by Syd, age 13

Okay, listen up all you horse lovers — I’m here! Nope, not Santa, but Syd. Can’t you see me flying through the air on Christmas on a beautiful, perfect white Pegasus? Well, I may not be able to do that, but I can sure help you this holiday season. So I’m here with the ultimate horsey holiday guide.

First off, we all need to remember to be thankful. I don’t care what it’s for — your horse, riding lessons, new breeches and boots, or just the fact the neighbors allow you to gallop around crazily on their old gelding. Remember to take a moment this season to stop and thank your parents, grandparents, and friends. Also if you can visit your equine friends it’d be nice to let them know how much you appreciate them with a carrot or two, and maybe a nice frolic through the trails!

We all know giving is a thousand times better than receiving, right? I don’t know about you guys, but I love shopping for other people (ahem and horses), and the expression that comes onto their face when they open your present and they say, “It’s exactly what I wanted!” So I’m here to suggest gifts, brands, and websites for all your equine-obsessed friends this holiday season. Or who knows, maybe you’ve got a pal whose birthday is around the holidays — I know I do!

First of all, if you’re looking for quality riding clothes, let me be the first to tell you:

• Breeches: Tuff Rider, Dublin, Ariat and Devon
• Boots: Ariat, Saxon, Dublin,
• Halfchaps: Dublin
• Gloves: SSG
• Jeans: Wrangler, Levis
• Cowboys Boots: I have no idea, but I love mine. Western riders, please help!
• Helmets: Charles Owen, GPA, Troxel and Aegis

GHC CATALOG & RELATED LINKS: Horse & Rider Catalog

Now if you are looking for awesome gifts, here are some ideas to give your riding friends:

• Homemade horsey treats (their horses will love you more!)
• Fun equine themed ornaments
• I LOVE getting socks, especially riding ones
• No one’s too old to get a Breyer horse collectible, are they?
• Can’t go wrong with a good horse book
• Horsey movies

GHC CATALOG & RELATED LINKS: Homemade Horse Treats | Horsey Arts & Crafts | Horse Books, Games, DVDs and More

Since I mentioned books and movies might as well give you a good list:

• Chicken Soup for the Horse Lovers Soul (1 and 2)
• Horse Miracles
• The Mythology of Horses
• Barbaro: A Nation’s Love Story
• My Friend Flicka
• Hold Your Horses
• Chosen By a Horse

And movies:

• Seabiscuit
• Virginia’s Run
• Flicka
• National Velvet
• The Horse Whisperer

GHC CATALOG & RELATED LINKS: Horse Books, Games, DVDs and More

Now some great websites to check out:

• WildHorseFeathers.com
• Statelinetack.com
• DoverSaddlery.com
• Kerrits.com

Okay, we’ve covered remembering to be thankful and what to give other people. Now what about you? We know that at the top of all our lists is going to be A HORSE — duh. But most of us know the cold hard truth is never gonna happen. But at least we can ask for some other stuff.

“Mom my boots are getting tight!” “I can’t squeeze into my breeches anymore!” “My show coat is so three seasons ago!” I’m sure our show moms are getting tired of hearing all that! So the obvious and the best thing to ask for is riding clothes. Even if you don’t show, it’s nice to show up to your lesson after the holidays with brand spankin’ new hunter green breeches and polished black boots!

Also, if you take lessons and want to start showing, and still know that your own horse is out of the question, go for the next best thing — a lease. This way you aren’t responsible for the horse or pony 24/7, you get to choose the days you ride, and you still have your own horse (in a way).

Don’t forget magazine subscriptions and/or equine books. I’ve learned so much over the past years from these it’s not even funny. Even when I didn’t ride, I still studied the horse for hours and hours (when I should have been doing my homework). It’s great to get a new book and read about a breed you’ve never heard of, or learn about a discipline you’ve been wanting to try. So these should definitely be a priority on your list.

I hope I’ve been a major help to all of you. I know just writing this has been a help to me with research and ideas. So no matter what, where or who you celebrate this season, have a great holiday!