Help a friend or relative perfect their leg position in the saddle by treating them to Mountain Horse’s SCS3 system this Christmas. This three-part system includes boots, quick release stirrups and stirrup treads to improve grip, stabilise the lower leg and ensure release of the foot in a fall. Costs around £230 for the ladies’ High Caliber long boot (£240 for the men’s version) including stirrups, or £150 for the short boot and stirrups combo. Alternatively the stirrups and treads cost £57, while the treads can be purchased alone for just £10. Contact (tel: 01462 432596) or visit: www.horsemasters.co.uk
Busy competitive riders will undoubtedly thank you if they unwrap a stylish Devoucoux Kolibri on 25 December. This useful bit of kit combines the actions of a martingale and breastplate and is fully adjustable with five attachments to the saddle. It includes two elasticated sections to provide the horse with freedom of the shoulder over the fences, while keeping the saddle in position. It is used by a number of eventers including Pippa Funnell. It comes in a choice of hazel, mahogany or black and costs around £166. Visit: www.devoucoux.com
Musto’s Asymmetric Wadded Jacket looks good at the stables as it does at a competition with its fashionable asymmetric design, making it a great present choice. This jacket offers a flattering cut in a choice of black, ivory or “wicked pink”. It is showerproof and breathable, while the classic feather and duck down quilting will keep the recipient warm in the coldest weather, and it will cost around £100. For stockists contact (tel: 01268 495830) or visit: www.musto.com
Most riders appreciate the benefits of protecting their horse’s back, and the traditional PolyPad “Classic” saddle pad has long proved a favourite with competitors from all disciplines. To make this practical present slightly more special, PolyPads is offering a personalised embroidery service this Christmas. The pad comes in a range of colours, in a choice of three thicknesses for around £23. Personalised embroidery costs an additional £1 per letter. Contact (tel: 01284 850511) or visit: www.polypads.co.uk
The new Jan Kunster art calendar for 2006 should be popular with all horse lovers, featuring fascinating images of horses by this popular artist. This year’s calendar includes dressage, jumping, eventing and driving, as well as Baroque horses, Andalusians and Friesians. Each calendar costs £17.99 plus postage and packing from www.lesliesutcliffe.biz or (tel: 01608 683855)
