You know you just love your horse and you really don’t give a scoop of horse poop what people think about it. Your horse doesn’t tell secrets, he’s a great listener, hauls your butt over hill or dale, and asks little in return except for some good chow and care. Christmas isn’t just for people at your barn; give your horse the perfect gift. He’ll love you for it!
Gift Idea #1: Horse Toys
Horse toys are a great gift idea for the horse. Some toys are suitable for turn out play, and others for the horse’s stall. Horses are often bored during the winter months from long hours in paddock areas or being kept in a stall. This can lead to behavioral issues for your horse. Toys will alleviate boredom and keep your horse occupied for hours. Rotate toys every few days to keep your horse interested.
Buy your horse a Jolly Ball(TM). The Jolly Ball(TM) is ten inches in diameter, and is made from durable polyethylene with a handle molded right in. Jolly Balls come in several bright colors including red, teal, blue, and purple. As long as the ball is not punctured it will retain its shape and offer hours of amusement for your horse. These are available from many online sources including Dover Saddlery, Stateline Tack, and Amazon. Key word search: Jolly Ball.
The Likit(TM) is a great gift idea for your horse. You can purchase the hanging plastic Likit(TM) holder and refills that are flavored apple, mint, and carrot. These are like a suspended flavored sucker for your horse’s licking pleasure. These can be purchased online from Smart Pak Equine, Toklat, The Saddlery Shop in the United Kingdom. Key word search: Likit.
The Tongue Twister is a cool horse toy that takes very little space in the stall. It has a ball that spins as the horse licks, giving hours of amusement. What I really like about the Tongue Twister(TM) horse toy is that it fastens to the wall of the horse’s stall. It also holds the Little Likits refills, comes in various flavors. It makes for another interesting and flavorful diversion for your horse.
Another great stall toy is the Boredom Breaker(TM). This is another fantastic stall toy to occupy the horses hours spent in the stall. This toy has a scewer that will hold fruits or vegetables. It will also hold two small mini Likits (TM). The Boredom Breaker is available in red and blue. Priced at about $45.00 and available online at Frog Pool Manor Saddlery, and Equestrian Clearance Store. Keyword search: Boredom Breaker.
Gift Idea #2: Horse Blanket
When temperatures dip below freezing your horse will appreciate a warm blanket to beat the cold. Select the horse blanket based on the use of the blanket. Turn out blankets should be waterproof (not water resistant as these will allow the horse to get wet) for winter use. If you plan to keep your horse stalled a nice barn blanket will work nicely. To measure for fit of your horse’s blanket place a tape measure at the center of the horse’s chest and measure to the center of the tail keeping the tape as level as possible. EQ Tack is an awesome online source for quality horse blankets, Jeffers Equine is a great source for discount priced blankets. When fitting the blanket to your horse be sure straps are loose enough to not bind, but tight enough to ensure the horse does not become entangled in straps or buckles. Your horse will love his blanket on those cold, wet, and snowy days of winter. Keyword search: Horse Blanket.
Gift Idea #3: Equine Massage
Oh yeah….they like it too. Search online for a certified equine massage therapist. Your older horse will especially appreciate getting the kinks worked out of sore muscles and joints. Another great alternative therapy for your horse is an equine chiropractic, or a Reiki Master. These equine professionals focus on the physical comfort and well being of the horse.
Gift Idea #4: A New Stall
If your horse has been braving the weather, what better time than now to get a winterized stall built to shelter your equine friend from the elements? This can be purchased as kits from the Tractor Supply Store and other online sources. Keyword Search: horse stalls.
Gift Idea #5: Stall Mats
If your horse already has a nice stall, why not add a stall mat for the horse’s comfort. Stall mats cushion the horse from long hours of standing, and provide a softer play to lay during the night hours. Stall mats also alleviate stress on the joints. These can be purchased affordable from the Tractor Supply Store, Stall Mats online store, and from Ramm Fencing.
Gift Idea #6: Winnie’s Cookies(TM)
Winnie’s Cookies are a treat and supplement all in one. Winnie’s Cookies have no preservatives and are full of healthy nutrients, and minerals. If you are already feeding a whole feed that has the supplements added I wouldn’t recommend adding the cookies. But if your horse is being fed on hay and simple grains the Winnie’s Cookies will be a great addition to your horse’s diet and trust me, the horse will love them! You can buy them by the bucket for Valley Vet. Keyword search: Winnie’s Cookies.
Gift Idea #7: Treeless Saddle
Want to feel your horse just really relax and move out freely? Switch from a treed to a treeless saddle. These saddles are made from soft, cushioned, flexible materials, and will fit multiple horses. Recommended choices are the Sensation G3(TM), Bob Marshal Sports Saddle(TM), Barefoot(TM), and Torsion(TM). These saddles are available from online sources and do do not have the fitting issues of a treed saddle. Some can be custom ordered in some pretty unique color combinations that will make you and your horse stand out from the crowd. Your horse and your fanny will thank you for a treeless.
Gift Idea #8: Buy or borrow a buddy for your horse.
Horse’s are herd animals and it is their nature to buddy up with someone. If you work long hours and can’t spend a lot of time with your horse consider getting him a buddy. This won’t mean that you will necessarily have to buy another horse, maybe just share your pasture or take on a boarder that will buddy up with your horse. Both horses will enjoy the companionship of another equine. They will interact, play, and get more exercise. If this is not a feasible option, try a goat!
Gift Idea #9: Hire a natural hoof practitioner to trim and balance your horse’s hooves.
If your horse does not spend time on pavement or gravel they can easily transition to being barefoot. This is one gift idea that can actually save you money once the horse has healthy hooves you may see that soundness problems become a thing of the past. Keyword search: Natural Hoof Care Practitioner
Gift Idea #10: Time and Training
These are probably the most important things you can do for your equine friend. It assures safety for your, and makes your horse a better equine citizen and gives the horse a sound mind. You could consider the gift of training a gift for you as well as your horse. The time you give to your horse will not cost you anything and will strengthen your bond.
Reference:
- www.doversaddlery.com/category.asp?c=202&bhcd2=1163349072 www.statelinetack.com www.amazon.com www.smartpakequine.com www.toklat.com www.frogpool.com www.equestrianclearance.com www.eqtack.com www.jeffersequine.com www.satori.com/s.reiki.htm www.eques.com.au/focus/march2005/reiki_healing.htm www.equine-massage-therapy.com/ animalchiropractic.com/ www.mytscstore.com/ www.rammfence.com/horse/stalls/mats.htm www.stallmats.com http:// www.rubbermats.com www.valleyvet.com www.ansursaddle.com www.sportsaddle.com www.gotreeless.com www.aanhcp.org/page2.html
