Gift Ideas For Horse Lovers

by Lisa Kiley – Published in The Horsemen’s Corral December 2021

While there are people who want jewelry, clothes, or the latest gadgets for Christmas, the true way to a horseperson’s heart is to get something that they need for around the farm.  While a new saddle or blanket is nice, there are some equipment essentials that will fill your horse loving loved one with cheer.  While some items might be an investment, barn equipment needs are what keep us thankful every day of the year. There are also items without big price tags that can make time spent in the barn even more fun.  Here are our top 10 suggestions for the horse lover in your life:

10. New Buckets

This one isn’t even going to break the budget, how about giving your farm a quick facelift with new buckets? Consider getting buckets in your barn colors or a different color for each horse.  Buckets filled with horse treats (or other small items) make a great upgrade from a standard Christmas stocking. 

9. Pitch Forks & Muck Tubs

While you might get in big trouble for getting your significant other a vacuum for the house, new pitch forks and manure buckets are a different story.   Pick fun colors and add a manure cart to make the gift complete. 

8. Stall Gates

The addition of stall gates to a barn provides several benefits.  Increasing ventilation and sunlight, some gates will also allow the horse to put their head out for socialization and enrichment.  There are many styles to choose from and they will take less time to install than it takes to put your kids toys together. 

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7. Tack Organization

Most horse people have plenty of tack, so what better gift than something to hang and organize all their prized possessions?  Saddle racks, bridle hooks, blanket bars are all great suggestions.  Rolling carts and baskets will be the hit of the holidays!

6. Load Dumper

If you haven’t heard of this handy wheelbarrow (that is so much more than a wheelbarrow) you need to check it out.  It comes in a couple different sizes and allows you to dump the load of manure or whatever you put in it with the ease of one hand.  There is even a hitch option so it can be pulled with a lawn tractor or ATV. 

5. Stall Mats

While not the sexiest gift on the list, this one may be the agreed upon ‘barn gift’ for the holiday.  Well placed stall mats are great for your horses and will make stall cleaning easier every day.  Want to make the job easier?  Throw in a few Mat Movers that will make them much easier to move and adjust.

4. Mud Grids

Mud is miserable, mud grids provide an easy solution and will help keep your horses legs and your new boots clean this winter into the spring.  Put them around your gate areas, feeders, and loafing sheds.  They are easy to install and can be moved where you need them most. 

3. Hay Elevator

It may be winter now, but we will be putting up hay before you know it.  Make that job as easy as can be with a new hay elevator.  There are lots of options in length and if you already have one, think about adding a transport kit or a bale chute. 

2. Round Pen

There are few gifts that can top this one!  A round pen is one of the best training tools for horses and has many different uses from groundwork to riding.  Getting a versatile round pen that is made of horse safe panels can be moved and expanded as needed.  A 60’ round pen is a great size for most uses. 

1. Manure Spreader

We saved the best for last!  Manure spreaders are often top on the list for horse lovers of all backgrounds and disciplines.  It’s something that you can use daily to make chores and manure management a breeze at your barn.