friendly—gift ideas. Whether you’re still searching for special gifts for the equestrians in your life or need to give your loved ones some less-than-subtle hints about what you want from Santa this year, our 2024 Holiday Gift Guide will provide plenty of inspiration for everyone on your list!
For the Dressage Diva
Elevate your schooling style with PS of Sweden’s Dinja x PS Full Grip Breeches, designed in collaboration with Dutch dressage Olympian Dinja van Liere. Available in White, Black and Tender Taupe, these performance semi-matte breeches feature the signature Dinja x PS pattern in the full-seat silicon grip and faux back pockets as well as Swarovski crystal accents and metallic gold buttons. Top off your look with the Dinja x PS Oakley Zip Mid Layer in Powder Rose and the Dinja x PS Windbreaker Jacket in Greige. Designed with a stretchy super-soft jersey fabric, the mid layer features a two-way, gold-accented zipper and hidden side pockets in a sporty, flattering cut, and the water-repellent, slightly cropped windbreaker with contrasting Dinja x PS logo satin lining comes with a detachable hood and ventilation panels under the sleeves. PSofsweden.com
For the Jumping Queen
Rock the jumper ring with Ariat’s Meridian Show Coat in Dark Denim. Designed out of a performance stretch fabric with ClimateTEK™ technology that responds to body temperature to help riders stay cool in the heat, the jacket is also unlined for 360 degrees of breathability. With its tailored fit, slant pockets, notched cuffs and hem and subtle metallic details, this coat adds sophistication to your show-ring wardrobe. Ariat.com
Saddle Up
If you’re in the market for a new saddle, but don’t want to break the bank, the new Arena Monoflap Jump Saddle by Bates provides an ideal balance of comfort, luxury and style without the exorbitant price tag. Its single-flap design offers a close-contact, intimate feel to help you remain balanced on the flat and over fences, and external, supportive knee blocks offer additional security while also helping riders maintain a correct position. Crafted out of classic European leather that’s easy to care for and with elegant stitching, this saddle also comes with an adjustable gullet system to accommodate different horses sizes and conformation. Arenasaddlesus
For the Equestrian Multi-Tasker
Tote pretty much anything on busy days in and out of the barn with the Tucker Tweed Equestrian™ James River Carry All. The bag’s exterior is designed out of scratch-resistant saffiano leather for extra durability and its leather-edged, open smart phone and key pockets, snap-close tablet compartment and lobster-clasp close, will keep you organized on the move. Plus, the tote’s classic style, earthy tones, silver buckle accents and embossed leather logos give it an edge of sophistication for seamless transitions from barn to office. Tributeequinenutrition
Innovative Elegance
With a sleek, form-fitting silhouette, DeNiro’s Levante Jumper Boot—available with all the customizations the brand is known for—is engineered out of high-quality calfskin leather with Water Resistant Advanced Treatment technology and inlaid bull leather patches for durability and reduced friction. Always striving to improve rider performance and eliminate wardrobe woes, DeNiro introduced an innovative double-snap zipper protection system behind the knee in this new boot to prevent zippers from sliding down once the boots naturally drop. The Vibram sole is breathable, antibacterial and shock-absorbing. Plus, they come with three-pronged stirrup rests and padded sock protectors in the heels for comfort and to keep your favorite riding socks intact. Available with or without laces. Denirobootco.com
Goodies Galore
For every equestrian on your holiday list, Gift Horse Baskets are stocked with grooming supplies, tack and horse-care products, rider self-care goodies (lip balm, soap, shower gel), gourmet chocolates, horse treats, rider accessories (boot socks, barn totes, antique brass bit bracelets, pony luggage tags and home décor (premium soaps and equestrian-themed decorative towels). All products are barn tested and rider approved and no wrapping required—baskets are pre-packaged with festive holiday trimming. The “Keep Your Cool” gift basket pictured above includes a Kensington Tote, essential oil spray, Effol rider shower gel, Tigers Tongue wash cloth, Effol SuperStar Shine conditioner and detangler, pocket sweat scraper, Effol sponge, Equine Organics shampoo, cooling towel, apple wafer horse treats and old-fashioned peppermints. Plus, you can add an optional helmet visor in Black or Sporty Linen. Check out the website for all baskets available. Gifthorsebaskets.com
Smooth Operator
