Horse show moms get all the attention, but dads really are the unsung heroes of the equestrian family. With summer right around the corner and horse show season upon us, what better time to find a Father's Day gift that dads can enjoy at the shows while they watch their hard earned dollars being…..well, let's leave that one alone!
Here's Dappled Grey's list of Father's Day gift ideas that will ensure the comfort and happiness of your horse show dad this summer!
Of course, with the announcements coming from the World Wide Developer's Conference this week, at the top of our list is the Apple iPhone 3G S. The 3G S makes it easy for dad to stay connected while he's at the show or the barn, and the longer battery life, improved camera, new video recording capability, and compass mapping are likely to come in handy, too. Starting at $199, iPhone 3G S can be ordered now and picked up at an Apple store on June 19.
Incase Bamboo Slider Case for Apple 3G and 3G S With all the dust and other, ahem, grunge, that tends to accumulate around horses, dad's iPhone definitely needs protection. Incase sets the standard for protective cases for Apple products like the iPhone 3G and 3GS. Made from reclaimed bamboo from construction scaffolding and chopsticks, the Bamboo Slider also reduces the use of plastic.
Summer horse shows can mean LONG days in the sun. Keep dad protected from harmful rays with Kiehl's Vital Sun Protection Lotion SPF 30, a water resistant, fragrance-free sunblock. Kiehl's products are never tested on animals, do not contain animal ingredients, and the owner's of the business are avid equestrians. (Tip: Why not also pick up some of Kiehl's equine grooming products while shopping for dear old dad?!)
Dad will be a picture of supportive horse show style wearing logo wear by the United States Equestrian Federation. The Vicomte polo shirt comes in green, purple, yellow, or pink, with contrasting white collar/cuffs and the USEF logo on the sleeve. For more formal occasions, the USEF Vineyard Vines ties sport an equine motif in five summery colors of 100% silk.
It looks like your class won't go until after 5 o'clock? Well then, your horse show dad deserves a glass of wine! Wild Horse Winery, on the central California coast, uses the mustang on their wine label to connote the "live naturally, enjoy wildly" spirit of its winery, vineyards, and tasting room. Seven Wild Horse wines are available in fine wine stores and markets; the winery's "Unbridled" wines are a selection of limited-production releases. Great for toasting when you win your class!
Judging Hunters and Hunt Seat Equitation, by Anna Jane White-Mullin, is an old classic that still sets the standard for explaining the criteria judges use to rate performances in these subjective disciplines. Also recommended is "The Judge's Eye" DVD, which examines show ring performances from the perspective of veteran judge Linda Andrisani.If Dad is going to spend all that time at the show, he might was well understand what is going on!
Keep dad's feet happy with comfortable, stylish, and durable leather footwear from OluKai. OluKai offers a number of great, handcrafted flip flop styles that are a perfect compliment to casual horse show wear, as well as a few slide/loafer options that will keep dad's toes protected at the back gate.
Dappled Grey has previously written a review of the Flip Mino HD video camera for sport horse enthusiasts so, to avoid much repetition, let's just say it is a highly portable, affordable, and extremely simple way for dad to capture high quality HD video clips from horse shows and the barn. With no cables and easy to use software, the Flip allows you to view and share your videos quickly and with absolutely no hassle.
These items are just a sampling of ideas to help dad enjoy a horse show-filled summer. But remember that what horse show dads, humble as they are, would probably enjoy most is a simple thank you for their support!
