Christmas Shopping for Your Teen Equestrian

I wandered through the Tack and Habit Shoppe today considering the items I see our hunt seat equestrians "Ooooh" and "Aaaah" over regularly.  In a moment of epiphany, I realized I have insight regarding what the parents, grandparents, and friends of teen equestrians could get them for Christmas.  Without a doubt, here’s a selection of gifts you can find in our store and at our Shopify Store that can’t go wrong:

Stocking Stuffers

1. One Knot or Equi-net Hairnets – Your rider needs a hairnet each and every day, and they tend to get ripped after a few uses. For around $10.00 a pack, you can select the perfect-colored hairnets and add them to their stocking.
2. Riding Socks – Whether you bestow Ariat Slimline Performance Socks, warmer AritatTeks, Zocks, Soxtrots, or Kerrits, your rider does not have enough clean, dry riding socks today! Because the socks are hidden under tall boots, fun patterns are an indulgence and slice of personality most riders enjoy. Each pair costs $10-$25.00, so riders always appreciate a few extra pairs because they will spend their own $10 on indulgences for their horse.
3. Effax Speedy Leather Shine and Urad Boot Polish – At $10.00 and $20.00 respectively, these two tools are must haves around the show ring. Giving these gifts in particular reveals your knowledge of some of the show day rituals equestrians must follow. A little note indicating you’ll shine up for them at the gate makes this idea extra special.

Perfect Presents

4. A Warm Winter Beanie – Though most of the time your rider dons a beloved helmet, beanies abound at the barn; tacking and untacking time results in quite a bit of exposure to the cold. Ariat has several patterns of Pomm-topped, fleece lined beanies that are all the rage at our store.  For the record, an Ariat beanie is better than any beanie you can buy at the department store.  Ariat : horses :: Ariat Beanie : gift giver who knows riders.
5. A C4 Belt – These patterned belts that riders cut to fit offer a bit of personality just like socks do. From confetti to snowflakes and pizza to unicats, riders enjoy their unique belts knowing trainers consider belts essential even when schooling. Because riders adjust their belts themselves, you don’t need to know your rider’s size to choose this great $35.00 gift.
6. Winter Riding Gloves – Even if your rider seems to have riding gloves, I guarantee they stink (even in the winter). Spare yourself; don’t test me on this fact. A nice pair of Roeckls is always worth the $60.00 you’ll spend. Make sure you know your rider’s glove size.
7. Stable Supplies – Face it, if you’re an equestrian parent, you’re going to buy the stable supplies anyway, so why not put together a Christmas selection to give yourself a break in January! On their own dime, you’ll see riders using Dawn to wash their horses, but having E3 Argon Oil Shampoo, the blueberry Brightening Shampoo, Quic Silver, or Walnut darkening shampoo are luxuries reminiscent of perfume and bath soaps for your beloved. Cowboy Magic Rose Conditioner, 5 Star Detangler, and a set of new Haas brushes in a new bucket or clear tub would all be welcomed by any equestrian.

Indulgences

8. Anything from The Tailored Sportsman – A quilted, leather belt in Graphite or Navy ($110-120), the newest Eye Candy color in breeches ($190-225), a classic breech in a darker earth tone, or a beautiful IceFil baselayer your rider can use year round ($70) are all sure hits. The website doesn’t do the color selection in our store justice.  Call us at 757-566-3333 for a color run-down if you’re looking for just the right new addition!  If you’re buying breeches, you’ll need your rider’s size and to know if they prefer boot socks or Velcro.
9. A close-fitting, made for riding, winter coat – Equestrians like to look a particular way when riding, and close fitting outwear allows trainers to see their positions in a way that enables corrections. Again, Ariat is the leader in our store with their baselayers, vests, and down coats. You’ll notice most equestrian coats have snaps on the back flaps to allow an open position when riding.
10. Custom Tally-Ho Bags – A custom carrying bag collection will make your rider feel like a pro at their next away show, and different friends and family members can chip in to add matching pieces. First, your rider needs a 2-piece lined boot bag if they don’t already have one. Those expensive tall boots deserve special care! Once they have that first piece, matching garment, helmet, and bridle bags are all nice additions. Call us to review color options as sometimes a rider has a particular color love, or their barn has a color scheme they can match. We can dig a bit for you if you know the name of your rider’s barn or their trainer. You need to plan now if you want to create a custom color pack and even add a monogram.