GROOMING TOOLS & SUPPLIES

Grooming tools and supplies are rider essentials and make super useful gifts. Here’s what one rider said about receiving grooming tools and supplies as a gift.

“I love receiving little things like brushes, shampoo, conditioner, black it, Show sheen and any products like that.” ~Tara W.

1. Horse-friendly Grooming Gloves

My best friend gifted me a pair of the Hands On Grooming Gloves  and said,“these grooming gloves will change your relationship with your horses.” ~Karen A. Wow, she was right because both of my geldings LOVE them. My horses look forward to being groomed and massaged with them. They even position themselves, so their favorite spots get extra attention. You can see their joy as they wiggle their lips as if to say, “ah, that’s the spot”!

I wouldn’t use anything else to curry their coats and loosen hair and dirt so I can brush it away.  Plus, daily currying is one of the secrets to a truly shiny coat.  These grooming gloves make a thoughtful and useful gift for riders in any discipline. Get your gift pair of grooming gloves here.

2a. A Dandy Brush to Flick Dirt Away

After currying with the grooming gloves above, use a long-bristled, dandy brush dandy brush to flick dirt away.  This brush is curved to fit your hand and a delight to use.  Nothing works as well to get a dirt horse cleaned up quickly.

Option #2: Here’s a second more economical option for a horse hair dandy brush.

2b. A Super Soft Horsehair Brush for a Sleek Finish

There’s nothing quite like a super soft horsehair body brush to finish grooming your horse, create a sleek, shiny coat and clean their delicate face.  Horse hair brushes are simply amazing.  Sensitive horses love this brush, too.  I use this brush after the dandy brush to remove any remaining dirt or dust and develop a shine. Click here to snag this super soft horsehair body brush.

3. Bundle of Horse Grooming Products

This Go-To Grooming Bundle includes a Cowboy Magic spot cleaner, hair polish and a detangler that works great on tails. These three core grooming products are super handy for cleaning dirty horses, even when you can’t give a bath. Or if you just want to keep a horse’s coat clean and shiny and their tail in the best condition.  The Cowboy Magic detangler is my hands-down favorite because it works so.darn.well.  Get this awesome grooming bundle at a great price here.

GROOMING & TACK ORGANIZERS

4. Hanging Portable Grooming Organizer

Here’s a great way to organize all your grooming supplies at home or on the road – a hanging portable grooming organizer. The bag hangs on the wall and zips shut so you can keep your grooming tools clean and secure. Help your equestrian corral their grooming supplies, buy them an organizer here.

 

5. Hanging Tack Carrier with Zipper

I received this hanging tack carrier that zips shut as a holiday gift from the owner of a barn I board my horse at in the winter.  She even personalized it by having my horse’s name monogrammed on the front.  I store my equipment (bridle, lounge line, side reins, gloves, helmet, and dressage whip) inside to keep these items organized and clean. I’ve had great luck with the Tough-1 products because they’re well made, durable and affordable. I’m not sponsored by them, just love the durability of their products. Grab this gift here!

RIDING APPAREL

What are equestrians wishing for when it comes to apparel? I’ve included their comments and list of go-to items below.

“Any great colored quart zip shirt or long sleeve sun shirt.”~ Christine E.

6. Sun Shirts

Seems like riders are always in need of a long-sleeved sun shirt. These shirts are cool and protective in the summer months, but also warm and moisture wicking when the weather turns cooler.  Grab yours here.

 

7. Quarter Zip Shirts

You can’t go wrong with this  quarter-zip shirt. This moisture-wicking shirt keeps you warm and dry when riding. It’s perfect for use under a sweater and comes in a variety of color combinations. These shirts are a sure bet, awesome gift, especially when paired with one of the vests below! 

 

8. Riding Vests and Belts

It’s no surprise that vests are something riders are wishing for because they are a perennial favorite! Here’s a rider’s comment that sums up exactly why a vest made her wish list.

“A colorful vest to make you look like a good rider in cooler weather”. ~Christine E.

Because nothing makes a rider look pulled together and stylish while hiding a multitude of sins like a good riding vest. Best sellers and favorite vests include this lovely vest by Horze.

A super stylish Ashely Vest by Ariat, and this soft shell Ariat vest  in black.  Click on any of these links or the picture to pick out and purchase your gift now.

