United States Eventing Association

Here's a list of the top ten Christmas items that I've compiled... they should be on your list, too! If you're anything like me, you've waited until the very last minute to purchase gifts for family and friends. But fear not - it's not too late to get all these goodies, but you have to act fast! (or at least wrap up a photo of the gift you're giving the person...that way at least they can be anticipating it!) In a perfect world, I'd love to receive any (or all!) of these gifts...but perhaps just one or two will do!

10. Breeding to Top Event Stallion - Okay, so this is a very specific gift for someone in the right situation, but many eventers out there are becoming more and more involved in the young horse programs at the USEA - the Future & Young Event Horse programs. If you book your mare now, you can get unbelievable deals on some world-class eventing sires such as Jumbo (sire of Headley Britannia), Catherston Dazzler, Fleetwater Opposition, Miner's Lamp, and many more! Check out EMCO Stallion Services for the best deals on these amazing studs!

9. Omega-3 Fish Oil - Yes, fish oil...but for you AND your horse! See what all the buzz is about and check it out for yourself - visit Wellpride's website to find out how you (and your horse!) can benefit from these all-natural, omega-3 fish oils. All the Olympic horses get Wellpride...doesn't your horse deserve star treatment too?

8. Equine Insurance - Because you never know what can happen...isn't it better to be safe than sorry? You owe it to your horse to be prepared for any emergency, plus you'd be amazed at how wallet-friendly some of these plans are. I know I'm looking into getting insurance next year - check out Broadstone Equine Insurance...they've got some of the best rates (and service!) anywhere.

7. Olympic DVD - Re-live the excitement and thrill, and cheer on our American team as they compete against the world's best riders at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. Want to see McKinlaigh and Gina put in two foot-perfect show jumping rounds? Better head over to Bit of Britain and order your copy now (while you're there, you might as well pick up copies of the Show Jumping and Dressage teams as well....why not have the complete set?). By the way - don't forget to get your 5% discount on all Bit of Britain online orders - type in your USEA number in the "coupon code" section.

6. USEA Logowear - The USEA is proud to offer some of the best logowear on the market today - check out the Mountain Horse products and rugby shirts! I don't recommend getting a black or navy Lusitano fleece if you have grey ponies or Jack Russells....

5. Coverall Indoor Arena - A girl can dream, can't she? Check it out - it's like riding in a white balloon...it's so light! I suppose if I do have to suffer through another blustery winter out in the elements, I'd like a nice fleecy quarter sheet and some cozy long johns to fit under my breeches. Might as well snag one of these for your pooch to match, too!

4. Charles Owen Protective Vest - Head into the new season with a brand new vest! Charles Owen offers state-of-the-art light and comfortable vests for eventers - find out more info here. If you get a new vest, don't pitch your old one (granted it's still in working order!) - donate it to a local Pony Club or Eventing Association for others to enjoy.

3. USEA Winter eBay Auction Items - Yes, I said "items" because this stuff is such a great deal, you might as well bid on a couple of things. Didn't win your item this week? We're offering another week with a whole new selection of different items! Here's just a sample of what's being offered: lessons from top ICP coaches in the country like: Gina Miles, Phyllis Dawson, Mike Huber, Natalie Rooney-Pitts, Bill Hoos, Jane Sleeper, Diana Rich and Mogie Bearden-Muller; There will also be event entries to events like: Event at Rebecca Farm, Dunnabeck, Flintridge, Waredaca, Plantation Fields, Meadows of Moorpark, Greenwood, Mystic Valley Hunt, Indiana EVA; tons of great eventing products like: Fleeceworks pads, Charles Owen vests, Ice Horse legs wraps, Dehner boots, Flair nasal strips, SUCCEED, SSG gloves, gifts from Nunn Finer, SmartPak, Troxel, Dover Saddlery and much more; awesome gifts such as pottery from Alicia Daily, photographs from Shannon Brinkman, a Theodore O'Connor Breyer model, Animals to Wear t-shirts, riding apparel and the list goes on... BID NOW!

2. Eventing Calendar - We all need a calendar, so why not show off one that highlights your favorite sport? Plus, a portion of the proceeds will be donated to breast cancer research - so you can't feel too guilty about buying a dozen of them to knock out everyone on your list...it's for a good cause! Oh, and an added bonus - Rolex, Badminton, and Burghley are already marked! (Don't forget the USEA Bit of Britain discount on this one either!)

1. USEA Membership - If you have a loved one who's been a VERY good boy or girl this year - consider buying a membership renewal for them. The USEA offers all levels from Lifetime down to Subscribing memberships - check 'em out! Or, if you'd like to do something a little proactive, consider giving a donation in someone's name to your favorite program, such as the AEC, Gold Cup Series, Young Event Horse Series, or ICP! Keep Grandma up to date on your favorite sport - buy her a subscribing membership to our award-winning magazine Eventing USA! Or, if your friends/family have been exceptionally naughty, this whip in their stocking might encourage them to make the "Nice List" their goal for '09!