Finding gifts for horse lovers seems easy until you actually try: what do you give someone who spends their weekends at the stables and already has brushes, boots and a riding hat? The key is knowing whether they ride, whether they have a horse of their own and what they're genuinely missing. Here are 15 original gifts for horse lovers, sorted by profile, so you get it right even if you know nothing about horses.
- How to get it right without knowing about horses
- Useful gifts for riders
- Original gifts and experiences
- For girls and boys who adore horses
- Gifts for the home and for men who love horses
- Frequently asked questions
How to choose the right gifts for horse lovers
Before you buy anything, find out three things:
- Whether they ride or simply love horses. A rider will make good use of equipment; for someone who admires horses from afar, an experience or a decorative piece is a better bet.
- Whether they have their own horse. Horse owners appreciate anything for grooming and care; those who ride at a riding school, something personal: gloves, clothing or a bag for their things.
- Which discipline they practise. Dressage, show jumping or hacking out in the countryside. Avoid anything that depends on measurements (saddles, bridles, horse rugs) if you don't know them: it's easy to get it wrong.
Gifts for riders: what gets used the most
- Riding gloves. The reins wear them out and a new pair is always needed. Ask their size beforehand or take a look at the ones they wear.
- Grooming brush kit. Body brush, curry comb, mane comb and hoof pick in a bag. It's the star gift for anyone with a horse of their own.
- Leather care products. Saddle soap and leather balm for the saddle and bridles. They run out, and nobody gets excited about buying them for themselves.
- A bag or backpack for their kit. To take their riding hat, gloves, boots and a change of clothes to the riding school without everything rolling around loose in the car.
- Warm clothing for the stables. A windproof jacket, a woolly hat and some thick socks are very welcome on winter mornings.
Original gifts for horse lovers
If you'd rather go beyond the practical and surprise them, these ideas have a more personal touch:
- A trail ride. A ride through the mountains, along the beach or across open countryside with an equestrian centre. For someone who rarely rides, it's a memory that lasts for years.
- A lesson with a new instructor. For those who already ride: a dressage or jumping session to work on something specific.
- A photo shoot with their horse. Beautiful photos of the two of them, the kind that end up framed in the living room.
- An illustrated portrait of their horse. Based on a photo, in watercolour or as a drawing. Very personal and easy to commission.
- Tickets to a horse show. Watching professional riders up close makes a great day out together.
Gifts for girls who love horses (and boys too)
Lots of children dream about horses before they've ever touched one. For them, these work well:
- Horse books and stories. From illustrated picture books to simple guides to breeds and horse care for those who already read on their own.
- Figures or a toy stable. They provide hours of play and can be added to on every birthday.
- A block of beginner lessons. A few pony lessons at an equestrian centre are the best way to find out whether the interest is serious. The centre usually lends a riding hat for the first lessons.
Gifts for the home and gifts for men who love horses
Gifts for men who love horses (and for anyone who already has everything) work best when they're something to enjoy at home or useful day to day:
- An equestrian photography book. For the coffee table, with striking images of breeds, dressage or horses running free.
- Something to remove hair from clothes. If there's also a dog or cat at home, hair clings to every garment just before heading out. A reusable pet hair roller lifts it off clothes and the sofa with no sticky refills.
| Profile | What to give them |
|---|---|
| Has their own horse | Brush kit or leather care products |
| Rides at a riding school | Riding gloves or a kit bag |
| Loves horses but doesn't ride | A trail ride or a photography book |
| Girl or boy | Books, figures or beginner lessons |
| Has a dog or cat | Reusable pet hair roller |
Frequently asked questions
What can you give someone who loves horses?
If they ride, something they'll use at the stables: gloves, brushes or leather care products. If they simply love horses, a trail ride, a photography book or a portrait of a horse usually hits the mark.
What should you give a rider who has everything?
Experiences: a lesson with a different instructor, a photo shoot with their horse or tickets to a horse show. That way you don't take any chances with clothing sizes or the horse's measurements.
What should you give a girl who loves horses?
Books and figures to play with at home and, if she shows a real interest, a block of beginner pony lessons at an equestrian centre.
What should you avoid giving a rider?
Saddles, bridles or horse rugs without knowing the measurements, and boots without knowing their size. If in doubt, a gift card for their usual tack shop or an experience is a safer choice.
In the end, the best gifts for horse lovers are the ones that get used at the stables or that turn into a lovely memory. If you're looking for more ideas for the home, for pet owners or for gifting, take a look at the full Velia Select catalogue.