Prison inmates in New Mexico are learning the value of hard work, compassion, and patience as they train mustangs captured by the BLM for subsequent sale to the public.  Mustangs that have been thus trained have a much greater chance of being purchased and loved by a family, giving them access to a life they might not have otherwise enjoyed.

It’s pretty amazing stuff.  The horses are helping these men make real changes in their lives, and that’s something worth paying attention to.  It’s also worth paying attention when the men in our lives go through change: whether it’s personal growth, a professional achievement, or gaining new skills in the show ring, it’s important to remember that these moments are special.

The tradition of commemorating life achievements with jewelry is nothing new for women.  Setting aside entirely the engagement ring and wedding ring conversation, many women collect jewelry that they find personally meaningful, related to specific events.  Perhaps a ring to commemorate the birth of a child, or a fabulous bracelet to celebrate a promotion.  Charm bracelets are used to provide a tangible narrative: each bead relates to a special occasion in our lives.  Equestrian bead charms are a great way to remember the fantastic times we’ve had with the horses in our lives.

But what about the men? Men need positive reinforcement and recognition too. It’s not something we hear so much about – but that doesn’t mean the need’s not real. Many men are touched and gratified when their loved ones present them with horse jewelry for them. Select pieces that are both high quality and personally meaningful, and you can be sure he’ll wear it proudly for years to come — remembering both the achievement the jewelry marked, and the people in his life who inspire him to greatness!

If you answered yes — or laughed because that hit just a little too close to home — chances are you’re a horse person.  Of course, there are other tell tale signs that you’ve got horse fever.  We’ve collected the top ten to give you a smile — and we want to hear your favorites, too!

You Know You’re A Horse Person When…

10.  Time spent grooming your horse on a typical day: More than an hour.  Time spent grooming yourself on a typical day:  Does putting your hair up in a scrunchy on the way to the barn count?

9. Your horses get new shoes more often than you do…and they cost a whole bunch more! (Even on a per foot/hoof basis!)

8. You’ve ever told your truck “Whoa!”

7. Discussions about expanding your family require clarifying if you mean buying a horse or having  a baby.  Once that’s cleared up, you plan your pregnancy around the show season.

6. There are snaffle bits soaking in the kitchen sink.

5. You really, really want Santa to bring some of these for your Christmas stocking. Of course, you’ve already taken care of the sugar cubes and carrots for your horse’s stocking. And they each have a present under the tree.

4. A perfect stranger has ever let you know you have hay in your hair. Bonus points if you’re wearing formal wear when this happens.

3. Going through a metal detector requires emptying your pockets — and out comes a hoof pick, curb chain, and a scrawled note that upon examination says, “Get more grain!”

2. Everyone you know refuses to go to any historical or fantasy movies with you, because your commentary on the finer points of horsemanship interferes with their ability to enjoy the movie. The local theater owner had to physically restrain you from seeing Secretariat ‘just one more time!’

1. This is your dream horse jewelry collection!

Perhaps not…but we have the next best thing.

Vintage Horseshoe Jewelry

As close as your wrist, you can have the iconic symbol of horses: This horseshoe bracelet , featuring a great Art Deco look, set with two coral cabochons and 8 seed pearls — gold and gems combined and shining with that distinctive luster that only age can give. Despite its great age, this piece is timeless: it will slide seamlessly into your horse jewelry collection, suitable for the office, classroom, or church — anywhere you want that look of effortless elegance and personal style.

Horseshoe jewelry is also popular in necklaces and pendants form. A particular favorite is this amazing 14K gold horseshoe, whip and stirrup pendant. This piece is from an original antique mold, connecting you with the timeless tradition of horse jewelry and connecting you with the great horses of old — both from history and from your personal life. An exceptional charm or pendant with a deco feel featuring a horseshoe, a hunting whip and a stirrup with leathers.

Horseshoe charms are available with the shoe pointed down, such as we see in this piece, or with the shoe pointed up, like a U. If you’re buying this horse jewelry as a gift, you may want to find out if the recipient is superstitious: some folks believe that a horse shoe pointed up is the best kind of good luck charm!

But you don’t have to be a jewelry designer to tell your life story with jewelry.  You can convey the tale of your life with the jewelry you wear!

For example, take this piece, which we’re calling The Ultimate Rider’s Charm Bracelet. At first glance, it’s immediately apparent to even the most casual observer that the wearer loves horses.  Look at the horseshoe charm, and the finely detailed horse head.  Closer examination reveals more: the gloves, boots, and hat that speak to hours preparing for the show arena, the training, the grooming, the nerves fluttering like so many wayward butterflies in your stomach.  And of course, the show ribbon — and who couldn’t use a little good luck, delivered in the form of a four leaf clover?

Selecting jewelry that tells a story is an intensely personal process.  You want to think carefully about what’s important to you, and then take the time to really browse through all of your options. It’s possible to be fashion forward and still very individual: Charm Jewelry is one great option. A golden wheelbarrow might remind you of wonderful days working in the barn, or a childhood when you were so excited just to be around the horses that you’d do anything — even muck stalls — simply to be there. It’s about YOUR memories, YOUR story, and YOUR look.  So don’t delay: start telling your story today!

Until now! Show Stable Artisans is thrilled to announce the arrival of an exclusive line of Pandora compatible equestrian bead charms. Your life story is not complete without your horses — and neither is your charm bracelet!

The collection includes a wonderful silver stirrup bead charm , an intricately detailed, finely worked fox head charm , a trendy silver cube bead with 14K gold snaffle bit accents and more. There’s even a bead that looks like a haybale!

Prices begin at $42, making it easy and affordable to integrate your love of horses into your charm bracelet. The beauty of the Pandora and other charm bracelets is that they’re a tangible expression of your individuality. Each charm tells a little more of your life story. As you evolve and grow, charms that are personally significant are added to reinforce the personal nature of your piece.

Commemorate a great performance in the show ring by adding a sterling silver jump charm! These charms are great gifts! They serve perfectly well as stocking stuffers, and will add a smile to any horse lover’s face — and some equestrian charm to her bracelet!

Please note, we focus exclusively on the finest horse jewelry. That’s why we’re  only making equestrian bead charms. See your local or web jeweler for the bracelet itself and for any of the non-equestrian beads shown below: