With Christmas and the end of the year approaching, I can finally compile the list of the best equestrian gifts I found online in 2023. A list of the best gifts doesn’t necessarily mean the most expensive ones; in fact, you will find options for every budget. Whether you are buying a gift for a Secret Santa exchange with your equestrian colleague or selecting a birthday present for your fancy barn buddy, I have gathered some of the finest picks available on the web, most of which offer international shipping.
Now, let’s get to the most important part – the list of the best 12 equestrian gifts of 2023. I’ve listed the gifts below, starting from the most affordable to the more luxurious options. So, scroll down right away if you are looking for a luxury equestrian product.
1. Horse portrait from photo – From 15 USD
A unique gift featuring the main subject of any equestrian’s love: their own horse. It only takes picking a photo of your friend’s horse to turn it into a majestic illustration. This is the best gift to choose for those who might be a bit unsure about shipping gifts: you cannot go wrong with this beautiful horse portrait! 🎨
Here’s how to order this beautiful horse illustration in a few simple steps:
- Choose a good-quality photo of your buddy’s horse.
- Select a color for the background of the illustration (I suggest creating some contrast between the horse color and the background; for example, for a grey horse, I would choose a deep blue background).
- Choose the material for your printing. Options include a digital print, an 8” x 10” poster print, canvas, or a black frame.
If delivery logistics are challenging in your location or you’re short on time before the gift exchange, no problem at all. You can opt to purchase the illustration in digital form and get it printed and framed at your favorite print shop.
Pro tip: Make sure to spell your friend’s horse’s name correctly!
2. 📖 Equestrian Training Journal – 49.5 AED
A simple yet useful gift for your horse-loving friend to help them record their horse riding sessions and horse health care. The ideal item for equestrians who like to keep track of every performance with their horses and their stable schedule.
The journal comes in a 6″ x 9″ (15.24 x 22.86 cm) format, with a matte cover and high-quality pages providing plenty of space for writing side notes and sketches.
3. Minimal leg pouch for horse riding – 53 AED
This leg pouch is the perfect addition to any horse riding outfit, offering practicality and style in one. It proves particularly valuable during trail and desert rides, providing a secure space for essentials like a phone, car keys, and sunglasses. With its affordable price, you can gift your equestrian friend a beautiful bag suitable not only for horse riding but also for hiking and any other outdoor activity that demands free movement of shoulders and arms.
Crafted from water-repellent PU leather and lined with soft polyester, this bag is designed for everyday use, making it ideal for performing stable chores. The leg puch features a trendy drop leg design, zipper closure, and two adjustable belts. All is wrapped in a minimalist and charming design making it one of the perfect equestrian gifts for a stylish friend.
The waist pack fits waist sizes up to 125cm (49.2″) and thigh sizes up to 70cm (27.5″), providing a secure and snug carry without any bulkiness.
4. Equistore online gift card – From 50 AED to 2000 AED
Sometimes, choosing the perfect gift can be quite challenging (I completely understand the struggle!), especially when it comes to selecting presents for equestrians and horse lovers, as the market offers endless possibilities.
So, what should you do in such a situation? Opting for a gift card from your favorite equestrian shop is the best solution when faced with indecision. There’s undoubtedly no better choice than entrusting the decision-making to the person you are buying the gift for. Not only does it allow your friend to choose the exact brand, size, model, and color of the horse tack they’ve been dreaming about, but it also helps you stay within your original budget. You have a variety of options to choose from, with prices starting at only 50 AED.
By selecting a digital gift card from Equistore, all you need to do is choose the perfect graphic template for your gift card, and voila! Simply wait for the digital card to be delivered to your friend’s email address.
❤️ Speaking from personal experience, a gift card from the tack shop is one of the best equestrian gifts you can wish for!
Who doesn’t need some lovely rubber boots when washing their horse? This model is available in unique colors such as sage green, scandi pink, and various multicolor animal patterns. I actually got a pair of these for my stable bestie this year, and she loved them! All women’s sizes are available from 26 to 41 (EU shoe sizes), making it a perfect equestrian gift for young girls and women alike. Priced at just 97 AED, with a 20 AED shipping fee for orders below 150 AED, you can get these beautiful boots delivered to the UK in 3-4 days. However, you may need to wait a little longer to receive them in the UAE, so be sure to place your order in advance!
