1. Fun with Fergus
He’s at it again: Fergus, the world’s most popular cartoon horse, is embarking on an epic adventure inspired by a classic holiday poem in Fergus and The Night Before Christmas, by Jean Abernathy. Expect colorful illustrations and a laugh on every page as Fergus and his motley group of equine teammates bravely take to the skies in this delightful book. Can Santa handle this awkward team and deliver the perfect gift on the most magical night of the year? Hardcover, 80 pages; $15.95; www.EquineNetworkStore.com.
2. Plush Pony
The perfect holiday gift, an award-winning Piccoli Horse makes a great companion for anyone in need of a huggable buddy. Each classic 14-inch stuffed horse comes with a saddle tag code that can be entered on the Piccoli Horses website to reveal its unique registered name. Choose from tan, black or dark brown with your choice of a saddle print in either blue daisy or blue plaid. Mini and racehorse models are also available; $30; www.piccolihorses.com.
3. Pearl of a Helmet
Champion helmets are handmade, certified to stringent U.S. and British safety standards and available in the U.S. exclusively from Toklat. Treat yourself or another lucky rider to Champion’s stylish new Evolution Pearl Helmet. Built on a low-profile, lightweight fiberglass shell with ventilated airflow, it boasts a synthetic-leather finish with pearlized patent piping detail and a silver vent. The crown is padded with breathable, high-tech microfiber for comfort. There’s also a four-point, padded synthetic-leather harness with rear lacing adjustment and a quick-release buckle. Sizes 6¼–7¾; black or navy; $469.95; www.toklat.com.
4. Smart Glove
Made from an exclusive Polarstretch fabric that is form-fitting, breathable and machine-washable, the Heritage Polarstretch 2.0 Winter Glove wicks perspiration to keep your hands warm on cool days. Other features include a grip-pattern palm, reflective piping on top and touchscreen-friendly fingertips that allow you to operate a smartphone without removing your gloves. The workmanship and materials are guaranteed for 90 days after purchase. Available in youth size 5 and adult sizes 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11; black; $29.95; www.heritage gloves.com.
5. Wrapped Tight
For the ultimate in cozy comfort this winter, why not try a pair of tights instead of traditional breeches? The premium fabric in the new Dublin Performance Thermal Active Tight is designed for optimal performance in the saddle, while the silicon print is intended to provide grip and stability. For added flexibility and support, the tights are styled with an attractive contrast knit panel along the thigh. In ladies’ sizes 24–36; navy, iron, plum or black; $89.99; www.dublinclothing.com.
6. One-Stop Turnout
There are turnout rugs, and then there is Horseware Ireland’s Rambo Bundle Duo, which offers versatility and breathability no matter the weather. Consisting of a 100-gram fill, 1000-denier ballistic nylon outer layer with a 100-gram hood, a 100-gram liner and a 300-gram liner, it’s a light, medium and heavyweight rug all in one—a complete outerwear system. (You can also purchase the HorsePal sensor and download its related app to monitor your horse’s blanketing needs.) Sizes 66–87; navy with beige, red and white; $519; www.horseware.com.
7. Love Those Layers
An old favorite offered in fresh new colors, the Romfh Aachen Zip Mock is your go-to for cold- weather layering, whether in the saddle, tackling barn chores or shopping in town. Fashioned from a butter-soft, micropoly one-sided fleece, this top features smart details including fleece trim along the collar edge, an embroidered logo and a contrasting zipper. Machine-washable. In ladies’ sizes extra-small–extra-large; burgundy, black or charcoal; $79.95; www.Romfh.com.
8. Signature Ride
Classically designed and hand-built in Italian leather, Equiline’s Scott Stewart Signature Saddle features a narrow twist, molded and padded flap, fixed knee block, traditional stirrup bar and a comfort seat with T-Foam padding. The timeless hunter styling is evident in the printed calfskin leather flap with hidden stirrup-leather keeper and brown stitching. Available in T-Foam or synthetic wool flocking, this saddle is fully customizable for both horse and rider. Seat sizes 16, 17 or 18 inches; narrow, medium or wide wither sizes; prices available upon request; (561) 880-8920; www.equilineamerica.com.
9. Mantra Magic
A great way to get motivated for your ride or to encourage a friend, Swanky Saddle Company’s Equestrian Mantra Bangles (as also seen on www.ExceptionalEquestrian.com) are adjustable and fun to stack. Choose from a variety of mantras, including: One Stride at a Time; Soft Hands, Strong Legs; Every Ride is a Journey; and More Leg. One for $20, three for $50, five for $75 or seven for $100. Custom orders also available; www.swankysaddle.com.
10. Sweets for the Sweet
Have a hard-to-buy-for equestrian on your gift list? Consider this selection of rich, equine-themed dark chocolates in a horse-design carryall. Nestled inside Dark Horse Chocolates Equestrian Tote is an eight-piece dark chocolate English assortment, including Grand Prix Jumpers (dark chocolate with caramel); Dressage Classics (dark chocolate with almond butter crunch toffee) and Peppermint Ponies (dark chocolate with peppermint crunch). Once the chocolates are gone (which won’t take long), the 8-inch by 8-inch by 4¾-inch jute tote bag with grosgrain handles is perfect for carrying lunch or other essentials all year long; $26; www.harborsweets.com.
