Gift Guide for (Icelandic) Horse Lovers

The gift giving season is upon us! If you have a beloved equestrian in your life, you are undoubtedly looking for an appropriate “horsey” expression of love. So…we thought we would give you some suggestions. There are of course hundreds of possibilities and just as many price ranges, but here is a starter list of some of our favorite items. We are partnering with the Icelandic Tack purveyors Flying C Tack, Taktur Tack Boutique and Tölt Tack, who have all agreed to give a Harmony Holiday Discount to our readers. Thank you all!

  1. Gloves
    Equestrians ALWAYS need gloves! Every rider will use a pair of gloves…or several pairs! Winter gloves, summer gloves, competition gloves, work gloves – you name it. Check out some of our favorites from Flying C Tack. Enter promo code CHRISTMAS at checkout to save 10%.

  2. Helmet
    Every rider needs a quality helmet. Hopefully you will never need to test its effectiveness, but please wear a helmet every time you ride. Remember, you are protecting your brain. Helmets come in a myriad of styles, but be sure to get one approved by FEIF. Here is one with a multi-directional impact system for maximum protection from Tolt Tack.

  3. Balance Whip
    Everyone should learn to ride with a whip – not to use as punishment, but for better communication with your horse. A whip is just an extension of your arm and can help you quickly and clearly indicate your intentions to your horse. Occasionally, you might need to affirm something as in “I really do want you to walk through this water crossing.” A whip can really help! Those of us who use a whip daily know that most whips are handle heavy, that is you must hold them beneath the handle to obtain a balanced tool. For this reason, we love the Balanced Whip, which is easily maneuvered in various directions by the rider. Get yours at Taktur Tack Boutique, and enter promo code HARMONYHOLIDAY19 at checkout to save 10%.

  4. Winter Riding Suit
    If you live in Iceland or the tundra of the northern United States, a winter riding suit is a miraculous addition to your riding wardrobe. Icelandic horse are gifted with an extra-long, thick winter coat, but us humans are not as well equipped for cold temperatures. A winter riding suit will keep you cozy doing chores and in the saddle. It even has full seat suede patches! This option from Taktur Tack Boutique would make a great gift for any horse lover. Use promo code HARMONYHOLIDAY19 at checkout to save 10%.

  5. Reins
    An extra set of reins comes in handy for any horseperson. While riders may be more comfortable with a specific material, width or weight, this simple necessity makes a great gift. For beginning riders, the colored stops are invaluable. For more experienced riders, consider these bio-thane buckle rein with stops from Taktur Tack Boutique. They keep your reins in place! Use promo code HARMONYHOLIDAY19 at checkout to save 10%.

  6. Saddle Pads
    Protect your horse lover’s saddle and their horse with a new saddle pad! A good pad will offer some cushioning and can even improve the fit of the saddle. Most of the newer cotton pads have a non-slip cushioned center. The Non-slip Saddle Pad by Karlslund.is washable and comes in three colors: Blue, Black with red trim, and solid black. You can find a great deal at Tolt Tack, and be sure to use promo HARMONYHOLIDAY19 at checkout to save 10%!

    A gel pad is also a great option, as they are easy to clean, cushion the saddle, and are non-slip. This one from Taktur Tack Boutique is a great option! Use promo code HARMONYHOLIDAY19 at checkout and save 10%.

  7. Bridle
    If you want to win the heart of a horse crazy person, a new bridle is sure to do the trick. There are so many wonderful choices in the Icelandic style, from “bling” to classic black leather. Why not spruce up your horse’s wardrobe with something fun and fancy? Check out this selection from Flying C Tack! Use the promo CHRISTMAS at checkout to save 10%.

  8. Stirrups
    Icelandic stirrups are specially designed with a right and left to protect you from your foot getting stuck in a fall. Here are some safety stirrups from Tolt Tack, which come in a variety of colors. Silver and gold for the holidays, maybe? Save 10% when you use promo code HARMONYHOLIDAY19 at checkout.

    If you prefer a lightweight aluminum stirrup try these from Flying C Tack. Use promo code CHRISTMAS at checkout to save 10%.

  9. Boots
    Weighted boots are not only helpful in competition, but can be a useful training tool as well. Depending on the horse’s natural gait tendency, you might opt for various weights. The 165g, 185g, and 200g are common weights. If in doubt, ask the trainer! They’re always game to help you surprise your horse lover with something special! Stock up at Taktur Tack Boutique, and use promo code HARMONYHOLIDAY19 at checkout to save 10%.

  10. Riding Pants
    Icelandic riding pants make equestrians of every discipline green with envy. They are comfortable, functional, and don’t elicit the “look at the equestrian” shock of breeches. Check out this pair from Taktur Tack Boutique! Save 10% when you use promo code HARMONYHOLIDAY19 at checkout.

  11. Cooler
    If you like to ride in the winter, it is very important that your horse is dry and cool when you turn them out. Many riders clip their horses and blanket them, but either way, it is a good idea to let them cool down gradually under a fleece or wool cooler. Give your Icie lover some Icelandic spirit with this favorite from Tolt Tack. Use promo code HARMONYHOLIDAY19 at checkout and save 10%!

    Or show off Icelandic pride with this one from Flying C Tack! Use code CHRISTMAS to save 10% at checkout.

  12. Grooming Supplies
    Everyone can use extra grooming supplies. And anyone with an Icelandic will definitely want an Icelandic Grooming Tool to help during the spring shedding season! If Santa leaves this essential tool from Tolt Tack under the tree, you horse lover will know they’ve made the nice list! And if their stocking happens to be filled with one of these shampoos and/or detanglers from Taktur Tack Boutique, it’s an added bonus. Use promo code HARMONYHOLIDAY19 at checkout and save 10%!

  13. Books & Videos
    Since the Icelandic the riding community is relatively small in the U.S., books and videos can be invaluable tools for learning. This one from Flying C Tack should be on every Icelandic owner’s shelf. Save 10% when you use promo code CHRISTMAS at checkout.

  14. Horse Calendar & Decal
    Tolt Tack carries this Large Eternity Calendar by Danish artist Midtgaard Maleri has beautiful paintings, mainly of Icelandic horses. Turn each month into a changing gallery of art! Keep track of birthdays, anniversaries and more. Thick, poster quality images are large enough to frame. Or for a fun stocking stuffer, get an Ieelandic Horse 5-Gaits Decal! Great for a back window, barn window, trailer, or just about anywhere. Use promo code HARMONYHOLIDAY19 at checkout to save 10%.

  15. Halter & Lead
    Everyone can use an extra halter and lead rope! Since Icelandics have a unique head shape, why not get one that fits your horse? This one from Flying C Tack displays the Icelandic flag and comes with a quick release lead. Use promo code CHRISTMAS at checkout to save 10%.