New from ThinLine, the English Perfect Fit Pad features the brand’s trademarked open-cell foam technology for enhanced breathability connected by a breathable, flexible mesh spine band to provide ideal wither and gullet clearance while retaining shock-absorbing support. Once warmed to body temperature, the pad also molds to provide a custom fit. With a non-slip, tailored design, the pad is perfect for both dressage and jumping saddles. Thinlineglobal.com
From the Heart
When we allow ourselves to love and develop a special partnership with a horse, we enter the relationship realizing that we will likely outlive our equine friends. Commemorate your heart horse with handmade, custom horsehair jewelry by Tail Spin Bracelets. Owned and operated by two lifelong friends who share of love of horses and design, this unique business offers hand-crafted jewelry that incorporates your horse’s tail or mane hair. From horsehair-braided bracelets with sterling silver horseshoe end caps and personalized charms to elegant cuffs, rings, earrings and necklaces, you can custom design your piece to create an elegant reminder of the love and friendship your equine partner gave you. Tailspinbracelets.com
For the School Master
School in effortless style with the Equinavia Alexandra Women’s Ribbed Training Shirt. Made out of a soft, stretchy nylon/spandex blend for enhanced range of motion, this quarter-zip top also has ventilation for maximum breathability, including perforations on the lower arms, and the fabric helps protect against harmful UV rays during long schooling days in the sun. The body length is long enough to tuck into breeches without bunching and thoughtful design features like flattering lines and a subtle horse head perforation on the back add a unique touch of equestrian style. Available in Black, Bluestone Blue, Light Lilac, Navy and Sage Green. Equinavia.com
Buckle Up
Cinch your equestrian style with a super-stretchy elastic Bit Belt by Mango’s Magic Creations. Designed with a built-in keeper for full adjustability, these super-cute belts are available in a rainbow of fun colors and patterns with silver, gold or rose gold hardware. This unique company started by horse-loving sisters Teagan and Rylee MacIntosh has also expanded to offer socks, unique stirrup covers and blanket tags. Mangosmagiccreations.com
For the Cookie Monster
Stuff your equine BFF’s stocking with SmartPak’s Guilt-Free Spiced Cider SmartCookies. With no added sugar, the bite-sized treats’ recipe includes a healthy base of coconut meal, beet pulp, alfalfa and flaxseed oil, so you can feel as good about giving these treats to your horse as he’ll enjoy devouring them. Rumor has it that horses are loving the holiday-themed Spiced Cider flavor this season, but if your horse’s palate leans toward other tastes, these guilt-free goodies are also available in Vanilla Cupcake, Peppermint Pattie, Carrot Cake and Banana Bread. (Yes—they sound good enough to put in our own stockings!) Smartpakequine.com
Your horse will likely agree that tasty treats truly are the gift that keeps on giving. With a recipe that includes whole seeds, vegetables and probiotics for gut support, Wholesome Blends Horse Treats are soy free and available in cookie-sized muffins. Exclusive for the holiday season, these treats are available in Peppermint for a limited time. Tributequinenutrition.com
For the Tyke Riders
Keep the horse-obsessed kiddo in your life warm and comfy on her pony this winter with Kerrits’ Kids On Course Quarter Zip Fleece Tech Top in Vineyard splashed with a “Mod Mares” pattern. Designed with a lightweight microfleece that warms, wicks and breathes, this top features a quarter-zip neck for adjustable ventilation and its exterior fabric works to shed hair, hay and shavings. Plus, it pairs perfectly with matching Kerrits’ Kids Thermo Tech™ Full Leg Tight also in Mod-Mare Vineyard. With a lightly brushed interior fleece for comfort and warmth, the tights’ technical fabric has a four-way stretch for ease of movement in the saddle and Kerrit Sticks™ Silicone grip along the inner leg offers extra security in the saddle. Kerrits.com
With its playful Winning Whimsy pattern and colorful design, the Dreamers & Schemers® Tribute Collection™ English Pony Pad will delight your little rider and her pony partner. The pad’s large quilting is accentuated with a dark trim—including along the spine—and girth straps, and the interior is mesh-lined for breathability. The pony size fits 15-inch saddles and under. Tributeequinenutrition
The Horseware® Kids Holiday Pajama Set, in limited-edition navy and plaid, add will add festive cheer to your Littles’ Christmas morning and cozy comfort throughout the winter. Made from 100-percent breathable cotton, the ultra-soft T-shirt has a ribbed neckline, and the brushed flannel pants come with pockets and a drawstring waist. These comfy PJs are also available in women’s and men’s sizes if your fam wants to go matchy-matchy. Horseware.com
