United States Eventing Association

As a child, my family had an advent calendar each year…beginning on December 1, we’d anxiously peel back the tiny doors to see what secret treasure was revealed. Whether it was a horse figurine, a few bucks, or a piece of candy, the excitement leading up to the moment of discovery helped us get through the doldrums of the encroaching winter season, as well as relieve some of the stress of the holidays. For the next few weeks, I’ll share a few little tidbits with you each day (completely secular, of course!) – whether it be a feel-good story or joke, a warm-and-fuzzy photo, some shopping ideas (I’m a bargain hunter), reflections on the past year, or thoughts for 2011. Raise your glass of eggnog, and join me in a cheer—it’s a downhill slide to the holidays, a chance to kick up your feet (hopefully snuggly in some wooly slippers), catch up on your favorite eventing entertainment (latest blogs, Eventing magazines, books, dvds, etc.), and think about your fondest reasons for the season.

Where to start? Since Black Friday (and Cyber Monday!) has passed me by, I’m a little behind on my shopping plans.

Creative Gift Ideas:

• Have a dog? Most eventers have a faithful pup in their midst… Courtney Young (of Three Days Three Ways blog) guides us through a fun shopping list for her pooch, courtesy of Simon the Spaniel.
• Missed out on the WEG this year or just want to relive all the excitement? The Sport House is offering all sorts of great packages of WEG dvds.
• Denny Emerson’s new book is coming out next year: “How Good Riders Get Good: Daily Choices That Lead to Success in Any Equestrian Sport.” Sounds like a must-have. I don’t believe they’re out yet, but I think you could order them on Amazon. Oh, and want to spend a few hours reminiscing about eventing’s rich history? Check out Tamarack Hill’s Facebook page – their photo galleries are amazing.
• Consider a donation to the USEA program or study of your choice. There are also many horse rescue and ex-racehorse adoption programs that appreciate some extra help during the holidays – CANTER and New Vocations are a few that come to my mind.
• Time to hang up stockings! Here’s one from Horse and Hound. (While you’re there, check out this adorable rug…)
• And lights! These are neat (Bass Pro Shop? Really?). SmartPak and Bit of Britain both have some snazzy horse ornaments, too.

That’s all for today…I leave you with this video to get you in the mood for winter.