I personally use rubber boots on different occasions in Dubai, even during hot weather. I don’t like to get my feet dirty when showering my horse, and I also prefer to keep a protective layer between my tiny and delicate feet and my horse’s hooves. But probably the most important occasion is when we get winter rain in Dubai! 🐴☔
While in the UK, this may not seem like a big event, here in Dubai, it’s actually the crowded period in the desert. All riders gear up to experience some riding in the very large ponds all around Dubai. The hardest thing in these days is to hand walk your horse for some grass, though, as it may take days for the puddles to dry up. That’s why I always make sure my boots are neat and clean in the locker, ready to be worn!
6. The Stable Candle – Horse lover candles – 32 USD
Looking for a funny yet delightful equestrian gift, perhaps for a man? We’ve got you covered with this hand-poured soy wax candle from Barley & Hops Craft Candles. While it may be a bit pricier than your average candle, this one is anything but ordinary.
To start, this candle, proudly made in the USA, is crafted from a creamy soy wax blend, infused with high-quality, pure fragrance, and essential oils. It’s then meticulously hand-poured in small batches (which is why it may be occasionally unavailable). All fragrances are phthalate-free and never tested on animals!
What does it smell like? The Stable candle initially exudes a fresh green scent – reminiscent of grass, dirt, leather, and hay. As time passes, it transforms into an aroma of aged leather with subtle notes of soft earth, sandalwood, and molasses.
It’s available in two sizes: 9 ounces (60-75 hr. burn time) and 12 ounces (75-95 hr. burn time). Gift wrapping is also available upon request.
Given that you’re already covering the shipping cost (USD 26.65), why not consider getting more than one? From the same beautiful collection scented with equestrian-friendly perfumes, you can also explore “The Tack Shop” and “Rough Rider” for a more masculine fragrance.
7. Personalized riding bag from Etsy – 36.5 USD
This personalized riding bag is one of the most thoughtful equestrian gifts, adding a touch of personalization to the equestrian gear, especially for those who are constantly on the move for riding competitions. The bag is available in various colors such as dark pink, royal blue, pink, red, purple, gray, and more, allowing you to add your friend’s name in any color of your choice.
With ample size (54x28x25cm) and an approximate volume of 26 liters, the bag accommodates riding apparel, a helmet, and smaller personal belongings to be kept clean and secure at the barn. Constructed entirely of polyester, the bag features a removable shoulder strap and zippered pockets, ensuring easy cleaning.
Please note that this item does not ship directly to the UAE. However, you can utilize a shop-and-ship solution to have it delivered to the Emirates promptly and at very reasonable shipping fees.
8. Horse design and horseshoe silver pendants for women – from NecklacesBySamaa – 169/199AED
A timeless gift that will warm any lady’s heart. These beautiful pendants on a silver necklace are the perfect gift for a horse owner who wants her horse to be with her at any moment. I received the horseshoe one as a birthday gift from a friend, and it made me emotional when I received it. She knows how much I love my horse, so she had “Yazan” written on one side and “Jess” on the other one. Of course, I always wear it for the Yazan side to be visible at any time.
The quality of the engraving is flawless, and the silver chain is barn-proof. I’ve worn it every day for a year, and nothing has happened to it. The cost for these pendants is very accessible, (169 AED discounted price for the horseshoe one and 199 AED for the horse-shaped). I had the opportunity to gift it for a secret santa for one of my stable besties without breaking my wallet. These gifts are very chic and feminine for those who love to wear jewels but don’t want anything too delicate that they have to take off every time they go riding their horse.
Although every pendant is customized with the addition of names (if chosen), the delivery is pretty fast. I received the pendant for my friend in about 3 days. The packaging is also very fancy and perfect for a gift, so you don’t need any repackaging.
This is one of the best equetrsian gifts you can get in the UAE market, with a fast delivery and a reasonable budget!
Here we embark on an adventure in the realm of saddle pads. It is commonly known that every equestrian possesses an unreasonable number of saddle pads, available in every color, shape, and thickness one can imagine. The most fashionable riders ensure that their saddle pad always complements their horse’s fly hood, polo bandages, and their own riding attire. For this reason, a customized saddle pad is another excellent equestrian gift for horse lovers.
In this particular version from Animo, sold by Tailored Equestrian, there are numerous customization options that will render each saddle pad absolutely unique.