Elastic Equestrian Belt with Stretchable Waist with Surcingle Buckle

This adjustable, elastic equestrian belt has a cool surcingle buckle (like a horse blanket) that riders will love.  And it is super affordable! The belt adjusts to fit a variety of sizes and is great to wear with breeches. Pssst…this is my favorite belt to wear with my regular clothes. I find it pulls together many outfits and is super comfortable, too! Check it out today.

9. Barn Gloves

These half-finger gloves with a flap are simply great for barn chores when you need to use your fingers to unbuckle a halter or blanket, etc.  When you finish, simply fold the top mitten flap over your fingers to keep them warm.  I use these gloves every.single.day.  Snag this super useful gift for riders here.

10. Insulated Riding Gloves 

In the winter, a riders’ hands are the first thing that gets cold.  These Horze insulated riding gloves work so well that I was able to stay warm while working with my horses. I consider them essential winter rider gear because I got so much use out of them. Get your pair here.

11. Thermal Neck Warmer or Gaiter

Here’s my secret weapon for staying warm in the barn, on a horse, or walking my dogs in very cold weather, wear a thermal neck warmer.  Thick and breathable fabric keeps my face and neck warm no matter how cold it gets.  Soft, cozy fleece on the inside near my face. Snag this super gift in your preferred color for any rider here.

EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES – BEST GIFTS FOR HORSE LOVERS

Equestrian Digital Guides, Books and DVDs

The most successful riders are life-long learners. Here are some of my favorite tried-and-true educational products.  Pick any of these for an equestrian gift and you can’t go wrong.

12. Digital Guide for Mane & Care and Hunter Braiding Instant Download

Digital Guide for Mane and Tail Care & Hunter Mane Braiding  – Crafting the perfect mane braids and creating top notch turnout for shows takes knowledge.  As a professional braider and licensed cosmetologist, I’m sharing my hard-won knowledge and experience with you after braiding thousands of horses and learning the best mane and tail care.

This guide directs your focus to what gets results. It features a step-by-step 20-slide picture tutorial of my Braid Secrets’ formula for creating flawless hunter braids.

This is a handy guide is great for use on your phone. Click here to learn more now.

13. Mane Braiding Workshop for Hunter/Dressage Braiding – Instant Access

Craft Your Best Braids Ever! In this on-demand Mane Braiding Workshop at braidsecrets.com, riders discover how to create flawless hunt seat & dressage button braids efficiently so that they can achieve winning turnout for successful horse shows.

This mane braiding workshop is for hunter or dressage riders who want to:

• Learn how to create flawless mane braids on their horse’s mane.
• Transform their current mane braids from mediocre to magnificent.
• Braid their horse’s mane without frustration and in less time.
• Develop the skill to earn income braiding other horses.
• Make a winning first impression on the judges for successful shows.
• Save money braiding their own, horse but still get professional results.

Join Braiding Expert and Instructor, Mary Beth Rohaly, in her “virtual barn” and learn a proven, step-by-step system for creating superior mane braids through close-up, direct view videos. See and learn more than 50 expert braiding techniques and secrets. Participants get clear explanations on what to focus on to craft perfect braids every time on all types of mane.

Psst…use the special link in this post to get the workshop for under $50.

That’s less than the cost of having a mane professionally braided just once!

Mary Beth is sharing all her expert tricks of the trade so riders can transform their braids from mediocre to magnificent. Topics covered in this mane braiding workshop include:

• Mane Evaluation & Preparation (including painless mane pulling)
• Essential Tools and Tips for Preparing to Braid
• Secrets to Braiding Down the Mane
• Pull Up the Braids & Plan Perfect Results
• Secrets to Tying Hunter Braids
• Secrets to Creating Button Braids
• Forelock Braiding Secrets
• Speed Tips for Faster Braiding

Riders will be thrilled with how comprehensive this workshop is. Use the special link below to get the workshop for under $50.  The knowledge for crafting perfect mane braids will last a lifetime.  Click here to grab a seat to this on-demand, online workshop. Instant Access at a Special Price!

14. Savvy Guide to DIY Horse Care  Instant Download 

Savvy Guide to DIY Horse Care – I found the information in this e-book to be both fascinating and valuable.  I loved the idea of using environmentally friendly products on my horses, but I didn’t know how to get started.

By using the recipes from the Savvy Guide to DIY Horse Care, I’m now able to create a variety of economical products that work!

