Selecting the right gift for horse lovers can be a challenging task. Whether you are buying for an avid equestrian or someone who is just beginning their journey owning and taking care of horses, you need to understand their love for these majestic creatures in order to pick the perfect gift. Horse owners and animal lovers have specific needs that aren’t always the easiest to shop for, but the right gift will help enrich their equestrian experience.
When it comes to equestrian gear and accessories, there are so many choices to explore, ranging from the practical, to stuff that just looks great and celebrates their passion for riding.
Selecting the Right Gift for Someone Who Loves Horses
Finding the best gifts for horse lovers might depend on their riding discipline, experience, or even personal style. Determining if they ride English or Western, what they are aiming to compete on, and what they currently need in their equipment can help you better serve them.
Think about the riding regularity of the receiver and the amount of commitment they can provide. Summer riders who are constantly at the barn will value strong, hardwearing horse riding wear that can stand up to daily use. For casual riders, stylish horse-themed accessories are perfect for showing off your passion well beyond the barns.
When it comes to gifts for horse lovers, quality should be the last thing that has to be compromised. Safety and performance-minded riding gear has to work both for riders and horses, so it is paramount to invest in well-known brands that place durability and functionality as their main focus. Look up the particular needs of their riding style because the equipment required will vary depending on their riding style.
Gifts are also highly influenced by personal style preferences. Classic traditional and modern color styles are available for horse lovers. Watching what the people are wearing now can give you insight as to what styles and trends people are most interested in.
15 Best Gifts for Horse Lovers
1. Show Shirts
Show shirts are some of the most versatile and highly enjoyed horse lover gifts. These must have equestrian essentials are tailored to give you a professional look, while still giving you the comfort and function you need. Good show shirts are made with moisture-wicking material so they can be worn all day at a competition in comfort and style.
Show shirts today are offered in a number of styles, from plain white to modern styles with discreet patterns and colors. Most are made of performance fabrics that provide UV protection and breathability so you can wear them both to compete and train in. The best show shirts do all of this while featuring little touches like reinforced seams, stretch panels for maximum comfort, and easy-care materials that can withstand several washes.
2. Equestrian Helmets
When you’re looking for gifts for riders, remember that nothing is more important than safety; equestrian helmets are a necessary choice. Today’s riding helmets are infused with high-tech features and the latest in fashion, fit, and protection for riders of all ages and disciplines.
Some of the top equestrian helmets come with MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System), advanced ventilation systems, and adjustable fit features. Several models feature replaceable liners and the ability to accommodate various sizes, keeping the helmet fresh and allowing it to fit just right. Feature-rich helmets can also have removable visors, LED lights built into the rear for additional visibility, and a moisture wicking interior.
3. Halters
Halters are the basic equipment required by every owner and also an ideal gift. High-quality halters offer a humane and safe way to control your horse while making it easier to lead horses, bathe, and groom. The top halters compromise durability with comfort, providing a range of sizes and hardware that hold up to everyday wear and tear.
Leather halters are classic and long-lasting, becoming supple and developing a great patina with care. Value priced and available in many colors and patterns so you can coordinate with your other tack, your barn colors, or your favorite outfit. Rope halters are a horse halter made from twisted rope and can feel more natural to the horse; often preferred by natural horsemanship practitioners.
4. Show Coats
Show coats are the ultimate in equestrian style and perfect gifts for serious riding enthusiasts. When paired with a show shirt and ties, they make up a professional look and feel ready, all while being comfortable and allowing the mobility needed when riding.
Good show coats material contain a high-tech fabric that provides stretch and breathability but holds its shape. A lot of them have moisture-wicking and wrinkle resistant features that look nice on event days. Traditional shades such as navy, black, and hunter green have endured, while other disciplines indulge in color and unique details.
5. Breeches
Breeches pants are one of the most functional tools in an equestrian's wardrobe. These are riding trousers designed specifically to be comfortable, be easy to move in and grip, yet look good and professional. Good breeches are reinforced with high quality ones having reinforced knee patches and full seats for better grip and durability.
Today's breeches feature innovative fabric technology that stretches four ways, wicks away perspiration, and even performs compression. Lots have great shapes and clever touches such as phone pockets, belt loops, and ankle adjustment. With so many styles and colors, there is a perfect choice for every rider's taste and competition needs.
6. Show Bows
Show bows make an exquisite finishing detail to any equestrian outfit and are a lovely gift to the horse enthusiast in your life that enjoys the use of related accessories. These are great tools to help hair stay in place and provide a professional, finished look to your competition wardrobe.
