I know that the H/J forum has a bunch of these kinds of posts, so apologies in advance. Regardless, what “nice” things would you buy as a splurge or a gift? for a rider that already has the basics but isn’t going to justify spending a lot on trendy/extra nice things. I’m thinking of both myself and a soon-to-be new horse owner who I want to buy a stall-warming present.
My favorite gift is a very nice leather halter with a name plate. Another thing that I am coveting lately has been a set of custom brushes! I’ve seen some lovely ones of etsy that are hand painted/stained.
If I ever had a chunk of change and no plans for it (yeah right :lol:), I’d buy a Le Fash shirt for myself, or a lovely pair of brown field boots!
For a new horse owner, what about a nice wool dress sheet or a beautiful custom scrim (more summer appropriate) embroidered with either the horse’s name or a monogram?
Nice/boutique treats (I go for cheapest since I go through them quickly)
Tack box or stall name plate/hanger
New AP pad
high quality leather cleaner
Other than that, I think anything that a horse owner goes through quickly (fly spray, shampoo/conditioner, thrush treatment, corona ointment) would be welcome.
A nice set of natural-bristle brushes.
[QUOTE=Dramapony_misty;8697313]
A nice set of natural-bristle brushes.[/QUOTE]
Ditto. I would get a full grooming kit of custom painted brushes, since they last forever, and will never not fit you or a horse.
I love my Leistner brushes and they were definitely a splurge. I also loved my Tack Shack of Ocala halter that I received as a gift.
Leistner brushes can be found here. The owner, Toi, is awesome.
You could get a nice custom fly bonnet or a monogrammed saddle pad.
The custom fly bonnets are about $100, I think. I have not bought one myself, because it is a lot to spend on a bonnet when you can buy them for about $20, I covet them though. I would be thrilled to get one as a present!
A monogrammed saddle pad is not expensive, but seems about right for a stall warming party if you want to do something thoughtful but not as pricey.
Pacesetter tack shop in Saratoga NY has some nice leather leads without a shank but instead a big, brass clip for under $30. You can call them and order. Nice stocking stuffers/barn gifts. Just a thought.
Sunshirts! I ride with a bunch of other broke college students and that’s what we’re always lusting after, but it’s pretty hard for any of us to justify dropping fifty bucks on one shirt. Especially great if it’s a nice one that can double as a shirt for clinics or schooling shows.
Not a huge splurge, but my girlfriends and I often get an engraved stall plate. I prefer the ones on a walnut block in brass with a chain. We usually do the horse’s show name on the top in large font, then the owner’s name in a smaller different font on the bottom. I’m partial to Times New Roman on the top with a script on the bottom.
Is new horse owner new to the barn? Maybe something in barn colors, tack trunk cover or saddle cover?
Any of the Leistner brushes from Teddy’s Tack Trunk. 110% worth the investment – approved by my thin-skinned, grooming hater chestnut Thoroughbred 
You can always do a gift basket with top of the line saddle soap, and a couple of brushes etc. (and a bottle of wine. )
The basket can be as big or as little as you want to spend.
Or a gift card for a chiropractic visit
I second the Sun Shirt idea!!! The really nice ones are definitely something that I would have a bit of trouble justifying to myself, and always end up looking at whatever is on sale instead of what I really want. Also, the basic idea of upgrading, whether its brushes, sun sheet, bonnett is a really nice idea! I think that gifts should have a bit of the what you want, not just what gets the job done 
The thing I love the most are the upgraded gifts that I would never buy for myself.
If you do saddle soap I’d highly recommend Higher Standards that is made by our own Bensmom. I have received it as a gift twice in the past and absolutely love it! Truly wonderful stuff that does an amazing job and smells heavenly.
wow there are some truly thoughtful people on this thread! I would have loved to receive a show sheet with embroidery!
Something that lasts and is for showing… fancy leather shipping halter, wool dress sheet, monogrammed ringside tack tote, personalized fancy brushes, needlepoint belt, etc.
I feel like regular clothing wears out too quickly.
[QUOTE=chillydc;8697416]
You could get a nice custom fly bonnet or a monogrammed saddle pad.
The custom fly bonnets are about $100, I think. I have not bought one myself, because it is a lot to spend on a bonnet when you can buy them for about $20, I covet them though. I would be thrilled to get one as a present!
A monogrammed saddle pad is not expensive, but seems about right for a stall warming party if you want to do something thoughtful but not as pricey.[/QUOTE]
Try Creative Seahorse for custom bonnets. Her work is amazing and the bonnets are excellent quality. She can do anything you want, truly. And, best of all, her prices are very, very reasonable!
Tim Bourke’s “Obie” used a Creative Seahorse bonnet in his stadium jumping round that clinched his 11th place finish at Rolex this year.
[QUOTE=vxf111;8699752]
Something that lasts and is for showing… fancy leather shipping halter, wool dress sheet, monogrammed ringside tack tote, personalized fancy brushes, needlepoint belt, etc.
I feel like regular clothing wears out too quickly.[/QUOTE]
I think you do have to be a little careful with this, though. It can be a bit awkward to get really nice show-specific stuff, when you show once every other year and your day-to-day stuff is always falling apart.
