I love to create and give my horse friends things I have made myself. It’s even better if they are eco-friendly or made from natural things. I searched Esty and Pinterest and found some terrific ideas.

If you are not much of a do-it-yourselfer but you like the thought of giving handmade (rather than Made in China) I also included some options of cool handmade horsey gifts that were tenderly made by others.

There is something for everyone on the list including kids, trainers and friends. Check it out!

DO IT YOURSELF:

There are a million things you can make using old horse shoes. 1. From this stenciled sign using reclaimed wood 2. To decorative accents created with ribbons, greens and beads

3. I’m sure your trainer would appreciate a frame made from up-cycled horse show ribbons (especially with you and your horse in it!) Just get a flat frame and wrap your ribbon strips then glue!

4. This trunk made from reclaimed wood is a bit more ambitious but would be a wonderful addition to any barn aisle. For instruction click here

5. How about a nice bottle of 14 Hand wine given in this DIY cozy wine bag? The directions are below: Supplies: • A sleeve from an old sweater. A solid-colored sweater may work best for this. Simple is often more dramatic. • 2" x 18" of solid-colored fleece to match or contrast the sweater sleeve • Bottle of wine • Glue or threaded sewing machine. Directions: ~Measure the height of the bottle. Add 1 inch. ~Starting at the finished edge of the sleeve, use the previous measurement to cut a tube that will become the bag. ~Turn the sleeve inside out. Glue or sew the cut edge together with the right sides together. ~Turn the sleeve right side out. The seam should now be on the inside. ~Slip the bottle inside of the sweater cozy. ~Cut fringes along the short side of both ends of the fleece piece to create a miniature scarf. ~ Wrap the fleece scarf around the neck of the bottle, trapping the sweater inside. ~Embellish with a home-made gift tag, if desired. 6. HomeMade Horse Treats are always a welcome gift (for the owner and the horse!) Making horse cookies and other goodies is easy and can be done using ingredients that you most likely already have. Here are a few of my favorites:

Carrot Crispers Ingredients: 3/4 cup oatmeal 1/3 cup molasses 1/2 cup water 3/4 cup flour 3/4 cup bran 1/2 cup brown sugar 1 apple 2 carrots Directions:

1. preheat oven to 400 degrees
2. grease muffin tin
3. shred apple and carrots
4. mix apple and carrots with molasses
5. add brown sugar, water, flour and oatmeal
6. scoop dough into muffin tin and sprinkle each muffin with brown sugar
7. bake for 30 to 45 minutes

OkieDokie Oats Treats: Ingredients: 1 cup flour 1 cup oats 2 cups of water 1/2 cup finely chopped carrots 1/2 cup finely chopped apples 1 teaspoon sugar 1 teaspoon salt 2 teaspoons canola oil 4 peppermint candies 1/3 cup molasses Directions:

1. Mix together all ingredients in a large bowl.
2. Roll into one inch balls and flatten.
3. Put in oven at 325 for 20 minutes.

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DIY KITS to ORDER:

7. I found these terrific stuffed horse kits on Etsy. I also plan on trying to use some recycled materials (old t-shirts) when making them.

8. I think a stick horse race is so much fun at family picnics or barn parties. Why not make a few and plan a race? There are pre-order kits on Etsy

9. Or you can Do-It-Yourself using old socks.

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HAND MADE BY OTHERS:

10. Beautiful horse feed sacks have been repurposed into all kinds of wonderful items to give. Each tote bag is a colorful piece of country art and a unique one-of-a-kind handmade item. Fill them with carrots, apples or other surprises. A welcomed gift they can re-use over and over! I got my yoga mat tote on Etsy

11. I love this horse hat for my grand daughter available on Esty

12. Look at this slow feeding net (you know how much I believe in that) made by hand out of (42H denier) woven polyester netting. These are available on Etsy

So gather your supplies, settle in for an evening of creativity and delight in the joy of your accomplishments!

Peace and good rides, til we meet again… ~Laura