Quality show bows have strong construction that keeps them looking great use after use. Most come in matching colors to make sure to match your other show coat colors, while others provide different patterns or have extra bling to add personal flair to formal show wear. The finest show bows combine function with form - the bow stays where you put it among the rigors of performance.
7. Stock Ties
Stock ties are a symbol of the elegance in historical riding apparel and are wonderful hunter seat gifts or dressage gifts. These traditional accessories complement a formal riding outfit and have practical uses in traditional forms of equestrianism.
Good quality stock ties are made from fancy material that knots easily and does not wrinkle after a long day of showing. Some come with coordinating pins or other hardware to give them a genuine finish. White is the most common, but some styles have a very small, unobtrusive pattern (and colors that suit the user's particular needs).
8. Spur Straps
Spur straps are the perfect functional accessory for anyone who uses spurs and a nice gift for a seasoned rider. Good looking spur straps that will hold your spurs tightly and will last a lifetime. Top spur straps are made of durable leather with durable buckles and hardware. Most feature adjustable sizing and comfortable padding that prevents chafing on longer rides. When compared to traditional brown and black leather straps, the latter comes with a lot of variety, including base color, color straps, and even patterned straps to bring a little personality to their riding attire.
9. Riding Gloves
Riding gloves offer added grip and comfort, as they are specially designed to protect against cold during the winter season, hands from reins, and weather during riding. These useful tools also make great gifts for any horse lover, no matter their experience level, and can be used for immediate assistance with every ride.
The best riding gloves have grippy palm materials, breathable fabric, and a comfortable fit that doesn't restrict hand movement. A lot of them include touchscreen-compatible fingertips, so you can use your phone without taking them off. On the seasonal side you can choose from thin summer gloves to the insulated winter options that will keep your hands warm without having to compromise on feel.
10. Equestrian Belts
Equestrian style belts are practical and sophisticated, making ideal gifts for equestrians who appreciate quality accessories. These belts are functional and sharp; they will bring the finishing touches to any riding or street outfit.
Equestrian belts have strong stitching and come with buckles that are usually styled with equestrian subject matter in mind. Most are adjustable with comfortable materials that pair excellently with both breeches and casual wear. Classic leather choices are still in high demand, and fabric belts actually offer some stylish options that match your many outfits.
11. Purses and Bags
Equestrian handbags and saddlery bags provide horse enthusiasts with a way to show their enthusiasm outside of the barn. These accessories meld practical function with horse-themed designs that celebrate their appreciation for these beautiful animals.
Horse equestrian bags are durable and made to be used every day, in addition to being just the right touch for the fashion-conscious equestrian. A lot of them come with functional things such as little pockets and comfortable straps. The choices are far and wide, from understated leathers adorned with equestrian hardware to loud prints featuring all-over horses.
12. Equestrian Scarves
Equestrian scarves are versatile accessories perfect for those who want to go from barn to street in style. Chic and fabulous, these items help the horse enthusiast to express their love for their favorite animal as part of everyday fashion.
These lovely equestrian scarves show off the beauty of horses, and the equestrian lifestyle. A number of the styles include timeless design elements of horseshoes, bits, or stirrups in sophisticated colors together. Made with the finest Silk and Cashmere blends, this high quality will last for many years to come.
13. Equestrian Jewelry
Equestrian jewelry provides a great way for the casual horse lover to carry their passion in their everyday lifestyle. The style includes everything from small horseshoe pendants to large, statement pieces that honor the lifestyle and sport of riding.
Good equestrian jewelry uses the quality materials such as sterling silver, gold, or high end metals that can stay nice over the long haul. A lot of the items feature symbolic items such as horses or horseshoes, tastefully tied up in beautiful pieces of jewelry, whether it’s for everyday wear or something more formal. Customization is also possible, to add engravings or other personal details to make the present even more unique.
14. Hair Nets
Horse hair nets work well not only to keep your hair neat and tidy, but also durable hair nets that are practical enough for daily use in the barn and show. These are what you would call "little extras" (not literally) and are often the perfect piece of specialist gear as a present that proves that the purchaser has an understanding of the needs in the horse industry.
Good hair nets use fine materials that hold the hair firmly without causing any irritation or damage. Most are available in different colors to suit a range of hair hues and are available in different weights to suit different hair types and lengths. Bulk boxes offer convenience for event participants who wear hairnets on a frequent basis.
Final Thoughts
When looking for a gift to get those horse lovers, you have to know that they may be picky about their equestrian supplies, and they will always want the best quality of products. This complete guide features 15 carefully selected options suitable for any taste, experience level, and budget. And whether it’s something practical, such as breeches pants or riding helmets, or something meant to symbolize your admiration for their passion, like equestrian jewelry or scarves, every gift can be special and thoughtful if you know that horse lover just right.
