I am the girl who once actually got a pony for her birthday. I still have the pages of the Dover Saddlery catalogue memorized, and I often skim yard sales for the Thoroughbred books I’m missing. And while you can never go wrong with gifting someone like me a ten-pound bag of carrots, I’ve found as I’ve grown up — but not out of my horse phase — that I can appreciate some more tasteful reminders of my love for all things equestrian.
And because horse girls like Kendall Jenner and Bella Hadid (and actual dressage animals) are having a moment, what follows is my list of must-haves, must-gives, and must-dream-abouts, many of which I’ve tried and/or obsessed over myself. So whether it’s your 8-year old-daughter begging for a pony or your work friend who’s always cutting out early to get to the barn (hi, it’s me), I’ve rounded up the best horsey presents for all ages — and all levels of obsession.
Actual horse things
Every barn I’ve ever been in has a whiteboard that tracks who’s doing what with which horses when. Accordingly, I’ve traded in my day planner, wall calendar, and shared Gcal for writing out my day freehand each morning. Taking five to ten minutes makes things seem more manageable and lets me create buy-in on my scheduling musts (barn time!). This magnet version from the Container Store lets you hang up checks, outgoing mail, and other analog reminders.
Tattini boots all have an elegant, contoured styling that I not only appreciate the look of but the feel of in stirrups. Unlike some paddock boots that can feel clunky to ride in, these let me be more precise in my lower leg without cramping my toes. I’ve worn them on ten-plus-hour days for riding, mucking, throwing hay around, and standing in the ring, and while I don’t know the secret behind the patented “air boost” technology, I can vouch for the fact they are extremely comfortable. Plus, they’re only my third pair of paddock boots since my feet stopped growing, which is a testament to their hardiness.
I’m not sure what non-horse people do without muck buckets. In a barn, they function as step stools, recycling bins, drink coolers, laundry baskets, and tie-dye baths: You name it, I’ve done it. If this 40-quart size won’t work for your space, try its flexible cousin (the only downside is you can’t stand on it).
Clean, dry, oiled leather lasts longer, so even in the months I don’t ride, I’m still looking after my boots, bridles, and saddles, some of which are over 20 years old and in perfect working order. The Effax line is my go-to, and I use it on many of my non-horse leather products as well. Many leather cleaners have a strong odor that ranges from what you think a cowboy’s truck might smell like to living next to a tannery — the Effax scent, in contrast, is unobtrusive, and the products don’t leave behind any residue.
Apparel
A playful and stylish hat like this one is excellent for hiding post-ride helmet hair, letting everyone know where all your money goes and that, yes, those are real spurs on your boots.
I had horse sheets, horse pillowcases, a big horse poster on my wall, and even kept my saddle in my childhood bedroom. These keep the vibe going in a way my non-horsey husband can abide.
I’m partial to anything in herringbone and cognac from textile designer Emily Factor’s beautiful line of saddle pads, polo wraps, boots, and fly bonnets. If you aren’t sure what color will look best on their horse, this waxed-canvas cooler bag is a less specific but no less great gift.
Wild rags are traditionally worn around your neck to protect it and your décolletage from sun, wind, rain, and dust. This silk version from Kit Santa Fe started out as a functional piece, but now I wear it around town more often than I wear it in the barn, including in my hair or on the strap of a tote bag. They’ve become go-to gifts for all my friends, regardless of their horse-girl status.
Exactly what 8-year-old you hopes 38-year-old you is wearing. A perfect stocking stuffer for those (still) dreaming of their first pony.
I came across One of These Days on Instagram via a cowboy artist I follow and instantly fell in love with the mythical western vibe. A lot of its stuff is pretty pricey, but these socks are within my gift budget and the right amount of unique. Plus, the cowboys on your list might even like them.
Made in England and featuring a scene straight out of a British novel, this moisture-wicking, antimicrobial bamboo top is a saucy ode to the pleasures of galloping cross-country — or curling up by the fire and bingeing Bridgerton. If a shirt is too bold, the brand makes a cosmetics case in the same print for $17.
Wrinkle-free UPF protection is a great wardrobe addition for everyone, and actual horse girls will appreciate the quality and wearability of Aisling’s products.
Home
I remember my first Breyer: a hand-me-down palomino I named Sugar. Breyers have become quite the collector’s items since my childhood, but the commercially available models, like the one in this toy and book set, remain excellent gifts for the young and young at heart. A word to the wise: Models with all four hooves on the ground make the best toys, especially for younger kids.
This is my go-to gift for new parents because the candles can dress up any food and become part of a family birthday tradition. My mother had a set of 12, and I remember the daunting task of picking out which ones I wanted; the circus horse always made the cut.
Candles are always nice gifts, and a horse shape is a fun departure from cylindrical monotony.
Most people with horses have their phones inside some equivalent of Fort Knox for good reason: I once had my horse knock my phone to the ground, then paw at it for good measure. While this case will not protect against that, it’s a cute way to dress up your device when it isn’t at risk of getting stomped on. And if you aren’t around horses enough to warrant a more protective case, it’s a nice way to have some more (figurative) whinnies in your day.
Books
Justice Sandra Day O’Connor (yes, that one) grew up on a cattle ranch on the Arizona–New Mexico border. Lazy B is the story of her childhood running around on horseback and how it shaped her career in the courtroom. I first read it in seventh grade and come back to it from time to time as a reminder that life is nonlinear and horses are the most important part.
“Pure trash. So good. You will love. Will only take one bath” is the text that accompanied this recommendation from my best horse girlfriend. With the current heaviness of the world, I’m stocking more and more easy reads for myself and as gifts. Absolutely giving this to my mom this year.
I have about five different horse-breed and discipline encyclopedias, and this one lives on an end table in my living room. Guests young and old are mesmerized by the photographs and details about well- and lesser-known breeds.
Ever since I went on a mother-daughter horse trip to Iceland, I’ve been devouring all things Icelandic horse. The author is a scholar of Icelandic literature and culture, so you’ll learn something in addition to dreaming about your own tolting vacation. Horse-girl dads will even appreciate the history in this one.
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