CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE

GIFT GUIDE

Have yourselves a horsey little Christmas

The HorseVibes team have had all year to fine-tune their Christmas wish lists… and their combined efforts include everything from three-horse trucks (horses included) to boot polish and socks! So to help you on your gift-giving way, here are our top picks – and from all of us to all of you, a very Merry Horsey Christmas!

A Bombers Bit

Bombers Blue bits are made from a unique non-metal material which is sweet to the taste and warm to the touch. They encourage bit acceptance and salivation, and are available in a variety of mouthpiece/cheek combos. We chose the Bombers Ultra-Comfy Lock-Up Loose Ring because we love the way this bit design allows for quick release, and relief from tongue and bar pressure. • Comfortably priced at $125, this Bombers is a bit of a bargain!

Weatherbeeta Prime Bling Ear Bonnet

Just like riding gloves, ear bonnets come in a vast range of styles and colours. But if you want to add a bit of bling to your someone special’s life, this is the gift you’re looking for. The Weatherbeeta Prime is a crocheted bonnet featuring high density, naturally breathable cotton drill ears for noise reduction. Finished with stylish crystal and plait detailing, you’re looking at some seriously sparkly class. Available in black and navy, this bonnet is priced at an affordable $34.99.

Hinterland’s Stable Star Comfort Halter

Sleek, modern and very stylish, the Hinterland Stable Star Halter is a winner! Featuring stainless steel buckles and clips, patent leather piping and hand stitched detailing, the halter is fully padded and ergonomically shaped around the ears and poll for added comfort. Plus, the clever noseband billet tab opening lets you groom or bridle your horse while leaving the halter safely attached around their neck. A stellar gift for around $185

Noble Outfitters Overthe-calf Solid Peddies

Are we loving the look? A definite ‘yes’! These fun boot socks offer maximum comfort as well as padded ankle, heel and toe protection. With an ultra-thin calf they’re perfect for under boots, they hug the foot and don’t slip, plus they wick away moisture. And did we mention the look? Available in a variety of eye-catching colours, we think they’re fashion forward at a gallop. • At just $24.95 a pair, these are a stockingfiller must.

Freejump Soft’Up Pro Lite Stirrups

If you’re shopping for a lady or a younger rider, consider this latest offering from Freejump. Based on the Soft’Up Pro, the Pro Lite has been created for a smaller foot. Designed with safety, performance and reliability in mind, the flexible outer branch helps to free the foot in case of a fall. And if you’re thinking matchymatchy, you’ll be delighted to know that the Pro Lite is available in a range of colours. You can’t put a price on safety, and at $285 the Freejump stirrup is a steal.

Dublin Pro Everyday Riding Gloves

Riding gloves are available in numerous colours, styles, and price points. But we thought that these soft, stretchable serino gloves with binding and a gathered wrist for a snug fit, represented pretty good value. The Dublin label began nearly 40 years ago with a small range of jodhpurs. They now sell a wide range of riding apparel, footwear, safety items, and of course, gloves. Pay just $29.99 and choose from black and silver, or chocolate and gold.

Equetech 3 Digit Bridle Number Holder

Over fiddly, clumsy card numbers that either break or get lost? This neat number holder is designed to be simple and super easy to use. Velcro attachments secure the holder to the bridle and Velcro backing on the numbers ensure they can be changed quickly and easily. Available in plain white or patent black, the holder comes with a three digit set as standard (a four digit set is available). • This great stocking filler costs only $25 for a single holder, or $46 for a pair.

GIFT GUIDE

Noble Outfitters Equus Charm Belt

Classically refined and elegantly tasteful, this is the perfect addition to any equestrian look, and a sensation in the show ring! Designed by an English saddler, the belt is full grain leather and features equestrian inspired hardware, including some very snappy stirrup details. It’s a tad over 2.5cms wide and is available in black and havana, and in small, medium and large sizes. At $59.95, it’s a perfect under-theChristmas-tree addition.

BARE Ladies Sequin Polo Shirt

Let your spirit soar free in this one of a kind polo! Designed for the most chic equestrian fashionista, the shirt is crafted from top quality soft, breathable, light weight, four-way stretch sports performance fabric. Effortlessly smart with a semi-relaxed fit, the shirt sparkles with a stunning silver sequin applique star on the sleeve. It doesn’t get fancier than this! • Priced at $75, it’s the ideal gift for that someone who loves to shine.

Kentaur Grackle Bridle

‘Wow’ the one you love with this sensational Kentaur Grackle Bridle. Add a chain link browband for that added touch of class, and you’re on your way! Designed to discourage horses from evading the bit, the grackle noseband features a sheepskin pad, and for extra comfort the poll is also padded. This beautiful bridle is available in black with nickel fittings, or dark brown with brass fittings. • Priced at $299, it’s not the cheapest item on our list, but the quality says it all.

Ride Proud Pants

2020’s the year to hop into your big-girl pants, and we reckon you can’t go better than a pair from Ride Proud Clothing. It doesn’t matter whether you’re after trail, equitation (the style pictured), trainer, picadero or Australian stock horse riding pants, Ride Proud have you covered. An Australian company, they also offer free shipping, easy returns and a money back guarantee. • Pant prices range from $227 to $237.

Gidgee Equestrian Eyewear

We love our Gidgee sunnies. And with more than 100 styles and colours to choose from, you’re just about guaranteed to find the perfect gift. But if you’re really stuck, there’s always the option of a Gidgee gift voucher. Our pick of the litter? We went for gold and chose the Equator. We loved the polarised gold REVO coated lenses, rose gold wire frames and adjustable nose grips – and at $140, you can’t go wrong. With the Gidgee sunglass range starting at just $99, the eyes definitely have it.

Horze Rover Dressage Tall Boot

Love the look of real leather boots but not so enchanted by the price? These synthetic leather boots have the feel of genuine leather, but unlike other non-leather boots, will break in quickly and easily. They offer plenty of stretch, plus a suede-like inner leg and a soft rubber sole that provide comfort without missing out on any of that very necessary support. • Representing great tall boot value, this pair retails for around $159.

Effax Boot Miracle Spray

Now here’s a useful stocking filler! Manufactured in Germany, this spray combines cleaning with care. Great for synthetic, patent leather and rubber, it removes stubborn dirt and creates a dirt-repellent surface, restoring the full depth of the boot’s colour in the process. Just remove any general dirt, spray on Effax Boot Miracle and rub dry with a soft cloth. And yes, it’s great for equine boots too! For just $21.95, this one’s a sure-fire winner.

Kentucky Equine Research Drink-Up

Adequate water is a must for maintaining a horse’s health and well-being. When horses refuse to drink sufficient water, they are at risk of dehydration, particularly if exercising or travelling. Drink-Up is scientifically formulated to increase a horse’s willingness to drink. Just empty one 80g sachet into five litres of water, stir, and for a full flavour wait 30 minutes before offering it to the horse. • You’ll pay $4.95 for an 80gm sachet, or $99 for a box of 20.

Back on Track Therapeutic Exercise Boots

With extra shock absorbent padding, these boots are a must when dealing with any leg issue, including swelling, strains and injuries. The Welltex ceramic infused material allows for increased blood circulation, they’re easily secured, and are ideal for training, lunging, while on the walker, and in competition. An added bonus? The boots can be used on both front and hind legs. • At $145, a great gift that will be appreciated for a long time to come.