Many fellow bloggers have published great gift guides and showcases that include gifts of all types in a wide price range for almost any kind of equestrian. Today, I’m bringing you my suggestions on what to get your ever-so-hard to shop for trainer.
I consulted with a few real live trainers in the area to get some help; see, I don’t always make it up as I go along! Here are their very practical suggestions:
- A new helmet: Falls happen to the best of riders- make sure your trainer’s helmet will protect her if she’s putting in a training ride on someone’s ‘prospect’. Nice helmets are expensive, so consider getting a group of her clients together to but it!
- Horse treats: Chances are your trainer goes through treats like there’s no tomorrow. A big bucket of them will be appreciated (especially if you’ve been known to occasionally grab one or two for your own horse…not that I ever do this…).
- Subscription to a favorite magazine: Trainers like to unwind like the rest of us- buy a single issue of her favorite magazine, pair it with a bottle of wine, and include a note about the subscription!
- Gloves: We all know you can never have enough pairs of schooling gloves. Your trainer probably has a favorite brand and style- think about gifting a pair in a new, fun color.
- Membership to sport organization: Paying dues for equestrian organizations can get expensive! Help your trainer out by paying her dues for her annual membership, whether it’s USDF, USHJA, USEF, or USEA!
- Personalized grooming tote: Having a place to stash brushes and braiding supplies is always good. Personalize it with a name or monogram to make it easy to keep track of what belongs to who!
- Gift certificate to a favorite tack store: Your local store, Dover, Smartpak- every equestrian can find something they need at a tack store!
- My personal favorite response: “What can my clients get me for Christmas? They can pay their bills on time! I don’t want to tell you how much it cost to get the indoor arena lights fixed.”
What are you getting your trainer this year?
Lovely ideas!
Thanks!
Good tips! Some of those are out of my price range. Being totally broke, I got my trainer a deep clean and condition of her tack and four vouchers to be used whenever for braiding or tack cleaning services. It's not a lot, but it's something I'm good at that she doesn't have a lot of time to do.
I think that's a great idea! I could use some braiding vouchers. 🙁
great list!! i usually opt for baked goods… but these are nice too 🙂
Baked goods never hurt!
Last one is all funny and sad at same time! :$
I know!!
Oh boy I needed this post a few days ago! I ended up ordering my trainer a back-on-track shirt since she has a shoulder injury which would hopefully benefit from the infrared!
This is great! We go in as a barn with cash for our trainer, two assistants, and grooms.
We're personal friends with my trainer and her fiance, so my husband and I are taking them out for a fancy dinner. I like to get them non-horsey stuff for Christmas, though last year I did embroidered lead ropes.