Gifts for the Horsey Crowd
D
o you know someone who is just crazy about horses? I used to be...in fact I used to ride when I was much younger. My husband and I took weekly English riding lessons for a few years and learned the basics of dressage and even started jumping. We met a lot of like-minded people and had a great time.
I even shared half the cost of stabling a horse named Spike. Spike and I didn't really "click" — he knew that I wasn't expert in my riding ability. Horses don't like to be ridden (it's true) so Spike took every opportunity to test me. I often had to make quick decisions how to make the over 1,000-pound animal go in the direction I wanted. Needless to say our relationship was terminated after a few short weeks.
We eventually bought a house and moved out of the area, but still kept driving to our lessons until work made it impossible to continue. I never regretted learning how to ride.
English riding differs from western in many ways. The obvious is the tack, especially the saddle. Western riding is easier that English, which is why it's the preferred style that is offered in most holiday packages. Even a novice can handle sitting on the wider, more secure western saddle while riding on a beach or down a mountain-side.
Pictured below are English saddles (left) and a western saddle (right). The western ones are larger, heavier, more ornate, and have a pommel — the English ones are smaller and lighter, enabling the rider closer contact with the horse.
If you are just starting out, consider taking English riding lessons. Even if you end up riding western style, there are many additional things to learn from the English style that will help you to better control your horse. A gift of lessons (for a young person especially) is a wonderful idea, especially if there is also access to a good riding instructor.
Learning to ride teaches responsibility, patience and discipline, and helps develop a sense of balance and better reflexes. It truly is a sport for all ages!
There are many reputable schools around, usually within a short drive of most cities or towns. Make sure you get references. Lessons usually start around $25 per hour for a group lesson.
A typical first lesson starts in the stables learning to halter and saddle your horse. A good instructor will explain the correct method of grooming and handling before you even lead the animal to the arena where you will learn how to mount (have fun the first time!). During the lesson you are taught the correct seating position (keep those heels down), and aids you will use (using reins, seat and leg contact) to communicate with the horse. Learning how to properly dismount is also important, as is knowing what to do if (when) you fall — I call it dismounting with style. Future lessons will take you through the various gaits — walk, trot, canter — all while working on balance and getting your horse “on the bit” so there is better contact and control. After each riding session there may also be tips on grooming and feeding.
Don’t spend a ton of money on an outfit until you’ve taken a few lessons and are sure that you want to continue. Also, don’t buy English riding gear if you want to only ride western and go trail riding.
Some tack shops have consignment sections where you can buy gently used clothing, but remember, whatever you do purchase, make sure it isn't baggy or too loose. You don't want anything getting caught up in the saddle or reins in case you have a fall.
Most of the following suggestions are suitable for both English and western riders.
A helmet is something you probably want to buy new. You want to get the most protection here, and a used one may have some unseen damage. A lot of western riders don’t wear them, but I would think twice (I’ve been thrown off more than once and am glad to have worn a helmet).
Stretchy pants or riding breeches are the most comfortable, but many people wear jeans with some stretch. I prefer breeches with suede knee patches — they provide you with a better grip on your horse. Don’t ever wear shorts! Your inner thighs will eventually be rubbed raw (painful)!
Boots (any pair with a small tread and about a 1 to 1-1/2 inch heel) will prevent your foot from slipping through the stirrup. There is no real standard for boots, but choose a pair that is suitable for the type of riding you do. Rubber boots are good for beginners, but they tend to heat up on your leg and hold moisture. Leather ones are comfortable and will let your leg "breath" but can be really expensive.
Gloves are controversial. Some people say they can't feel the contact between the reins and the horse's mouth when they wear them. I say they're a must, but that's only because I feel it's most comfortable for me. Find some that aren't too bulky.
Here are some well-known retailers geared to the horsey crowd:
In Canada: picovs.ca and applesaddlery.com
In the US: equestriancollections.com and horze.com
Owning a horse is not cheap. There is the initial cost of buying the animal (anything from free to millions) and then the maintenance over the horse's lifetime (vet, feed, stabling, farrier, your equipment) and any other additional costs. In fact, the purchase of the horse may be the smallest expense.
The average lifespan of a horse is 25 to 30 years, but as in everything in life, there are exceptions to this rule and there have been horses who've survived into their 50s.
The verdict is still out on the best breed of horse to buy if you're a novice rider, but most horse experts agree that geldings are a good choice if you're inexperienced. The most important thing to look for is whether the horse has a reliable, steady temperament.
American Quarter Horses are a safe bet because of their even temperament and ability to be easily trained — a great choice for families and beginners. thesprucepets.com
Read more about the most popular breeds here: thesprucepets.com
For information on everything you need to know about horses, ownership and riding check out: thesprucepets.com
Here is a list of products any horse lover would welcome as a gift.
This beautiful handmade leather journal with side clasp is embossed with a unique horse design and contains blank handmade paper. Use it for a diary, drawing or anything else you desire. There are other journals available and the pages are refillable. All the reviews about this product are glowin. etsy.com
This stainless steel knife is made from rosewood and is engraved with a picture of a galloping horse. The back can also be customised with a message in a choice of different fonts. northwestgifts.com
Equus magazine is the leader in equine publications and a must-read for anyone who enjoys the equestrian lifestyle. Each issue is packed with in-depth articles ranging from training techniques and the latest equine veterinary advances to everything you need to know about riding a horse, no matter what your style. International subscriptions are available. equusmagazine.com
Keep your horse from getting bored with this fun toy that will keep him occupied. The durable ball attaches to the stable wall and provides a tasty reward while the horse works at licking the spinning ball. marystack.com
Based on the original Monopoly, this fun board game is horseplay! It teaches players about different breeds while buying horses and building barns. Ages 8 and up. Canada: amazon.ca USA: amazon.com
Bucephalus is one of the most famous horses of antiquity. He was Alexander the Great’s favourite steed and thought to be a Thessalian breed. If you saw the 1979 Black Stallion movie you will hear the story of Bucephalus and see the main character (Alec) being given a small statue of the horse. This is a wonderful gift for any Black Stallion fan. etsy.com
By D Revelins
Photo Credits: See Acknowledgements