Here’s what you need to do to create your custom Animo saddle pad:
Step 1: Select a size (choose between cob, pony, full size, and X full).
Step 2: Specify if you would like 1 or 2 pipings.
Step 3: Choose the base color from 36 different options (e.g., Navy).
Step 4: Select your outer binding – this is the trim around the very edge (e.g., 48B).
Step 5: Choose your pipings – (e.g., 01P, 21P).
The cost for this unique gift for horse lovers starts from 267 AED. Depending on the customizations, it can reach around 300 AED. Shipping to the UAE costs about 180 AED, and as it is imported from the USA, it may take around 10-15 days to reach your location in the Emirates. Ensure to place your order on time!
10. Personalized saddle pad by Winderen – 171 USD
This is another excellent choice for a customized saddle pad, offering a range of customization options, including the possibility to add a logo or a name. This makes it a perfect solution if you are seeking an equestrian gift for your rider’s team.
Begin by selecting the saddle pad type. There are two options for you to choose from, depending on the activity your friend is involved in: show jumping or dressage. Next, you can combine three colors—one for the base of the saddle pad, one for the external ribbon, and the last one for the pipings.
Concerning the logo or name you wish to add, you can decide whether to repeat it on both sides or keep it on either the left or right side. To apply the logo, after confirming the purchase, you will be able to send an email to custom@winderen.com. You can attach in the email a vector version of your graphics.
This saddle pad is shipped to the UAE within 7-15 working days, and since each option is customized, it cannot be returned. Customized saddle pads are one of the best equestrian gifts not only for horse owners but in general for any rider. These saddle pads add a touch of personalization into an equestrian riding gear.
11. Equestrian gifts: Equine physiotherapist session/package – from 300 AED
If you are a fan of gifts that need to be not only thoughtful but also useful, this option might be perfect for both you and your horse owner friend. As horse owners, we always prioritize the well-being of our equine companions. This is especially crucial for those competing in endurance races, show jumping, dressage, or any other discipline. In these cases, having a good physiotherapist to aid the horse’s recovery from training is a must!
Unfortunately, an equestrian’s wallet is often depleted by expenses such as livery, farrier, supplements, and lessons. This makes it challenging to allocate funds for therapeutic treatments for our beloved horses. That’s why gifting your friend a ticket to a free equine physiotherapy session or cycle is one of the most appreciated equestrian gifts for someone who deeply cares about their horse!
In every equestrian community, numerous professionals offer such equestrian services. You can easily find a local equine physiotherapist by searching on Instagram or asking the equestrian center your friend frequents.
Surprise your friend by showing up at the stable with the equine physiotherapist! Just make sure to check your friend’s schedule beforehand! 😄
12 – Photoshoot with horses – from 800 AED
Is your friend an Instagram or TikTok addict? Are they always on the lookout for the best video or photo to share on social media? Do they consistently dress to impress when at the stable? Then what could be a better option than a photo shoot with horses? 📸
Especially equestrian women will never say no to an opportunity to dress up and capture some unforgettable portraits with their horses! Fortunately, there are many photographers in the UAE that you can easily find and connect with on Instagram. Prices may vary depending on the location, whether you want a photo or video shoot, and the number of photos to be worked on in post-production.
If your friend doesn’t own a horse, you might consider renting a beautiful one from a local stable. Afterward, you can choose the perfect location in collaboration with the photographer. He might be aware of the best secret spots for an unforgettable sunset in the desert. Alternatively, you can decide to shoot directly at the stable for more convenient logistics.
This gift is perfect for both horse lovers and horse owners. Highly recommended for ladies, influencers, or anyone looking to make a lasting impression on their social accounts!
🎁 The best equestrian gifts for 2023! 🐴
As an equestrian myself, picking a gift for a horse lover is usually easy. But I get that it might be a real struggle for those not into horses. The good news is, the horse world has lots of stuff for every budget – like horse gear, rider clothes, horse treats, toys, and health services for horses. So, finding something suitable is not difficult!
👀 Did you find the perfect horse gift in the list? Let me know in the comments how your friend reacted!
🗣️ If you went for something not on the list, email jessica@horseek.ae, and I’ll add it to help others find great gifts for horse lovers!
Keep checking Horseek for more simple ideas on horse gifts! 🐎✨
