PrintBe creative and thoughtful when giving gifts to your “barn family.”
Odds are, Santa’s not the only one making a list and checking it twice. The holidays are a time for recognizing the people who are important in your life—and those who are important in your horse’s life, too.
Gift giving isn’t just for family members; many riders include their trainers, barn managers, farriers, veterinarians and stable staff on their gift list. Such gifting, whether you consider it “tipping” or merely sharing holiday cheer, is purely an individual decision. Some do, some don’t.
If you choose to give, it can be a daunting task to find an appropriate present. What to get the horseman who seems to have everything?
You don’t have to break the bank to give a gift that they’ll cherish. In these trying economic times, the old cliché “it’s the thought that counts” holds even truer. There are plenty of creative ideas for gifts that will bring a smile.
Paying attention all year round to conversations with your gift recipients can pay off—it’s easier to gift them appropriately if you know their favorite restaurant, the age of their children, their libation of choice, or if they own their own horse. If it’s the thought that counts, make sure it’s a wise and fitting thought.
A Photo Is Worth…
Horse people love photos of their animals. There are many ways you could give your trainer a photographic gift to remember.
If you want to rally the forces of all your trainer’s students, you can collectively put together a lovely scrapbook of the group’s year. Each student can fill a page with a photo of herself and her horse, some remembrances of their accomplishments, and perhaps some recollections of funny moments.
When I was a groom on the horse show circuit, one of my most treasured gifts was a scrapbook made by the junior rider of one of the horses I cared for. It was simply done, but full of memories, and made me proud.
Individually, a framed photo of yourself in competition, accompanied by a nice card expressing your gratitude for your trainer’s guidance and support, can be a welcome addition to his or her office or barn wall.
If your trainer is the type to scrimp and not buy photos of himself, it might be nice to purchase a photo frame, then fill it with a gift certificate to a professional photographer who you know was shooting where he showed.
You can also take the camera into your own hands as well. A thoughtful portrait of a favorite dog or horse can be a lovely gift for a trainer, barn manager or barn worker.
You Can’t Go Wrong With Treats
Yummy goodies are never unwelcome. The holidays wouldn’t be the same without piles of cookies and assorted other goodies. Think about possibly whipping up some scrumptious baked goods to give as gifts. It doesn’t have to be cookies—think outside the oven and try rum balls or candied pecans instead.
And you can never go wrong with chocolate.
Or, give in a liquid form. If your gift recipient has a favorite wine or beer, they’ll appreciate an addition to their supply. Or, make up a selection of seasonal holiday brews from the make-your-own-six-pack section of your grocery store.
And you can never go wrong with chocolate.
Say you know your farrier or vet has a taste for something stronger, such as Jack Daniels. A bottle of cheer can make him not mind those off-hour calls quite so much.
And you can never go wrong with chocolate.