The recipes are easy to make with just a few ingredients. I also find them to be convenient, since I mix up just what I need, when I need it.

The simple and natural ingredients allow me to control exactly what is applied to my horse’s sensitive skin.  With all these benefits, I confidently recommend this e-book to all my equestrian friends and fellow riders. Click here to purchase and download your copy now.

15a. Best Equestrian Books and Digital Downloads 

Successfully training a horse or improving as a rider requires a ton of knowledge, and then putting that information into practice.  That’s why riders are always looking for new approaches, exercises or learning new information about how to become a better horse person. Here are a couple of exceptional books and DVD sets I recommend. While these are more dressage focused, the benefits this information gives to any rider are huge.

Jane Savoie’s Dressage 101:– I devoured this book, subtitled The Ultimate Source of Dressage Basics in a Language You Can Understand.  FYI… if you’re not a horse person, Jane Savoie is a accomplished rider and a topnotch instructor.

Here’s why this book succeeds in helping riders; Jane’s clear and concise manner of teaching makes complex riding techniques simple and easy to implement.

I have decades of equestrian knowledge in my head, but this book allowed me to connect the dots, fill in the blanks and organize my knowledge in a meaningful way.

It’s great for novice or experienced eventers, hunt seat, english and dressage riders. I had so many ah-ha moments reading this book.  I highly recommend it for any rider, not just for dressage. Grab Jane’s book here.

15b. 2024 Ultimate Horse Binder:  A Crazy-Good Way to Plan, Organize, and Track Horse Care

The 2024 Ultimate Horse Binder is the perfect tool for planning and keeping track of all your horse activities this year. It’s 58 pages of splendid equestrian templates getting all 5-star reviews (see below) in my Etsy shop, Find Printables.

These templates are color-coded, so that you can beautifully organize your horse(s) information in a snap.

Here’s how to use these sheets:

What fellow riders are saying about the 2024 Ultimate Horse Binder:

“These forms offered everything we needed for the horse binder we are creating“ ~Kathy

“Awesome, and huge help”  ~ Katie M.

 “This was well thought out and organized!” ~Connie

“Good information pages to print out. Color coded themes.“ ~ Brooke J.

 “Great concept and very helpful!” ~Bobbi W.

Makes an economical, yet thoughtful gift for any equestrian. Click here to learn more about the Ultimate Horse Binder. Grab your copy now!

HORSE TACK & EQUIPMENT 

16. Saddle Pad and Matching Fly Veil

Riders and eventers love to get a new a saddle pad in a popular color. if you’re looking for a sure-bet gift this is it.  This pad has a cool geometric floral design that comes in blue, pink or purple. There’s even a super cute matching saddle bag to go with it!  I’ve had good luck with the quality of all Equine Couture products.

Another item riders are requesting is a horse fly bonnet . Yes, we love to “dress” our horses!   This bonnet  comes in a ton of awesome colors. Reviewers rave about the quality of it.

Need a gift for multiple riders? This fly bonnet is a great gift item to purchase since it’s so economical. Grab the fly veil here.

17. Embroidered Saddle Pad

Looking for a super thoughtful equestrian gift? Get a quilted and embroidered saddle pad.  I don’t know a rider who wouldn’t love one of these.

18. Composite Wide Track Stirrups

I discovered these stirrups by accident while riding in my instructor’s saddle.  I was shocked to find that his composite wide track stirrups made me feel so insanely secure in the saddle.

By using these stirrups, I feel stronger in my position. My feet stay put in them. No more slipping.

After that first ride in the composite wide track stirrups, I immediately bought a pair. And I love them!  Funny thing is… this is the same way my instructor ended up with a pair.  They’re a fantastic step forward in riding technology. These black stirrups blend in with riding boots for a quieter leg appearance. Get the equestrian in your life a pair here.

20. Fleece-Lined Saddle Cover

The secret to keeping a saddle clean is wiping it down after each ride and covering it. This fleece-lined saddle cover cover does the trick and protects tack from the barn cat’s claws. That last part really happened to me when the barn cat got into the tack room. He sharpened his claws on my saddle! Do the rider in your life a favor and protect their saddle with this cover. Afterall, our saddle is one of our biggest equestrian investments. Great for protecting saddles when traveling to show, clinics or lessons.  Grab the cover now.

