Mix and Match Get coordinated with Der-Dau’s Argyle mini-barrel handbag with matching half chaps and iPod? cover. The handbag is made with French calf leather and features Der-Dau’s signature leather lining. Suggested retail price $650. The half chaps are designed with a Cow Hair on Argyle print and Brown Alligator trims, SRP $1,200 custom made. Complete the look with an iPod? cover fashioned from the same French calf and Argyle print, SRP $180. Also available in other leathers and colors. (718) 336-4513; www.derdau.com.
Sweets for the Sweet From Harbor Chocolates, every equestrian’s favorite chocolatier, comes the Milk Chocolate Hunt Collection in a handsome Equestrian Tin, all wrapped up and ready for gift giving! Inside is a 12-piece assortment from the handmade Milk Chocolate Hunt Collection and the Dark Chocolate English Assortment. Suggested retail price $24.95. Also available: a special cobalt blue Dark Horse Pouch filled with a six-piece assortment, SRP $10.50. (800) 234-4860; www.harborsweets.com.
Sheet Retreat Treat the horse-crazy kid on your gift list to Sleep Pony Dreams Bedding from Wild Horsefeathers. Named after the book of the same title, these sheets, pillowcases, shams and duvet form a comforting child’s retreat sprinkled with fields of tiny horses. In 80% cotton/20% polyester; 200 thread count. Suggested retail prices $19.95-$79.95. Also available: Equestrials Hoodie (SRP $49.95) and Yoga Pants (SRP $39.95), in Olive and Sand, ladies’ sizes S-L; the hand-cut sterling Estelle’s Pendant, SRP $44.95; the Live to Ride Ring in sterling silver, sizes 5-8, SRP $22.95; and the Black Horse Tee, available in two styles, ladies’ sizes S-XL, SRPs $24.95-$29.95. (800) 298-4998; www.wildhorsefeathers.com.
In the Frame Have a photo of that favorite equine just waiting to be framed? Do it with an elegant handmade 4″ x 6″ Stirrup Frame from Eliquus Fine Equestrian Gifts. Each piece has a unique distressed/rustic finish and holds two 4″ x 6″ photos in glass (front and back). The perfect gift for every horse lover on your list! Suggested retail price $45. (310) 398-0098; www.eliquus.com.
Neat Seat Need to take a load off between rounds? The Eventing Seat to the rescue! Part of Horseware Ireland‘s new Rambo? Luggage Range, this portable mini-stool is made of luxurious Gold and Black jacquard fabric with nylon lining. Suggested
retail price $31.
Also available in this line: the Rambo? Hat, Boot & Chap Bag, SRP $59; the Rambo? Hat & Boot Bag, SRP $81; the Rambo? Garment Bag, SRP $59; the Rambo? Padded Bridle Bag, SRP $38; and the Rambo$ Saddle Bag, SRP $81. (800) 887-6688; www.horseware.com.
Beauty at Bat For a little sparkle in the saddle, trade your ordinary riding crop for an EquiStar Metallic Horse Head Bat! A colorful yet practical accessory with a metallic horse head and wrapped shaft, it’s a unique gift that is available in Lavender, Hot Pink, Pink and Light Blue.
Suggested retail price $13.99. English Riding Supply, (866) 569-1600; www.englishridingsupply.com.
Reading and Riding Update your equestrian library with three new cutting-edge titles from HorseBooksEtc.com. Avoid the most common horse buying errors with Bob Avila’s Be a Smart Horse Buyer, suggested retail price $24.95. Next, enjoy lessons with a two-time Olympic medallist courtesy of the action-packed DVD Cross Country Clinic with Jim Wofford, SRP $29.95. Then join legendary trainer George Morris as he introduces eight young riders to the skills they’ll need to excel at the international level in the DVD George Morris: Lessons in Horsemanship, presented by Practical Horseman. SRP $29.95. Because it’s better to give than to receive, be sure to pick up a copy of How to Start and Run a Rescue, SRP $19.95. Last but not least, the EQUUS Illustrated Handbook, Vol 2 contains everything you need to know about your horse’s inner and outer anatomy, SRP $19.95. (800) 952-5813; www.horsebooketc.com.
Among the new titles at Trafalgar Square Books this season is the self-help book Build Complete Confidence with Horses–Beat Fear and Excuses and Attain Your Riding Goals by Kelly Marks, SRP $29.95. Another Trafalgar Square title worth exploring is Classical Schooling with the Horse in Mind–Gentle Gymnastic Techniques by Anja Beran, SRP $45. Looking to make your horse feel better? Take a peek at Concise Guide to
Medications, Herbs, and Supplements for the Horse by David W. Ramey, DVM, SRP $14.95. In Klaus Balkenhol-The Man and His Training Methods, by Britta Schoffmann, an international dressage celebrity is profiled and many of his techniques explored. SRP $29.95. Get practical advice on back health from neurosurgeon/equestrian Jim Warson in The Rider’s Pain-Free Back–Overcome Chronic Soreness, Injury, and Aging to Stay in the Saddle for Years to Come, with Ami Hendrickson, SRP $29.95. A classic is revisited in Riding Logic–Transform Riding Skills to ‘Art on Horseback’ with Classical Lessons in Flatwork and Jumping, by Wilhelm Museler, SRP $29.95. Learn techniques for “straightening” green horses and increasing their carrying power in Straightening the Crooked Horse–Correct Imbalance, Relieve Strain, and Encourage Free Movement with an Innovative System of Straightness Training by Gabriele Rachen-Schoneich and Klaus Schoneich, SRP $29.95. Arena exercises designed to fine-tune rider coordination and communication, as well as improve transitions, rhythm, flexion, accuracy and balance, are the subject of The Right Track-Arena Exercises for Riders and Instructors, by Sarah Venamore, SRP $24.95. Then explore the ideal physiological education of the equine in Tug of War: Classical versus “Modern” Dressage–Why Classical Training Works and How Incorrect “Modern” Training Negatively Affects Horses’ Health by Dr. Gerd Heuschmann, SRP $29.95. (800) 423-4525; www.horseandriderbooks.com.
Also new this winter: Treat yourself and your horse to increased confidence, stress-free training, and improved performance with trainer Lynn Palm’s Get Hooked on Trail DVD series, SRPs $75 for the three-volume set or $29.95 for each DVD. Palm Partnership Training, (800) 503-2824; www.lynnpalm.com.
For a little light reading, try Health Communications’ Why Do Horses Sleep Standing Up? In this book, “America’s favorite vet,” Marty Becker, answers 101 of the most perplexing questions about equine enigmas and befuddling behaviors. SRP $12.95, www.hcibooks.com.
To the Dogs For that special dog on your list, only one gift will do: the sharp Kyra.K Dog Blanket! Fully waterproof and fleece lined, it will keep your pooch warm and looking fashionable wherever he goes. In sizes XS-XL, Black, Denim Blue, Hunter Green, Cranberry, suggested retail price $34. Other new gift items: the Kyra.K Coaching Scarf in Coffee, Artichoke, Fuchsia, or Peacock, SRP $30; and the Kyra.K Grooming Glove in four autumnal shades with faux fur and embroidery, SRP $12. For a dealer near you, visit www.kyrak.com.
For more new products, check out the winter 2008 issue of Everything For Horse & Rider. To order, call 301-977-3900 ext. 0 or order online.