What Does Your Horse Want for the Holidays? Just for Fun!

This is a magical time of year for all - including our four-legged friends - and Christmas is just a few days away! While horses might not leave cookies for Santa or hang stockings by the stall, they can certainly enjoy some holiday cheer. Here's a whimsical take on what might be on your, or your client’s, horse's Holiday wishlist this year:

1. A Never-Ending Supply of Treats

Your horse dreams of an infinite stash of carrots, apples, and peppermint treats (unless you’re my young mare, Bonita, in which case you haven’t figured out carrots yet). For a festive twist, make DIY horse-friendly holiday cookies (check out my mom's recipe, below). Wrap them in a bow, and your horse will think it’s the best gift ever!

2. A Cozy Blanket/Rug

Winter nights can get chilly, and your horse would appreciate a snug, stylish blanket (we blanket here when it gets under 20 degrees Fahrenheit). Go for something warm and waterproof for outdoor use or lined with soft fleece for stable lounging. Bonus points for festive colors like red or green!

3. A Spa Day 

Pamper them yourself with a deep grooming session complete with a mane and tail detangler, hoof conditioner, and a relaxing massage. A little extra TLC during the busy holiday season goes a long way. I know this is at the very top of my retired lesson horse, Dawn’s, wish list! She loves this massaging brush.

4. New Tack (in Their (Your) Favorite Color!) 

Has your saddle pad seen better days? Maybe your horse has been eyeing a new halter or bridle. You will both appreciate the upgrade. Bonus points if you match! (If you run a lesson program, for ease of convenience, I recommend color matching for each horse - from grooming bucket to saddle pads - to make it easy for students to know what to grab when they get their horse ready and increase the likelihood that they will put things back correctly, too.)

5. A Playdate with Friends 

Horses are social creatures, and they’d love nothing more than some quality time with their pasture buddies. Organize a holiday trail ride or just let them play in the paddock while you sip hot cocoa nearby (praying for dry weather around here so I can let our guys into the pastures to play - fingers crossed!).

6. A Stocking Full of Fun Toys 

Your horse might enjoy some entertainment during downtime. Try a treat-dispensing ball, a hay ball, a yoga ball with cover for horse soccer, or a sturdy jolly ball to keep them occupied and happy in their stall.

7. An Adventure! 

What better gift than a holiday trail ride through a snowy forest or a new training challenge? The change of scenery is as exciting for them as it is for you (whether that’s happy or anxious excitement remains yet to be seen! I know this is on my gelding, Cedar’s, wishlist).

8. Extra Hay (and No Mud!) 

For the practical horse, nothing says “I love you” like a generous serving of high-quality hay and a clean, dry pasture. My mares wholeheartedly agree with this wishlist item.

9. Quality Time with You 

At the end of the day, your horse’s favorite gift is time spent with their “herd”, including you. Whether it’s a quiet grooming session (Dawn’s preference), a fun ride (Cedar’s idea), or just hanging out getting scritches (Bonita’s happy place), your bond is the best present they could ask for.

10. A Festive Photo Shoot 

To wrap up the festivities, dress your horse in reindeer antlers, a Santa hat, or a holiday-themed halter and snag some adorable photos. It's a memory you’ll treasure for years—and your horse will love the extra attention (and treats) during the shoot! Share the funniest photos you got with us below!

This holiday season, don’t forget to include your equine best friend in the celebrations. After all, they’re part of the family too. 

Merry Christmas to you and your herd from the Little Bird Farm Family, Equestripreneur HQ!

(Kristin, Bonita, Cedar, Dawn, Ruger, Sage, and the rest of the farm family!)

Hugs and Happy Riding!

Kristin

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Blog posts from Equestripreneur are not meant to replace individual professional advice, which will best inform personal circumstances.