Do you know a kid who loves horses? Kids of all ages like to study and learn about animals, and horses seem to hold a special fascination for all children. This holiday season, you have lots of options for the young horse lovers on your gift list. Books and DVDs are enjoyable, but what about games where you care for a virtual horse of your own? Or riding lessons at a local stable? Whether the child owns a horse or not, these creative gift ideas are sure to engage their mind and imagination.
Games
Very young girls will enjoy the Disney Princess Royal Horse Show computer game. Older kids might like more advanced games, like
Equestrian Challenge, and the Let’s Ride! computer and console series. If your kid likes a more hands-on game experience, try board games like Horse-opoly and Pony-opoly, available at Horse Gifts and Art. They also offer a deck of 54 playing cards with illustrations of the different horse breeds from around the world.
Toys
The littlest kids always seem to enjoy plastic horses. My Little Pony toys are perennial favorites for little girls. Wonderkinz makes several cute horse toys – and they’re not all girly! And don’t forget the timeless appeal of rocking horses. Tango makes interactive plush “Ride-On” horses that make sounds when you pat them or pull the reins. (I can attest to the fact that any plush horse that can actually be ridden will be a big hit with young horse lovers.) My daughter still plays with hers – a Christmas gift from three years ago – every day. Stablemates, Melissa & Doug, and Breyer sell a large variety of horse toys and accessories. Look for them on the manufacturers’ web sites, or on Internet shopping sites like Amazon.
If you live near a ranch, and your budget allows, why not offer to pay for some riding lessons? Riding stables have horses for all skill levels. Local word-of-mouth reviews will be your best bet for finding a knowledgeable, patient trainer for the child. Kids young and old can benefit from learning to ride; besides the physical benefits of improved strength and balance, children also learn compassion and respect for the animal. And it’s just darn fun, too. To find a riding stable near you, search your local phone book and online directories, as well as bulletin boards at feed stores. Horse magazines often have business listings in the back. Breed-specific clubs, like the American Quarter Horse Association, can also put you in contact with local riders and trainers.
My Horse ‘n Me offers gift baskets that include treats for horses, as well as fun items for their human friends. Don’t have a horse to share with? NetEquestrian has a large selection of gift baskets for horse lovers of all ages – no horse required.
Charities
If you have a young horse lover with a heart of gold, try making a donation in their name to one of the many great horse-rescue organizations. Chez Chevaux helps retired race horses and other Thoroughbreds. American Mustangs can be helped with a donation to Ever After Mustang Rescue. If you’d like to help on a broader scale, the International League for the Protection of Horses (ILPH) is concerned with the welfare of horses worldwide. Give a donation by itself, or in conjunction with other horsey gifts. Kids love to know that they’ve made a difference.
Make this a great holiday for your young horse lover with toys, games, gift baskets, riding lessons, and charitable donations all centered on horses. You can be sure that these gifts won’t be forgotten when the holiday ends!
