’Tis the season in which we set out in pursuit of gifts that surprise and delight for their uniqueness, personal intention, or everyday practicality. At OR, we typically adhere to a common gifting principle: something one might not otherwise splurge on for oneself, no matter how big or small.
For inspiration, we turned to a handful of familiar faces in our riding community and asked them what they are most excited about gifting this year, as well as what they would purchase if they were going to treat themselves. It may come as no surprise that with time and self-indulgence in limited supply, equestrians are quite pragmatic even in their gifting. That said, these “gifts” and “grabs” are wonderful tips even for the non-riders in your life, and for still more ideas, consider our multiple guides from throughout the year.
Adrienne Sternlicht, International Show Jumper
Give:
“This holiday season I’m super excited to gift an Instant Pot! With our crazy schedule in Wellington it makes cooking super easy and I hope it will come in handy on hectic days! You can throw in veggies, broth, etc. before leaving for the barn and come back with dinner ready. It’s my latest obsession!! My favorite recipe so far is Italian Wedding Soup. I’m fairly new to this so I’m experimenting.”
Grab:
“If I were to buy a gift for myself it’d be a 3-month unlimited class pack at Moksha Yoga in Wellington. I love the studio and it’s super close to the show!”
Kristina Lake, Founder of Dreamers & Schemers Boot Socks
Give:
“I tend to gift the things that I am currently obsessed with. This year, they’re Woodlot Candles in Original, Fat and the Moon Love Thyself Bod Oil, Mare Pony Ornaments, Sheringham Distillery small batch Seaside Gin (made with local seaweed!), and D&S socks for anyone who rides of course!”
Grab:
“A Peloton bike. And Christmas came early this year – mine is in transit! I can’t wait, I am so excited!!”
Daphne Markow, Founder of Oughton Limited
Give:
“So, this Christmas I am excited to be gifting people our brand new Barn Tote Bag in Basto Grey with their nameplate on the front!”
Grab:
“Here is what I have already splurged on for myself: the all new Callidae practice shirt. I am a detail girl and this is perforation perfection. I am more focused than ever on covering up this summer – myself and my daughter. As an entrepreneur, I also love buying from a small company, I love hearing about the product from the founder and designer. It makes life so much richer!”
Daniel Bluman, Olympic Show Jumper
Give:
“I am not the best at remembering birthdays or special dates! I also have trouble finding the right gifts for such occasions! I look forward to being able to reach out at all friends and family to wish them happy holidays and a healthy 2019!”
Grab:
“A few months ago I purchased a farm in North Salem, New York. That counts for my holiday present for the next 10 years!”
Megan Smith Ray, Owner of Pilates For Equestrians
Give:
“I’m gifting a 9″ Pilates ball to all of my clients (who I hope aren’t reading this!), so that they can work their core anywhere. This little ball delivers a magical 20-minute workout. And when P4E Online launches this spring, they’ll be ready to go.”
Grab:
“A horse of course! But I’m putting all my money into my business…so just riding more! Anyone can DM me if their horse needs to be exercised!”
Elissa Lumley, Co-Founder of Outside Rein
Give:
“Everyone is getting Noosh this year. As a peanut butter fanatic, this turned me on to its almond counterpart…packed with protein, low in sugar, and tastier than Nutella. Riders need to be able to grab an energy snack. These little pouches turn into a creative gift when packaged in a pretty bowl with mini apples.”
Grab:
“I am a huge fan of Dr. Gross at-home Alpha Beta Peels. They hydrate and smooth out my skin. It is a treat for my face before bed, especially in the winter.”
Sarah Johnson, Owner of The Horse Education Company
Give:
“Because I make them, I’m always excited to gift friends with a Hybrid Halter with an engraved nameplate. To me, the holidays are all about family – including friends and animals and its just a really special way to show care for my friends’ own four-legged family.”
Grab:
“A really good pair of wellies. I love these from Joules with a little bit of faux fur. It’s always nice to be able to go out in the world looking stylish, but still be able to do a barn check – a dream come true when you can do it all in one pair of shoes!”
Kate Motley, Eliane van Reesema, and Laxmi Wordham, Founders of Hylofit
Give:
Elaine: “I would like to give all my horsey friends the best bond with their horse through Hylofit, the best communication tool and more!!”
Kate: “Filled stockings to my kids on Christmas morning — their excitement and unfettered joy are a present to everyone else!”
Laxmi:”I’m looking forward to giving my son his first Mac computer this year, and Hylofit to all my riding friends.”
Grab:
Eliane: “A super Christmas dinner with all of my family, and for my friends to be happy and healthy in 2019!!”
Kate: “New ski boots!!”
Laxmi: “I’m hoping for the new iWatch!”
Courtney Morse
Co-Founder, Outside Rein
Give:
“I’m currently obsessed with Patagonia’s Capilene Air line. Spoiler alert: if we’re friends, this is probably what you’re getting from me!”
Grab:
“My favorite restaurant of all time just came out with a cookbook, and though I’m not one to follow recipes (like, ever), I would definitely give it my best shot with recipes from Estela‘s chef, Ignacio Mattos.”
