Walking On Volume 2, Issue 11, November/December 2015 | Page 11

10 Gift Ideas for Horse Lovers By Kit Heathcock Wondering what to give the horse lover in your life? Whether it’s a horse-mad ten year old, or a devoted horse-owning adult, there are plenty of gifts that they would be delighted to receive, especially if your gift reflects the biggest passion in their life - the beautiful, majestic horse! Read on for suggestions in all budgets, for Christmas, birthdays or just because they deserve it. Horse art A beautiful painting of a horse makes a brilliant gift for child or adult, something that they will treasure their whole lives. For a horse-owner you could even commission a painting of their horse from a skilled equestrian artist. Most children would love an evocative painting of any horse or pony, real or imagined. Horse photography If an original painting is beyond your budget, perhaps limited edition horse photography prints would be the answer. There are some horse photographers out there doing beautiful work and creating works of art of their favourite animals. Tack A horse-owner always has lots of wants it the way of tack and grooming tools. Find out what is on their wish list, or surprise them with a fancy halter, personalised numnah or the like. Subscription to a horse magazine A subscription to their favourite horse magazine would be a good present for older child or adult, a gift that lasts the whole year. Trail ride Adults who love riding but aren’t lucky enough to own a horse might love the gift of a trail ride or even of a horse-riding vacation if you are feeling very generous. Riding Lessons There are lots of horse-mad children who aren’t lucky enough to have regular riding lessons - it’s an expensive hobby for parents to support. These kids would be over the moon to be offered a series of riding lessons at a local riding stables. Pony Camp If the child you are buying for already has regular lessons, perhaps they’d like something extra in the way of riding experience. Check out if their stables offers holiday pony camps or activity days. Perhaps there’s a show they’d love to enter but parents can’t afford entry fees... there are lots of riding extras that could be given as a gift. After all a child that loves riding can never get enough of it! Schleich or Papo toy horses For smaller gifts and stocking stuffers for kids from 4-14 who love horses, check out the Schleich and Papo ranges of toy horses. They come in a vast range of beautifully detailed models, featuring different breeds and horse families, stallions, mares, geldings and foals and will give children hours of imaginative play whether they are regular riders or still just dreaming of being able to ride. Posters If original horse art or photography is beyond your budget, then look out for horse posters for your child’s bedroom wall. Think of having them laminated so that they will stand up to the wear and tear of being loved. DVDs There are loads of great and classic horse movies, many of which would please adults and children alike: - Secretariat, Dreamer, My Friend Flicka, Seabiscuit and many more. Check out what movies they already have and fill in the gaps in the collection with some of the classics. Kit Heathcock is a freelance writer with two horse-made daughters. She recently discovered the work of Rachel Dubber, a well-known equine artist and photographer, with a lifelong passion for horses. She creates a wide range of stunning horse art, photography and sculpture. Currently based in Cape Town, South Africa she portrays the individuality of each equestrian subject, both for portrait commissions and for her own art. Article Source: http://EzineArticles. com/expert/Kit_Heathcock/18441