Christmas Gifts for the Horseback Rider on Your Gift List

Not many people think of horseback riding as an athletic sport but it is ranked as one of the most dangerous sports in the world today. It is up there with skiing and surfboarding. As such a high risk sport the horseback rider on your gift list would appreciate a high quality Christmas gift that is more then just a t-shirt with a horse on it. Here are some gift ideas for the sport of horseback riding.

A top quality helmet would go a long way in helping a horseback rider know how much you care about their health. A top quality helmet will cost anywhere from $50 to $500 with the everyday riding helmet running about $30. Helmets do have an expiration period. Most of them are good for only 5 years and have to be replaced. The higher priced helmets are made out of high tech materials and they don't need to be replaced as often. The high priced helmets over $200 are usually required for those horseback riders that are in cross country or jumping competitions and need the added protection the helmets offer.

A good pair of riding boots is absolutely necessary for horseback riding. Any horseback rider would appreciate a gift of a well made pair of riding boots. A good quality pair of riding boots will cost $80 and up. That price applies to both English and western riding boots. When looking at riding boots keep in mind that the western riding boots come in 2 types, one for riding and one for walking. You will need to look at the heel to know if you are looking at riding or walking boots. The heel on the western walking boot will have no slant at the back of it where as a riding boot will.

If those first 2 ideas are out of your price range then here is a good idea for English horseback riders, colorful stirrup leathers. Priced at under $25 they add an accent of color to any riding outfit. They are the piece of equipment that attaches the stirrup to the English saddle. There is currently only one company in the world that makes the colorful leathers and they are located in Oregon. You can check them out at the Cascade Acres website.

Another idea would be to give a gift card for the local veterinarian to help pay for the horse's next round of vaccines or check-up. The vaccine for the West Nile costs $25 alone so any help with the vet costs would be greatly appreciated.

Take the time to really think out what the horseback rider on your gift list really does need and want and your won't go wrong in choosing the gift.