The Christmas season is upon us, and of all the people (and animals) on your list we think your horse just might be the most important. Whether they are a high performance athlete, retired pasture pony or anything in between- our staff have pulled together a collection of gift ideas at a range of price points.
1. Forage Feeders and Stall Toys
The Parallax Hay Ball is a hard plastic slow forage feeder with 32 flat faces that enable the feeder to roll around as the horse grazes on the hay or treats inside. These balls are incredibly durable (tested for extreme temperatures up to +/- 40 c!) and stand up very well in paddocks and group turnout.
The Kentucky Relax Horse Play Ball is made of rubber, making it very quiet to hang in a stall. This ball holds up to 2kg of hay, can be used to soak hay and is easily cleaned with warm water- making it perfect for horses on stall rest, limited turnout or for transport.
Eskadron Horse Toys feature a durable faux leather surface with lots of fun textures and ropes for your horse to pull and nibble on.
LeMieux also makes horse toys with a durable suede outer, filled with natural husk and lined with hessian for extra strength.
2. A New Halter
Christmas feels like the perfect time for a new halter, almost like new shoes on the first day of school. Like shoes, we need halters for all occasions- and backups! Our staff have selected their favorite halters at a range of price points.
Our favorites for everyday halters are the Horseware Ireland Signature Leather Halter ($119.95) and the 5/A Baker Breakaway Halter ($89.95).
For show or travel halters, our favorites include the Dy'on Leather Halter ($298), Antares Leather Halter ($230) and the Kentucky Sheepskin Shipping Halter ($195).
3. Hoof Care
The adage 'no hoof, no horse' rings as true today as it did whenever it was first said. Invest in hoof health with products to keep hooves strong through the wettest time of the year.
Keratex Hoof Hardener strengthens weak, worn and cracked hooves by improving the molecular structure of the horn itself. This product is effective in wet and dry conditions by preventing the horn form taking in excess moisture, making it resistant to softening, weakening and more resilient to bruising.
Sound Hoof Conditioner is a fast-acting hoof conditioner formulated by farriers by farriers using natural ingredients. One of our bestsellers, this product helps to maintain moisture and ensure a supple, healthy hoof.
4. Cookies
Your horse might have a favorite treat, or love and appreciate all treats equally. We carry a wide range of treats, from the classic Stud Muffins to the festive Boo and Moo treats and lower sugar options like G's Cookies and Durwell Nibs.
5. Therapies
The gift of health is the best one of all. Technology just keeps improving, and we carry a wide range of products to reduce inflammation, increase blood flow and keep your horse healthy and comfortable.
Back on Track's state of the art fabric contains polyester thread embedded with a fine ceramic powder to reflect your horse's body warmth and create a soothing infrared heat. Consider the No Bow wraps, back warmer or mesh rug for your horse.
Ice Vibe boots are rechargeable vibrating boots that boost circulation by creating a massage effect. The gel packs that come with the boots can be frozen for a cooling effect or used room temperature or warm for arthritic or stiff horses. You can purchase Ice Vibe boots for hocks, knees and legs to target areas of concern.
Incrediwear is a germanium/carbon- embedded fiber that is activated when exposed to body heat, with negative ion release triggering a mechanical increase in blood flow and increased lymphatic drainage. Some products, like the Circulation Hoof Socks can be used wet for an icing effect.