No Coal In This Stocking: Heels Down Holiday Gift Guide 2020

If 2020 were a person, Karen would be getting coal. The rest of us, however, deserve a little something nice for dealing with her this long.

Here are our top gift picks for end stages, or rather, the 2020 holiday season. Some of them look nice, some of them help us our horses feel nice, and we hope all of them end up under our Christmas tree this year. Enjoy.

Velocity Gel:

Velocity is produced by Velocity Animal Sciences Inc, a biotech firm focused on equine and animal wellness. Velocity is a novel, clinically proven gel made with Carnosine. Carnosine has been studied since the early 1900s for muscle performance and recovery. Velocity is the first topical product made with Carnosine for the equine athlete and is 100% FEI and USEF Show Safe to use. Top level riders, like two-time Olympic gold medalist McLain Ward, trust Velocity for their horses.

Why we like it: New science, especially when it could potentially help our horses, is interesting and we love being the first people in the barn with a new product that works.

For more information on Velocity, please visit: equinevelocity.com.

Rusty Brown Jewelry:

The story of Rusty Brown Jewelry Rusty Brown Jewelry is as beautiful as the beautiful equestrian-themed pieces they produce. Rusty Brown was born and raised on the ranches throughout Arizona. He made his mark as a farrier, U.S. Marine, bull rider, cowboy and rodeo clown before pouring a lifetime of adventure into every bracelet, necklace, buckle and brooch that he forges from precious metals. In 2019 Rusty sold the business he loved and cultivated for over 40 years to Erin and Zack Baayen, who had been asking for years to buy the business. The business may have changed hands but the jewelry itself is still in the hands of an artisan who has been apprenticing under Rusty himself. The new ownership will ensure Rusty Brown Jewelry continues to grow with another true equestrian and is available to the mainstream for generations to come.

Why we like it: The jewelry is unique, very detailed, and absolutely beautiful (yes, some of our staff bought the Eventer Shoe Necklace earlier this year at one of our Trunk Shows). Plus who doesn’t love a piece of art with a story?

For more information on Rusty Brown Jewelry, visit rustybrownjewelry.com.

Dreamers & Schemers:

Dreamers & Schemers is the remarkably fun accessory company for awesome equestrians! Their new knit boot socks are so stretchy – making them their most size inclusive socks yet!  They stretch much taller and wider than their regular socks, and there are 13 patterns to choose from. Like all their socks, they still have the lightly padded, moisture wicking foot, flat seam toe and black cuff at the top (read: no show ring sock flashing!).

D&S is also the home of ManeJane spur straps. Their new straps have over 40 new custom charms added that you will not be able to find anywhere else. Most of the socks match back to some straps- a set makes a perfect holiday gift for any equestrian!

Why we like it: If you’re of the opinion that all riding socks are created equal, D&S socks will change your mind. They’re ridiculously comfortable with or without tall boots and can match any outfit. They are the perfect stockings for stocking stuffing and make great boarder and barn buddy gifts (they’re very reasonably priced!). Paired with ManeJane spur straps, they are the perfect accessory for your #ROOTD.

For more information on Dreamers & Schemers or ManeJane, visit dreamersnschemers.com.

Excel Supplements:

Excel Supplements provides the best balance of omega-3, 6, and 9 fatty acids available on the market today for equine and canine partners. Their proprietary blend of cold pressed Camelina Sativa oil with added polyphenols and CamOlive™ increases the bio-availability providing animals with lower inflammatory response. They are packed with antioxidants and natural vitamin E. Excel Supplements™ are 100% all-natural, GMO-free and show-safe.

Why we like it: Excel controls the entire value chain, from the seeds that produce their oil, to the final bottling and shipping of the finished product you receive.  For the competitive animal owner, this total control over our ingredients means that they can 100% guarantee that their products are FEI safe and totally compliant.

To learn more about Excel Supplements, visit excelsupplements.com.

Pup & Pony Co:

Pup & Pony Co. is a small family business out of Waterdown, Ontario, Canada. Originally inspired by their own pup and pony, each piece is meant to showcase and embrace the equestrian lifestyle. Everything they create continues to be guided by their mission – to create products for pets that are just as stylish as their customers, while ensuring the comfort and safety. Their soft, yet durable buffalo leather is vegetable tanned and therefore biodegradable. They ensure their products are of the highest quality and every single product is rigorously tested first by their four legged family members.

Why we like it: Aside from the fact that these gorgeous leather goods speak for themselves (we’re looking directly at the Polo Collection and Belmont Collection with rose gold), there has literally never been a better time to support small businesses. Everyone on the Heels Down team has shopped at Pup & Pony over the years, and we can all attest to the luxury and durability of their products.

To learn more about Pup & Pony Co., visit pupandponyco.com.

Equine & Design:

Equine & Design’s aesthetic approach to the equestrian apparel lifestyle allows you to travel seamlessly from the barn, to the store and to the city. They carry everything from fun shirts to elegant apparel. Feel confident and stand out wearing your Equine & Design products anywhere you go.

