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Christmas is coming up and we always want to show our love and appreciation to those around us. I know I always have something little under the tree for my horses and dogs.
We all know our horses have everything they could possibly wish for, and want for nothing. Most of their needs being looked after long before our own needs are addressed.
Here are some ideas on how to spoil them (and you).
Christmas present ideas for your horse
1. Safe snacks/ Treats
Who doesn't love to show love with food. This can be difficult with some horses that are more sensitive to high starch treats, which are commonly on the market.
Carrots can be a nice healthy treat, and are generally safe for all but the most metabolic of horses, if given in moderation.
For horses that have dental issues, or are prone to choke you can grate the carrot to make it softer to feed.
You can also make my Linseed and Cinnamon Nibbles for them. These can be packaged up in a nice little bag to give them.
2. New tack
Who doesn't love to buy their horse some new tack! A nice fresh new season coloured saddle blanket, or new halter.... or of course a new Saddle!
3. A session with a saddle fitter
If we are going to splurge and buy a new saddle, I recommend making part of the present a fitting with a professional saddle fitter. This means the beautiful new saddle will not only look great, but feel great for your horse. Afterall, this is a present for them!....Isn't it?...
4. New Grooming Gear
Are you still picking out hooves with the bent hoof pick, with the damaged brush that resembles an old frayed toothbrush?
Is the handle on your brush continually coming out?
Look for a nice new grooming set. If finances are tight you may just want to replace the piece that is damaged, or you might want to splurge on a whole new matching kit.
5. New Rugs
Christmas is a great time to replace some of those rugs that are a little worse for wear, and wont get clean no matter how often you try to wash them.
If you still have some good quality rugs that just need a little repair, find the local rug mender, and have them freshened up.
6. New feed pots or water trough
Is their feed bucket handle broken? Do they have lots of scuffs and marks? Is the bottom of the feed pot starting to look rough and damaged?
Some new feed buckets can freshen up their dinner.
Upgrading their water system can also be a useful present for some horses. Even replacing a hose that is so old it is constantly kinking, or replacing the hose nozzle that will not ever turn off properly anymore. Remember, presents can be practical!
7. An artwork of them.
This can be a commissioned artwork, or a framed picture you, or your kid has drawn of them.
This can be as low or high cost as your budget dictates.
For the non artistic, this could be a nice photo printed out and framed, a hoof print in paint or even an outline of their facial markings.
8. A consultation with an Equine Nutritionist
What can be better than the gift of optimal nutrition?!
This can make sure you are not over or under feeding, and helps to improve performance and recovery.
you can book in for a Nutrition consult here
9. A Naturopathic Consultation
For horses that have been struggling with a health concern, a naturopathic consultation can help to restore their health, or better manage a chronic condition. If you have a horse that needs some more specialised and individualised health care, this can be a great present.
My naturopathic consultations include the nutrition consult as part of this service, so they are getting two presents!
10. A new product or supplement
Christmas can be the perfect time to trial a new product you have been eyeing off, but not been able to put into your everyday budget.
11. Pasture analysis
Getting a pasture analysis can be the best way to make sure the diet you are feeding is meeting all of their needs. We can only guess without having the analysis done. please ask me if you are interested in this, and I can send you through some information on this.
12. A Session with a body worker.
Who doesn't love a massage voucher for Christmas!
13. A professional photo shoot for you and your horse.
capturing these moments will last a lifetime for you.
Find a photographer whose work you adore, and buy yourself a nice outfit for the occasion. Choose your favourite/s and have them framed and hang them in your house. Then you are always with your horse, even when you have to go inside for the night.
14. A new miniature horse companion
You've heard of getting a puppy for Christmas, well, what about getting your horse a puppy equivalent! A new miniature horse! Yay!
15. A Clinic
Booking into a clinic that is going to help build the relationship you have with your horse is always going to be money well spent. If you do lots of clinics that help build your riding skills in your chosen discipline, try finding a clinic that focuses on the horse, and your relationship and understanding of each other.
What Christmas presents do you like to get for your horse? Please let us know what Christmas present ideas you have for your horse in the comments below.
Give your horse a pat for me!