Hay big spender! Here are the finest gifts for horse lovers - The Times
Challenge yourself with today's puzzles.
Those who have sat on the saddle-shaped throne will know that riding is an incurable addiction. Riders can be bucked off, trampled on and pooed on in the same day and still believe that horses can do no wrong. I speak from experience. Buster, the satanic Shetland I had as a child, once knocked me over and made his escape across my stomach. When eventually caught, his punishment was 11 carrots and a gentle grooming from head to hoof.
All this is to say that if someone in your life worships horses, you can rest assured they will love almost any gift even loosely related to the animal. As long as the present has a horse on it, can be worn in the saddle, belongs in the stable or comes with four legs and a mane, you’re a strong contender for the best gift-giver award this Christmas.
Gone are the days of stuffing your phone down a riding boot because your jodhpur pockets are full of horse treats. This Burghley belt bag is equally handy for non-equestrian pursuits but really comes into its own on a hack: one compartment for your phone, another for equine bribes. That leaves your pockets free for your own treats.£79, Holland Cooper
Shimmying about in tasselled clothing is always fun — and fittingly cowgirl-esque. This Stella McCartney jumper, made from virgin wool, is as soft as a freshly washed pony.£1,190, Stella McCartney at Harrods
We all want to stay warm on crisp winter nights and equestrians tend to put their horse’s comfort before their own. Enter this Hugo Boss fleece rug. In sophisticated chocolate brown, the quilted design is absorbent and cosy, and will keep their four-legged pride and joy snug.£289, Hugo Boss
When they’re leading a horse with one hand and carrying tack with the other — and haven’t quite reached the stage of hiring a groom — they’ll need all the help they can get. With separate compartments for a riding hat and boots, this LeMieux bag will lighten the load and make them look like a pro.£45, LeMieux at Millbry Hill
Personalisation says you’ve put some thought into a present rather than grabbed the first thing off the shelf. These cufflinks are just the ticket, with an equestrian flourish that shows you know your loved one’s favourite hobby.£275, Aspinal of London
Whether they’re 14 or 40, a sterling-silver Dior necklace is unlikely to miss the mark. £1,350, Dior
For any horse lover, just a glimpse of a Dubarry box beneath the Christmas tree is enough to elicit excitement. These leather, weatherproof riding boots could clinch your victory in the unspoken gift-giving competition. Prepare for the quiet thrill of seeing their eyes light up just a little brighter at your present than anyone else’s. You win — but with boots like these, so do they.£399, Dubarry
When I said equestrians will love anything even loosely related to horses, I meant it. This gorgeous Gucci bag has a horsebit detail — and, frankly, that’s more than enough.£1,240, Gucci
It feels apt that these handsome horse-head bookends are crafted in a studio based in a former stables. They are made from earthenware clay and handpainted blue, green or white.£120, Villa Bologna Pottery
As a horse girl, returning to school after Christmas when peers were discussing their favourite presents was always a little tricky. Telling my non-horsey friends that my favourite gift was a numnah was met with blank stares rather than shared enthusiasm. They might have understood the appeal had it been Hermès.£490, Hermès
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