The holiday season is fast approaching and we kicked it off with some seasonal sparkle in our first #BuyCanadian Holiday Shopping Guide. Now, more than ever, it is important to choose products from Canadian companies to support their businesses whenever possible during these difficult Covid times.
Apparel
When you think of Canadian riding apparel brands, Asmar Equestrian immediately comes to mind. Founded by BC native Noel Asmar, the company offers a line of functional, yet fashionable riding pieces that often work as well in the office as they do in the saddle.
New! Struck masks for riders.
Struck Apparel has become the go-to breech brand for many top equestrians, both in and out of the show ring. Proudly designed and manufactured in Canada with athletic performance in mind, their breeches are loved for their stretch, shape retention and breathability. Struck has recently incorporated that performance mindset into a new product – face masks designed specifically for sport.
If you’ve ever wished someone would transform your favourite yoga pants into riding breeches, you can thank CanTack Equestrian. With 20 colours to choose from, a silicone full seat with just enough grip, comfortable waist, cell-phone sized thigh pocket, and a budget-friendly price, these comfy leggings are perfect for every rider on your list. And with the Canadian equestrian in mind, a cozy winter version is currently in production.
A small family business based in Milton, Ontario, Halter Equestrian Apparel was founded in 2018 by horse lovers for horse lovers. They are best known for their cute and casual line of tees and tops with positive equestrian messages, but other popular items include hoodies, water bottles, socks, and hats, making them the perfect one-stop holiday gift shop for horse fanatics.
Grooming & Horse Health
Ecolicious Equestrian doesn’t just want you to make your horse look good, they want you to feel good about doing it. From shampoos and conditioners to hoof care, coat sprays, body balms and shine enhancers, every Ecolicious horse care product is biodegradable, sourced from renewable resources, made with natural and organic GMO -free ingredients, free from silicones and parabens, and packaged in 100% recycled bottles.
The one good thing about Canadian winter is that horse owners get a respite from shedding season. But the break is brief, which is why every rider needs to find a Sheddie Eddie in their stocking. This ingenious Alberta-made grooming tool not only defeats dirt, mud, dander, and hair on all your furry friends, it’s also great for removing hair from clothing, furniture, saddle pads and blankets.
Who wouldn’t like to find a Pot of Gold under their tree? This all-natural cream from Neachai Equine Ayurveda can be applied before or after a ride to help ease soreness and stiffness from inflamed muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Like all of Neachai’s products, it’s manufactured from natural ingredients with the principles of Ayurvedic medicine in mind: balance, between body, mind and spirit.
Developed in conjunction with researchers at the University of Guelph, Herbs for Horses has a complete line of herbal and nutritional supplements to keep your horse happy and healthy. Whether you’re looking for immune support, hoof improvement, moody mare management, or joint care, there’s a product with your horse’s needs in mind. And if you need to feed three or more products, the company will create a custom blend with the correct ratios just for you.
Gifts and Accessories
Spiced Equestrian has long been a favourite small biz source for elegant equine-themed gifts and accessories. Their website is chock-full of super stocking stuffers like phone cases, scrunchies, stock pins and more. But when it comes to a must-have gift for the horse-crazy lady on your list, this mug just might top the list.
The perfect gift for your coach, trainer, or any rider on your list, the Signature Rider Wristlet from Black Knight Accessories transforms from a hands-free wearable storage solution while riding to stylish mini-purse in a snap. Even better, it comes in gift sets with a number of other popular Black Knight products such as belts, scrunchies, and facemasks that are ideal for holiday giving.
Since we’re all scrubbing our hands more than usual these days, some Soap for Dirty Equestrians makes the perfect 2020 holiday gift. Stressed-out ammy? Need to wash away the barn drama? Got some upper-level goals? There’s a sweet-smelling, vegan, and cruelty-free soap for everyone. Available in singles or in mix-and-match packs for you and your entire barn crew.
There is perhaps no gift more personal than one made from horsehair in memory of a treasured friend. That’s why PEI artisan Trisha Carter created Galla Designs. Her beautiful creations are handmade from top-quality materials and designed in consultation with the client to build a custom creation that’s sure to touch the heart of any horse lover.