Why we like it: Their printed products are adorable, technical performance wear is beautiful, and their pieces pairs well with any #ROOTD, and they are always adding new styles so there’s a gift for every horse person on your list. Plus, the Pone, Rose, All Day sweatshirt speaks to us.

For more information on Equine & Design, visit equineanddesign.com.

Ecogold:

Known as an innovator and leader in textile engineering, Ecogold‘s reputation speaks for itself. The Canadian saddle pad company has designed and built some of the hardest working saddle pads out there. We personally love the Flip Half Pad, which offers two sides of color (one white/black, the other color of your choice), and was made with the highest form of security in mind. All Ecogold pads are built with High Resilience Foam aimed at impact protection for the horse’s back. And all of Ecogold’s products – from their cross-country to hunter styles, come with a non-slip guarantee.

Why we like it: You shouldn’t have to worry about your equipment when you’re riding. With Ecogold, you don’t have to. This year, the company launched the Flap Matte Pad, made with all vegan and cruelty-free materials. Not to mention, all Ecogold pads are shimmable for a custom fit!

For more information about Ecogold, visit ecogold.ca.

Draper Therapies:

If you’re looking for American-made products that will make you feel good (literally), look no further than Draper Therapies. Their products are infused with Celliant, a fiber proven to provide a temporary increase in local circulation therefore increasing comfort and enhancing performance while deceasing muscle recovery times. They have a variety of products designed to fit into every human, horse, and dog’s every day routine.

Why we like it: Far infrared products have become quite popular over the past few years, but Draper Therapies’ products are our favorite (especially the Perfect Polos). And although they be but small, they are mighty – ask any of their loyal customers, the quality control and customer service is top notch.

For more information on Draper Therapies, visit drapertherapies.com.

SmartPak:

SmartPak is the leader on all things horse supplements. Aside from their innovative SmartPak supplement delivery system, the online retailer has becoming the one-stop shopping destination for nearly all your horsey needs. SmartPak’s customer service can’t be beat. Don’t like what you ordered? It’s never a problem if you ordered on smartpakequine.com.

Why we like it: Here at Heels Down, we’re a big fan of SmartPak’s Piper and Hadley breeches line, their stylish all-leather tack brands like Harwich, and their can’t-be-beat line of winter blankets.

For more information on SmartPak, visit smartpakequine.com.

FLAIR Strips:

Developed by veterinarians, FLAIR Strips are drug-free, self-adhesive nasal strips that promote optimum health of equine athletes, in all disciplines and every level of competition. The Strips gently support the soft tissues over the nasal passages (the narrowest part of the upper airway) and reduce airway resistance and improve airflow when your horse needs oxygen most. Since their introduction at the 1999 Breeder’s Cup races and the 2000 Olympics, FLAIR Strips have been regularly used for training and competition by world class professional horsemen as well as amateur owners around the world.

Why we like it: Improving our horse’s comfort and wellness is an ongoing journey. We love that FLAIR Strips can be used and beneficial to any horse during training or exercise, not just top-level performance horses. They’ve also come out with some fun colors and styles, some of which support great causes… and they’re stocking-stuffer sized!

To learn more about FLAIR Strips, visit flairstrips.com.

Wahl:

The Wahl brand has become synonymous in the equestrian community with quality grooming products. Their variety of grooming tools – from clippers to brushes and beyond – ensure that when groom have the right tools in hand, the possibilities are endless.

Why we like it: When you buy a Wahl product, you know you’re getting a high quality item. We particularly love their Creative Cordless Clipper. It’s lightweight, easy to handle, and the batteries last long enough to tackle several bridle paths and sets of ears.

To learn more about Wahl, click here.

EIS:

Looking for stylish, comfortable protection from the sun while you ride? Then look no further than Equi In Style. EIS has developed a line of moisture-wicking, UV protection active wear that just can’t be beat. Their line of COOL (and cold weather) shirts stands up to even the hottest or longest day at the barn, and are stylish enough to wear at a clinic or in the show ring. EIS’ classic shirts are easily embroidered to outfit your whole show team in the same unparalleled performance wear.

Why we like it: EIS offers a wide range of color combinations and styles for every rider. The company is also offering matching masks this year to complete the look.

For more information on EIS, visit eis-wear.com.

Arena Saddles:

Beautifully styled with meticulous attention to detail, there is an Arena Saddle for every arena. With features like a deep dressage seat, open jump seat, moveable knee blocks, and a generous panel and channel, Arena Saddles give you the confidence that your saddle is comfortable for your horse. Arena Saddles also feature all of the benefits of Horse and Rider Technology (HART).

Why we like it: Good rides start with a comfortable horse, and if a saddle is on your Christmas list, Arena Saddles are worth looking at! They’re reasonably priced, and well made. Need more convincing? Check out the review we did.

For more information on Arena Saddles, visit arenasaddles.com.