BEST GIFTS FOR HORSE LOVERS – HOME DECOR

21. Equestrian-Themed Plush Blanket

At the end of a long day here at the farm, we love to snuggle in a warm blanket on the couch and watch a family movie. So an equestrian-themed blanket would be a big hit.  Here’s what one rider said about the super soft, mare & foal print blanket she received:

“My best gift was my new All  Purpose English Saddle my husband gave me (we show AQHA). But running in second believe it or not is a richly plush and super soft blanket with a beautifully colorful mare & foal print on it, I received 2 years ago. I know I just used a lot of adjectives, but I really can’t convey how wonderful it is. Everyone that touches it wants it for their own, horse person or not. It’s almost become an appendage, lol. Aunt Jeanne did REAL GOOD with this gift!” ~ Carrie from Georgia

I searched and found some awesome, horse-inspired, super soft blankets.  Click on the links below to view and purchase one for your rider (or yourself!):

Mare & Foal Heavy Weight Faux Mink Fleece Throw Blanket

Horse Print Sherpa Fleece Blanket

Friesian Throw Blanket 3D and Reversible

Extreme soft, cozy, sherpa horse head blanket.

GIFT SPLURGES

Currently under $100 on 11/30/23! A Pivo Pod + Remote that auto-tracks and videos your rides or other events using your cell phone. (This is the basic package without a tripod.) The pod can be put on your own tripod, or on the side of the arena wall or a wooden fence post.

This is an amazing training tool for any rider. I just received a Pivo for my birthday two years ago.  After using the Pivo, I have to say it’s the best horsey gift ever!

The Pivo allows me to video my lessons so I can learn from the reply too.  It also allows me to video my rides so that I can see how I’m doing and where I’m at while trying to improve a certain skill for myself and my horse.

It’s getting rave reviews from fellow riders.

Or upgrade to the Pivo Pod Essential Kit which includes the pivo pod, remote control, case, and tripod.  It’s on sale now (11/30/23)!

Looking to splurge on a gift for the rider in your life?  Consider the gift of a saddle.  A saddle is a vital piece of equipment for riders in any discipline.  A couple of riders shared that they had received the generous gift of a saddle. Here’s what one rider had to say about it:

“The best horsey gift I ever got was a new saddle from my husband for Christmas…” ~Christine E.

If your rider hasn’t provided any saddle information, their trainer would be a good person to consult with on the best saddle to surprise them with.  Find out what saddle (type, brand, model, tree width and seat size) your rider needs and what tree size the horse needs (narrow, regular, wide tree, etc.). Click on these links to check out the deals on western saddles, all purpose saddles, dressage saddles and hunter/close contact saddles.

A month of board at an indoor ring or training is another super gift for a horse lover if you’re looking to splurge.  Here’s what a rider had to say about it:

“My family paid for a month of indoor board for my horse, I only had an outdoor ring so it was awesome to be able to have the use of an indoor arena with my coach”🙂~ Darla M.

I couldn’t agree more with Darla.

BEST GIFTS FOR HORSE LOVERS –  GUIDE RECAP

Here’s a quick summary of the gifts + links included in this guide:

Pivo Pod Essential Kit

Hands On grooming gloves

Horsehair body brush

Go-To grooming bundle (3 product deal)

Hanging portable grooming organizer

Hanging tack carrier that zips shut

Long-sleeved sun shirt

Quarter-zip shirt

Vest by Kerrits

Ashely Vest by Ariat

soft shell Ariat vest

equestrian belt with surcingle buckle

half-finger gloves with a flap

Horze insulated riding gloves

Thermal neck warmer

Digital Guide for Mane and Tail Care & Hunter Mane Braiding

Mane Braiding Workshop – Instant Access at a Special Price!

Savvy Guide to DIY Horse Care

Jane Savoie’s Dressage 101

Saddle pad in a popular color

Fly bonnet

Embroidered saddle pad

Composite wide track stirrups

Fleece-lined saddle cover

Mare & Foal Heavy Weight Faux Mink Fleece Throw Blanket

Horse Print Sherpa Fleece Blanket

Friesian Throw Blanket 3D and Reversible

Extreme soft, cozy, sherpa horse head blanket.

Currently under $100 on 11/30/23! A Pivo Pod + Remote

Saddles –western saddles, all purpose saddles, dressage saddles and hunter/close contact saddles

Best wishes for a safe and memorable Holiday Season!

Mary Beth