Holidays are hard—there’s presents to find, buy, wrap and mail; meals to shop for and prepare; travel arrangements to make; cards to buy and address; and so, so much more. It’s important to remember those who care for our horses when our schedules get a bit too wild; because of them, we can skip a day or two at the farm and know our four-legged loves are well cared for and happy.

By Sarah E. Coleman

Working with horses can seem a thankless job at times—the rain, snow and wind can be relentless in winter, and the heat and humidity brutal in summer months. Whether you board your horse and are looking for a thoughtful way to thank a barn owner and the farm help, or you’re a farm owner looking for a way to show your appreciation for your staff this time of year, a little thought goes a long way. Consider these gifts as a small way to say “thank you” for the care your horse receives.

• Purchase a prepaid cards to Starbucks, Dunkin’ Donuts or other local coffee shop where they might stop in and get a warm drink before work.

• Gift cards, whether they’re general Visa cards or to a gas station you know they frequent, are always welcomed, as are cards to stores like Kroger or Wal-Mart. There’s something so nice about not having to pay for life’s necessities like soap or paper towels every so often!

• If you know their sizes, consider buying warm winter garb like gloves, an Under Amour base layer, wool socks or a TrailHead beanie (that feels more like wearing a ball cap!). Want to splurge a bit more? Winter riding breeches, Carhartts or gift cards to stores like Gander Mountain or Cabela’s are all welcomed holiday treats.

• Any items engraved with a special horse’s name is heartfelt, whether on a bracelet, keychain or charm. Additionally, saddlepads, hats, bumperstickers, jackets, sweatshirts and more emblazoned with a farm name makes everyone feel like part of a team.

• If you board at a barn where the barn owner or staff will be feeding Christmas morning, offer to feed and do chores so they might spend a meaningful morning with their family and little ones (as long as this is OK with your family!). A respite from the grind of everyday farm work is appreciated any time, but even more so during the holidays if it garners them more time with family and friends.

• Give the gift of knowledge. Know someone who’s hungry for more horse info, all the time? Get them a gift to an equestrian magazine, a pass to audit or ride in a local clinic, or include a note that you’ll download some good equine-based podcasts right to their phone.

• Homemade treats, for both humans and horses, are always welcomed—especially if the receiver has first dibs on whether or not to share!

• If a bit of pampering is in order, a massage or manicure/pedicure is thoughtful. Even if these services are outside the box for some farm staff, the self-care is necessary, even if they don’t make it a habit.

• Get other boarders together to offer a larger, farm-centric gift, such as a new farm sign, trailer decals or other, more-expensive gift.

• Not into monetary gifts? Create a coupon book that offers anything from free tack cleaning to feeding and turnout to clipping and mane pulling.

No matter what you choose to gift—or not—making a point to thank those who help you with your horsey habit is one of the greatest gifts you can give. Make it a point to show your thankfulness this holiday season.