Need Help- Gift Idea

[Pomlover2586]

A friend of my DH and I has recently started letting me ride her horse for free. She just says she wants her to get more experience with various riders and she wants her to get plenty of exercise. I used to take lessons years ago and so I know that lessons, leasing a horse, etc can be expensive.

While she's made it clear she doesn't want payment for letting me ride her horse, I feel guilty, and I don't want her to feel like I'm taking advantage of a very one sided agreement.

I'd like to get her a gift to show some of my appreciation. She loves horses and Border Collies so I was thinking a gift bag/basket with some collectibles in it; mug, notepad, pen, keychain etc type stuff.

What do you all think would be an appropriate gift? Also any ideas on how I can continue to show my appreciation over the long haul? This seems like something she'd like me to do on a fairly regular basis, and I want her to know what it means to me.

Thanks for any help!

 

[LadyZolt]

I like the idea of a personal gift like that, but I'd also see about picking up stuff for the horse -- not paying her, but actually getting stuff that the horse needs. Grooming stuff, or feed, or special treats that the horse likes. Sort of like people paying for gas when carpooling.

Another idea is to share a skill you have with her -- like if you can crochet, or sew, or if you're good at dancing or whatever, you could offer to teach her or a family member.

Or you could also get her a gift card to a day spa, or a massage place, something to pamper her. Or a gift card to a restaurant in your area that you think she'd like. Stuff like that.

And maybe getting her a subscription to a horse magazine -- or renewing one if she already has one.

Just brainstorming! Hope it helps! Happy riding!

-Dorothy (LadyZolt)

 

[mommytotwo]

I also like the idea of getting her horse something.

Also, how about offering your services in tending to the horse so that she can get a break?

 

[Pomlover2586]

I like the idea of a personal gift like that, but I'd also see about picking up stuff for the horse -- not paying her, but actually getting stuff that the horse needs. Grooming stuff, or feed, or special treats that the horse likes. Sort of like people paying for gas when carpooling.

Another idea is to share a skill you have with her -- like if you can crochet, or sew, or if you're good at dancing or whatever, you could offer to teach her or a family member.

Or you could also get her a gift card to a day spa, or a massage place, something to pamper her. Or a gift card to a restaurant in your area that you think she'd like. Stuff like that.

And maybe getting her a subscription to a horse magazine -- or renewing one if she already has one.

Just brainstorming! Hope it helps! Happy riding!

-Dorothy (LadyZolt)

I also like the idea of getting her horse something.

Also, how about offering your services in tending to the horse so that she can get a break?

Thanks for the ideas! I Definitely plan on getting the horse treats on a regular basis- just because she's adorable and how could I not?

As for tending to the horse solo- that may be a possibility in the future- but I'm still in training LOL. I've been on Horsey-Hiatus for about 9 yrs so I'm having to relearn most of it. I'm sure that in time though that will be something I can do for her.

Great ideas- keep them coming!

 

[Katy Belle]

I think buying her a gift ... such as your gift basket idea, is a good way to start.

If you want to continue to do something, how about donating $ to an animal charity in her name?

Does she have little kids? You could take her kids to a movie and out to eat so she could have some alone time.

Have fun riding!
Katy

 

[dis-happy]

Honestly? If she's a horse owner she probably already has a lot of horse themed things. I'd consider getting her a gift certificate (to a restaurant, or IF there is a tack shop you know she goes to, get one for there, or offer to pay the ferrier when he comes). Or perhaps a subscription to a riding magazine, there are different ones depending on what kind of riding she does. Otherwise, offer to horse sit while she goes on vacation, I bet that would be greatly appreciated. And don't forget to clean the tack sometimes, also appreciated.

Have fun!!! I know a lot of moms that have returned to their first love, horses and riding, and have a blast with it.

 

[Linzybrooke]

When I was in high school I mucked stalls, and one of the ladies that boarded her Arabian there also let me ride her for free, and would give me the occassional lesson. She also didn't want/expect anything in return, but I always wanted to do little things for her. Sometimes I would bake her cookies if I knew I was going to see her that day, I often bought special treats for the horse, would replenish grooming supplies as I noticed they were getting low, and a couple of times paid the farrier when he came out to shoe if I happened to be at the barn with her. She didn't personally want or need anything, so I did what I could to show my appreciation for the horse.

 

[Pomlover2586]

OK well for starters I got her a $50 gift card to our local saddlery and a thank you card- and I'll just have to keep brainstorming for little things here and there in the future to continue to show my appreciation.

 

[LadyZolt]

OK well for starters I got her a $50 gift card to our local saddlery and a thank you card- and I'll just have to keep brainstorming for little things here and there in the future to continue to show my appreciation.

That's great! I am sure she will appreciate your thoughtfulness. You both sound like generous, caring people and I think this arrangement is wonderful!

-Dorothy (LadyZolt)