101 Gift Ideas For Horse Lovers

Jett (the black one, if you couldn't guess) and Cleo (the redhead) are our two horses. I bought them from my sister who breeds and shows paint horses here in Arizona. They are sisters, believe it or not. A paint horse with no color is called a breeding stock (very undesirable) but I love them both. Cleo, with all the color, was much more expensive, as lots of flashy color is very desirable in the paint world. Breeding two very colorful paint horses does not guarantee a colorful foal. Cleo and Jett have the same father, who is a black and white paint, also with lots of color, both their mothers were colorful paints, Cleo ended up with color, and Jett did not.

Never-the-less, I did not buy them to breed and show, so amount of color is a moot point for me. I was a Black Stallion fan when I was a kid, and since I don't want to deal with a stallion with an attitude, a black mare did just fine. Jett has a very laid back personality and is very quiet. Cleo on the other hand, is much more emotional, but also not as lazy. So, although they are sisters, they have very different personalities, which I actually like. I have one more lazy, unflappable horse and one willing, fast, but a bit more prone to emotions and freak outs horse. But then she is still quite young too and will grow out of the emotional reaction phase with age and training.

Let me just say, if you are crazy enough to buy ONE young horse, don't make the mistake of buying two at the same time. Although I love them, it has been a challenge, both emotionally and physically to raise and train two babies. And I have the bruises to prove it.

Cleo & Jett are now at 4.5 years old and are learning to be ridden. This is even more challenging for me as I am a green rider. If you have never heard the saying, Green Horse, Green Rider, recipe for disaster" it is so true! But I am muddling through as best I can, and praying I don't get badly injured, so far I have been able to walk away from every fall (most of which have been due to my inexperience, not a bad horse behavior). Although the last one.... wow, I lasted 4.5 seconds on a bull named Fu Manchu.... or a very frisky black horse trying out for the rodeo (who shall remain nameless). A few bruised ribs and a somewhat bruised ego later, I am back in the saddle.

Gotta Love 'em!

Horses use their facial expressions to communicate. You can read their moods with the help of their nostrils, eyes and ears.

Horses expend more energy lying down than standing up.

A horse has two blind spots; one is located directly in front of them while the other is located directly behind.

Horses cannot breathe through their mouths.

Horses mostly sleep standing up.

Horses have a prehensile upper lip. Prehensile means "adapted for seizing, grasping, or taking hold of something." Their upper lips are very sensitive and capable of feeling the smallest of differences in objects.

Horses can see color, they are not color-blind?

Did you know firehouses have circular stairways because in the old days, when the engines were pulled by horses, the horses were stabled on the ground floor of the fire house and learned how to walk up straight staircases?

Goats make great companions for horses.

Lethal White is a genetic disorder where the foal is born pure white with blue eyes and will die within days be being born, due to a non-functioning colon. It is most often humanly euthanized upon identification due to the painful death that is imminent. This usually only occurs in horses with frame overo color patterns. It is a genetic gene that must be carried by both parents to produce a lethal white foal. If both parents carry the gene there is a one on four chance that baby will be born lethal white. If you are breeding two Frame Overo Horses you should get them tested for the Lethal White Gene first. NOTE: Not all white foals with blue eyes have this disease.

Don't Ride Alone - You never know when your horse will spook (and they all do at some point). If you were to fall off and become injured, or unconscious, you don't want to be alone.

Do Expect The Unexpected - Don't be nervous, but be prepared. When riding stay focused on your horse. They will tell you if something is making them wary or nervous. Horses can display their intentions quite clearly if you know the signs to look for, but there are always situations where something will take even your horse by surprise. Be aware, be prepared, and never ride impaired by drugs or alcohol.

Do Wear A Helmet - I know, they are hot and annoying, but trust me you'll be glad you did if you fall off. Your head is not something you want to get dented. Don't worry about looking cool, just wear one.

Don't Allow Strangers To Approach You When You're Riding Alone - Just because you are on a horse, does not mean you cannot be attacked. Do not allow a stranger to approach you and your horse while you are alone. There are some great riders defense classes you can take to learn how to use your horse to protect you in a bad situation.

Do Leave Plenty of Working Room Between Your Horse and Any Obstacle Don't let your horse pinch you between a hard object and himself. He may not mean to, but if spooked, he could easily crush you without meaning to.

Do Insist on Manners When Leading Your Horse He should be paying attention to you not the grass or his buddies. And make they stand quietly before letting them off the lead in the pasture. Do not allow then to get in the habit of bolting off as soon as they THINK the lead rope is off. One day they will do this before you have detached them and they could hurt or drag you.

Don't Let Anyone Push You Beyond Your Comfort Zone or into a Dangerous Situation I have seen this happen way too many times. An inexperienced rider convinced to go on a ride that they or their horse is not ready for. I have seen way to many broken bones. Don't be over confident! Be Safe!!!!

Do Carry Wire Cutters on Trail Rides It may seem unlikely, but in the event your horse gets caught in barbed wire, or other wire, you will be so glad you have them. It is a good idea to ride with a small pack with some first aid, wire cutters, cell phone and a small knife.

Do Always Wear Proper Foot Wear Around Horses and While Riding Wear proper footwear to protect your feet. And when riding always make sure your foot wear has a heel. A Heeled shoe or boot will help prevent your foot slipping forward in the stirrup and getting stuck, causing you to potentially get dragged if you fall off. If you do get your foot stuck in the stirrup when you fall, twist you hips and shoulders so that you are on your stomach, this will point your toe down and help release the foot.