While December may be a series of unfortunate events for equestrians in some parts of the country, customarily consisting of constant snowfall, heavy blankets and a multitudinous amount of clothing, it also hosts the most optimal time of the year: Christmas.
It is a time to give back to the community and express our appreciation to our loved ones and in particular, our barn family. If we ride with a trainer, it is also the time of year where industry professionals spend some downtime recovering from the stressful show season and regrouping for next year.
GoHorseShow asked trainers from all over the country about some of their favorite holiday gifts they have received over the years and what types of presents they appreciate getting from clients.
Not surprisingly, many appreciate gifts that can benefit the entire barn or some self-care items like massages and chiropractic sessions.
Still need some ideas of what to get your trainer this holiday season? Find out straight from the source.
Micah Hansen – We all can dream of things we wish we could get. I would think a winning lotto ticket would be nice (laughs). We have received many lovely things throughout the years. Some examples were a Yeti cooler and Yeti cups with our logo and first names on them. We have great customers that give gift certificates to places we love to eat as well as some of the best baked goods you could ever imagine. We have received a Hansen Show Horses light up metal sign that was unique. We do have a barn party every year and have a little gift exchange, and last year someone made the gift, and it turned out to be a four-pound ball with a wick on it. Painted on the front was a letter F, so you can imagine what that is. I think that anything someone gives us is always a very kind gesture.
Jenn Wheeler – Anyone who knows me knows that I hate receiving gifts mostly because I am just so thankful for the relationships and friendships I have with my clients –  that’s all I ever need. However, anytime something comes from the heart from a client it means a lot…a simple thank you card, a bottle of good wine, a cool cow skull in my barn colors… special moments where someone has taken the time to make us feel appreciated means a lot to us. This year we saw so much devastation and loss in California from the wildfires that I asked my clients to consider donating to families in need of rebuilding their lives instead of going all out for a big gift for us. I’m proud of the contributions made by the good people that make up Wheeler Performance Horses, and we hope they every effort makes a difference. Justin and I are both very blessed with beautiful people to work for there isn’t any more significant gift.
Anne Shafer – When I first built the barn, I wanted things for the barn. The first year my clients all went in together and we got two big mirrors for the arena. The second year was a central vacuum for the horses. They have also done split rail fence for the park out front. Now, it is more blow ups for inside the barn and every Christmas a bottle or two of tequila appears on my desk in the office.
Farley McLendon – Realistic….massages and chiropractic treatments. Non-realistic a new truck and a living quarters trailer of my choice (laughs).
Larry Spratto – Gift certificates to our favorite restaurant. I do miss the Big Barn Christmas parties we use to have 12 to 15 youth kids, nowadays every weekend with the Select riders is a party.
Angie Reichert – My clients have given me unique, heartfelt Christmas gifts every year. Every gift is always meaningful in its way no matter how small. Anything goes from chocolate with handmade cards by 5-year-olds, to Yetis, wine glasses, shirts, hoodies that all have my business logo added on, to stars that light up for my gate. It is always nice when they all put money in a pot for one large item. For example, one year they all went together and bought a giant vacuum for me that I now keep at the barn for all to use. Another year, they all went along and bought a gift certificate at my favorite tack shop – Harris. I’m still waiting on my plane ticket to Bora Bora (laughs).
Stephanie McAlexander – Realistically, anything is appreciated. Things that benefit the whole barn are always high on my list of favorites; i.e., trail poles, cones, etc. Also, things that are relaxing. A massage, pedicure, or something of that sort to have a little time away are always fun.
Julie Voge – Gift certificates for bits, Blue Ribbon headstalls or saddle pads, always a trainer’s favorite. I had a customer get me a monogrammed dirty clothes bag to take with me to the shows and put all my dirties in. Love it.
Missy Thyfault – I don’t expect anything, but it’s always a pleasant surprise. I have been very blessed over the years with some awesome Christmas presents. My favorites have been the ones that solve a problem or help me be more organized. Trainers love anything that complements their show set up or has their logo embossed on it. We also love gifts of food and alcohol. When it comes to gifts, I think we are not a very picky bunch. It just feels good to be remembered.
Nikki Riddle – Food! I love when we get surprise gifts like the Omaha Steaks or the cookies/candy baskets. Or fun gift certificates to golfing or massages.
Alyse Roberts – I’ve gotten some great gifts over the years… one year some customers went in together and got me a gift certificate to one of my favorite tack stores.
If you are a trainer, what are some of your favorite gifts you have received from clients? If you are a client, what do you like to give your trainer as a sign of appreciation during the holidays? Let us know!
