12 Quick Gift Ideas for Horse Lovers

More than likely, you’ve probably heard that the only thing any horse lover wants for Christmas is a horse. As I found out growing up, putting a horse on your wish list does not guarantee that you will get a horse! So here are some gift ideas that will please both older and younger horse lovers, even in the absence of a pony.

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1# Breyers

Breyer horses are always an awesome horse-crazy present. For me, I just get them to match my equine characters (and I like to collect them. No two horses are the same because they’re hand painted). And there are tons of Breyer photo shows that you can enter with your models. For younger horse-lovers, they work just as well as pasture toys. And sometimes you don’t even have to order them online– a lot of farm stores (including Bomgaars and Tractor Supply) carry Breyers, sometimes at a lower price than the website. Rainbow Resource has the best deals, but they take a while to ship.

2# Horse Books

Books in general make awesome gifts for the avid reader. Check out my articles “25 Books of Christmas” and “25 Awesome Horse Books” for ideas (and Amazon links, although I’m not an Amazon affiliate. They’re just there to make your life easier).

3# Hoodies

I’m a BIG hoodie fan. I’ve got one from The Young Writer’s Workshop store and it’s so freaking comfortable. Gillian Bronte Adams also has a lot of merch from her Fireborn Epic book series (and some nice mugs as well). Amazon’s got a lot of fantastic hoodies, so check it out. A hoodie is a gift that will be well-worn.

4# Jewelry

It takes a certain person to want jewelry for Christmas, but there are lots of options in the horse world. From cute horseshoe earrings to nice necklaces, there is a host of ideas to find in this category that are equine-themed. I know Dover Saddlery has some especially nice necklaces, but I don’t know how much shipping costs, so it might be better just to peruse Amazon, or Etsy if you want to support local artists.

5# Magazine Subscription

I know one of the best Christmas gifts I ever received was a year’s subscription to Young Rider magazine. Both Young Rider and Horse Illustrated (both mentioned in full review in my “From the Horse’s Mouth: Two Equine Magazines Well Worth Checking Out” article) are excellent choices for the horse crazy. I will say, although Young Rider is deemed “for all horse-lovers” I found it was a bit more feminine– something to keep in mind if you’re shopping for a guy horse-lover.

6# Horse Tack

While you may not be able to get a horse, it’s never too early to start shopping for one when it comes to things like fun halters for your future horse. Some horse attire can also have a double use– like a Western blanket that is currently being used as a rug in my bedroom. Hay nets? Use them to hold stuffed animals or as a laundry hamper. Saddles are a bit harder to fit and aren’t recommended since every horse’s back is different. But there are a lot of other horse tack pieces that can fit into your horseless life with a different use.

7# Riding Lessons

This is obviously on the more expensive end of horse-lover gifts, but if you want to make a horseless horse-lover’s day, buy them a set of riding lessons or an equine experience. Take it from a former city-kid horse-lover– any horse experience is welcome.

8# Craft Kits

Breyer has a TON of awesome craft kits, from enamel pin painting to paint your own models. Outside of Breyer, there are diamond painting kits, crochet sets, and more for the crafty horse lover. Craft kits are fun because it doesn’t stop as soon as you open it– and working with your hands is always rewarding.

9# Room Decorative Items

There are some really awesome items in this category! From throw rugs to horseshoe coat hooks and horsey bookends, the world of equine room decor is vast and colorful. And it has a wide age range too, fitting almost every horse lover.

10# Boots

Boots are essential for any equestrian– and are also one of the more expensive elements of the equine attire. Good boots make awesome presents. Ariat is my favorite brand, but there are tons of others worth checking out– especially if you have a Tractor Supply in the area. Boots are also different between disciplines, (you wouldn’t want to give paddock boots to a barrel racer, or suede Western boots to a jumper) so you’ll have to do a little more research for this present.

11# Ornaments

Ornaments make really unique Christmas presents, especially if you’re like my family and find that every ornament tells a story. Breyer releases a new line of collectable ornaments every year, including a new FFA-themed line. Some are elegant, some are whimsical, and some are practical, so there’s an ornament (and a story) for everyone.

12# Knick Knacks

There are lots of fun “knick knacks” for horse lovers on the market. One year I got a treasure box with a girl and her horse carved in stone on the top. Another year I got a glass orb with a tiny pegasus inside. Not everyone will appreciate a knick knack, but there are some really pretty ones that are worth checking out.

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For the horse-lovers reading this, behold! A list you can finally send to the non-horsey people in your life. For the non-horsey people reading this, I hope this was helpful for your Christmas shopping.

Horse-lovers, what was the best equine-themed present you ever got at Christmas?