Gift Ideas for the Horse Enthusiast on Your List

You have a horse enthusiast on your shopping list and you know very little about horses. Let me see if I can help you. I have lots of experience on both the receiving and giving end of horsy gifts.

It helps if you have seen the person's horse, or if they do not own one, you know their favorite breed and/or color horse. I have had a gray (white to most non-horse folk) for over twenty years. I can't count how many white horse Christmas ornaments I have been given over the years. I treasure each one of them. The really cool thing is I don't believe any two are the same. For child or adult a Christmas ornament that somehow resembles their horse is a nice gift. Breyer, famous for their model horses, produces collectible horse Christmas ornaments every year. This year I got two beautiful Painted Ponies ornaments. Rocking horses have become a Christmas symbol, so finding the tiny equines in any shop that sells holiday decorations are likely to have them.

Tackshops and horse catalogs are full of gift items for the horse lover on your list: games, books, computer games, t-shirts and almost anything you can think of can be found with a horse motif.

One item that would be great for anyone who has a light colored horse is waterless stain remover or shampoo. Cowboy Magic's Green Spot Remover http://www.cowboymagic.com/ will remove those manure stains without any water, which is great for cold winter days. It retails for $7.99. A bottle of Cowboy Magic Detangler and Shine, which I personally love, retails $7.95 in a four oz tube. Cowboy Magic makes a wide line of grooming products for the horse, but they work great on human hair, too. In fact a new line is emerging called Cowgirl Magic.

Tuck these items with a few brushes, a hoof pick, and some horse treats into a groom's tote bag for a very nice gift. You can control your budget by what and how many items you include. The tote bags come in a wide range of prices and styles, not to mention a rainbow of colors. The Roma Grooming Belt is the ideal gift for grooming at the horse show. It has pockets on top of pockets and fits around the waist, so all those last minute grooming tools can go with the groom or show mom from barn to ringside and still leave his/her hands free for holding horses or giving that nervous rider an encouraging hug. The belt is available from Jeffers www.jeffersequine.com for $12.95.

A saddle soap packaged with a wooden tray and sponge by Tea Tree Soap retails for $19.95 and makes an attractive gift for the rider who owns any type saddle and leather tack. Another unique saddle soap is Moss Saddle Soap, which is made from vegetable glycerin and goats milk. It comes in two scents - vanilla bean or citrus basil. It is packaged in a round jar and costs $13.99.

For the horse owner there are practical gifts that you can find in tack shops and farm supply stores. These include colorful brushes, warm riding gloves, and grooming aids. Gloves make a wonderful gift and come in many styles and price ranges. Ideal for an inexpensive stocking stuffer are the Magic Pimple Gloves for $2.95. They are knit with pimple grip palms and come in several colors. Polar Fleece gloves are popular for children and adults. Charlie Pimple Grip Magic Gloves cost a few more dollars but the attached horse face will definitely put a smile on the face of the recipient. These and many other gifts are available at the online store, Horse Tack Co. www.horsetackco.com if you cannot find them at your local tackshop.

Horsy socks will please the non-horse horse lover on your list. Find them anyplace that sells riding attire and horse related gifts. Socks are inexpensive and practical, plus fun. For English riders boot socks are always appreciated. Ovation ladies and children's knee highs come in fantasitc colors and designs. Tall boots will slip on and off more easily with these underneath.

Home décor items make wonderful gifts for the horsy person on your list. Horse and Hound offers table and bath linens, rugs, lamps, dishes, art, books, and more in various themes including fox hunting, racing, and dressage. Many items are priced under $20. Browse their online catalog at www.horseandhound.com/

"Moxie Equestrian is a new company on the equestrian scene. Their Cavalero Collection line has beautiful, classic designs made from high performance Techno-Suede*. Every item performs flawlessly and wraps the horse and rider in functional luxury. And you'll be amazed by the silky feel of the Moxie shirts made From Bamboo Viscose. The fabric is breathable and stays cool in the hottest weather. Style are avail for the men, women and youth on your list.

The Moxie Collection is trendy, stylish and fun; offering up-to-the minute patterns and fabrics for today*s most stylish girls. Everyone will know, *She*s got Moxie!*

Even if you are not a horse person you'll love the sportswear - jackets, shirts, vests, gloves, etc. If you haven*t heard of Moxie Equestrian,check out the website www.moxieequestrian.com.

Whimsical saddle pads are popular with English riders, young and old. They come in various prints and colors, and are not hard to make if you are crafty. Colorful polo wraps are a favorite with the young set, even if they don't have a real need for wraps they enjoy "dressing up" their ponies for fun. Personalize a solid colored saddle pad by having their name or initials embroidered on the back corner.

When it comes to whimsical Perri's Glitter Crops are nothing but cute. The flower shaped flappers on the end come in pink, blue, and purple glitter. Great item for the pony kid on your list, or maybe you have a kid-at-heart adult that "just has everything."

Shopping for the horse person on your list isn't hard at all. Just be glad you aren't the one buying the pony and paying for its upkeep. Oops, you say you ARE that person? Well, I wish you a very Merry Christmas!