THANKFULLY, I’m passed the age when my family and friends seek out Christmas gifts with some sort of horsey connection; anything incorporating a horse, pony or even donkey seemed to meet their criteria and, of course, was gratefully accepted, writes Tom Best. 
Over the years I have persuaded them that ‘normal’ gifts would do just fine (preferably edible or drinkable) so there is no need for them to tax their brains over my gift nor me to feel guilty about thanking them for that horsey gift which I had wished had stayed in the shop. 
That doesn’t mean to say that I’m not full of good ideas myself, so I thought I’d end the year in generous and festive mood with suggestions for those of you with horsey friends but nothing yet purchased for Christmas. 
The sight of my young neighbours out for a ride the other day reminded me how much times have changed and over a relatively short period of time. 
Not only has it become uncommon to see riders out for a hack in the countryside these days, but to see them and their ponies decked out in all sorts of high visibility gear is now par for the course when totally unheard of no more than 20 years ago. 
Of course, the busy nature of our roads has much to do with this so it is no wonder that riders have been forced to make themselves visible on the odd occasion they brave the tarmac. 
Country roads have become ‘rat-runs’ for the many commuters and farm vehicles, tractors in particular, have become much larger, travel at high speeds and are often driven with little regard for old-fashioned country values. 
So here’s my first suggestion; for the rider, hi-vis waistcoats or head bands and for the horse hi-vis saddle cloths, sheets or boots. 
These can be found on-line and in equestrian catalogues which bear witness to the fact that riding wear itself is big business, especially for the female rider. 
Long gone are the tweeds, muted country colours and practical hard-wearing cloths. Instead, the bright, often luminous, colours prevail with a bit of bling applied here and there. 
Hard wearing man-made materials also prevail as well as high-end fashion tailoring, which brings the modern rider bang on trend. 
Fitted has very much replaced loose fitting, however it comes as some relief that many gentleman riders have now abandoned the recently popular stretch breeches to a more traditional loose cut, which can only add comfort to those nether regions which find discomfort enough in the saddle. 
However, if you know an older rider who shows small native ponies in the ridden classes, a pair of children’s yellow stretch jodhpurs is a must.
Footwear has not escaped fashion trends, as more and more riders tend to wear gaiters in conjunction with ankle-length boots. 
It is a sign of my age that I use the term gaiter, as many refer to them as chaps when, in my book, chaps refer to the leggings which cowboys wore over their jeans. 
These have become very popular now, as too has the long boot with its high contour outer edge which emerged from the fashion houses of Italy. 
As much as the show ring tries to hold on to the straight top (a vestige of centuries-old tradition) the designer shape looks here to stay in other disciplines until another trend emerges, or there is a reversal of style which is not uncommon in the world of fashion.
Talking of trends, in recent years I have become more aware of the horse racing bridles which previously sported a plain noseband or was free of a noseband altogether. 
Traditionally, they also incorporated a large loose-ring snaffle bit and a plain browband. 
What has happened and why the change? I suspect that the changes go hand in hand with modern methods of training more akin to the world of eventing where schooling on the flat and over jumps are key to success. 
As a result, we have witnessed the appearance of a variety of bits and a move to the Grakle noseband with its cross-over straps. 
As for the coloured browbands, surely they go with the racing colours so why not and such an easy present to wrap?
Buying an item for a horse or pony is an indirect way of giving a gift to a friend and no better a choice could be a bag of feed or a rug. 
Both come with scientific advice if not approval and are available for all occasions. 
Admittedly, I haven’t yet spotted a Christmas orientated feed solution other than treats, however I am sure the feed companies are working on this for next year for the generous horse owner who doesn’t want their horse to miss out on the festive season. 
However, I have noticed the ‘winter wonderland’ rug patterns, which will soon feature in the bargain list once again come New Year. 
Let’s face it, the technology in both sectors has come on leaps and bounds over recent times making choices all the greater for would-be ‘gifters’.
I’ll finish off my suggestions with the most extravagant of the presents potentially on the list and one which could be shared with friends and family alike. 
It certainly isn’t new but it comes in all shapes and sizes and it also comes in degrees of expense rather than plain expensive. 
I refer to living accommodation, a ‘must have’ for all equine transport at a time when necessity and luxury have to be redefined in all walks of life, not just equestrian. 
Common place at all equestrian gatherings now, I well remember the first lorry with ‘luxury’ living to appear on the Scottish scene which turned heads whenever it appeared. 
Lacking today’s features of pull-out sides, full electrical appliances, central heating, horse showers and all that makes today’s luxury horsebox a home from home, the lorry of old came at a fraction of the price. 
It is barely conceivable that most of these modern lorries cost as much as a well-appointed three roomed detached house or their lease fees compare to a mortgage for one.
If feeling less generous, there is always the modern trailer which incorporates living space with ample room for horses and their tack. 
While its three axles makes towing easier, it may have to be accompanied by a bigger vehicle with which to tow it. 
However, for the equestrian family which has everything, there is also the 3.5T horsebox which has all the benefits of a horsebox with the additional bonus that it can be driven on a standard driving licence since it falls outwith the Heavy Goods legislation. 
With some day living an option, the main causes for concern lie with the overall weight of the vehicle fully loaded having to come within 3.5 tonnes and the wide range of builders whose experience in horsebox building ranges from little to none. 
Bearing in mind that it is always better to give than receive, don’t be too upset if none of The SF readers heed my advice and opt for something more traditional to fill your stocking.