Sarah Maslin Nir, Pulitzer Prize-nominated New York Times reporter and author of the memoir Horse Crazy: The Story of a Woman in Love with an Animal, partnered with Breyer for the second book in her Once Upon a Horse series—The Jockey & Her Horse. The fictional novel was inspired by the true story of Cheryl White, who was only 17 when she became the first Black female jockey in the U.S. Aboard her chestnut Thoroughbred gelding Jetolara, Cheryl demonstrated the skills and fortitude that would ultimately result in more than 750 wins over the course of her career. This Breyer Gift Set includes Nir’s novel and a 1:12-scale Breyer Model Horse of Jetolara, his racing saddle and bridle and a fully-posable figure of Cheryl. Breyerhorses.com
For the Tack Hoarder
Equestrians are notorious for stockpiling saddles, bridles, bits, halters and random straps of leather we accumulate over the years—by presuming we’ll use them again. (Ha ha …) Give your old tack new life via Calyse’s Repurposed Saddle Handbags. The team behind this innovative brand found its niche transforming well-loved but long-abandoned pieces of tack into hand-crafted, signature handbags to preserve special memories of your horse and favorite rides. Each bag brings to light its unique character based on the leather’s coloring/patina, wear and any patch-working. You can further personalize these vintage leather works of art by incorporating reins, bits, name plates and bridle and halter parts. Calyse-co.com
Cool in Plaid
Exclusive for the 2024 holiday season in a festive plaid, Horseware’s Rhino® Fleece Cooler combines style and function with a breathable, anti-pilling fleece that effectively wicks moisture while retaining warmth to help your horse cool down after a ride or to keep him comfortable while traveling, at shows or in the barn. Designed for a secure fit, the cooler features a straight front closure, two detachable cross surcingles and a tail cord. Horseware.com
For the Consummate Groomers
Whether you’re gearing up for the spring show season or simply love keeping your horse’s coat gleaming throughout the seasons, the new Exhibitor’s Quic Color Intensifying Horse Shampoo helps bring out richer coat colors and highlights and brightens white markings—and it can help restore color to clipped or sun-bleached coats. Free from harsh chemicals and dyes, this shampoo is also pH balanced to prevent stripping the coat’s natural oils and helps remove tough caked-in manure, grass and urine stains. Plus, it will leave your horse’s coat super soft, smooth and shiny. Exhibitorlabs.com
With strategically placed scrubbing nodules on the fingers and palms, the HandsOn ® Grooming Gloves give traditional curry combs and mitts a run for their money as the supreme de-shedder and scrubber. Engineered with a tactile touch, the gloves are gentle enough to clean sensitive areas like the face and legs while also massaging muscles, stimulating circulation and evenly distributing the coat’s natural oils. The versatile, flexible grip makes it super easy to juggle water hoses, shampoo bottles, lead ropes, etc. without having to de-glove. (Bonus: These handy mitts are also ideal for grooming your pups!) Handsongloves.com
Ideal to help transition your horse’s coat to the changing seasons, Betty’s Best StripHair® Horse Bundle includes the brand’s uber-popular, de-shedding machine—the original Betty’s Best StripHair® Gentle Groomer. This gem of a grooming tool removes loose hair, dirt and dander while also stimulating blood circulation and warming muscles, and with its patented wedged-end design, it does double duty as a post-bath water scraper. Additionally, the set includes bamboo cloths for grooming and tack cleaning, storage bags, Betty’s Skin & Coat Renewal Solution and Skin & Coat Stain Remover—all bundled in a convenient tote. Striphair.com
Cutting-Edge Safety
Designed in collaboration with the creators of the FEI MIMclip, Le Mieux’s MIMsafe XC Boots, available in both front and hind, are lightweight, abrasion-resistant and offer cutting-edge engineering in safety innovation. The boots’ V-cut front profile was designed to reduce friction and drag if it contacts a fence. Integrated polythermal resin strike guards are contoured to protect tendons and cannon bones and were specifically constructed to radiate shock away from impact. The boots’ adaptive high-density foam lining is soft, breathable and shock absorbent, and surface air vents release heat from inside the boot for optimal thermal control. Lemieux.com
For the Go-Getters
Display your hard-earned ribbons with a unique, handmade ShowOff Ribbon Rack, designed out of 14-gauge steel with a black powder-coated finish. The eventing-themed rack is featured above, but the company offers a broad range of designs including jumpers, dressage, working equitation, Thoroughbred, Quarter Horse, Arabian and a bevy of other breeds. Some custom designs are also available. Showoffribbonracks.com
