And it’s not like horses don’t like presents.  They come running up to the fence for them, after all, any time they suspect that there might be some apple slices or treats hidden in your pocket.  Have you ever had the experience of putting a new blanket on them, once the season gets a little colder, and see them preening and prancing for their friends? It’s adorable (Unless of course, your horse views a new blanket as the perfect opportunity to go roll in the mud, muck and hay. Then it’s not so cute!)

Jewelry for Your Horse

We would be remiss if every now and then, we didn’t turn up with some horse jewelry for horses. And what better time to give jewelry to your horse than the holidays? Check out this Sterling Silver Engravable Halter Tag. On one side, it features a horseshoe design — always good luck! — and on the other side, you can have your horse’s name engraved.

Other designs are available, so you can select the look most fitting for your horse. There’s a dressage head charm, a hunter/jumper head charm, and perhaps our favorite, a simple silver heart. Sturdy and dependable, you can count on these halter tags to stay in place and look great!

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!

“Mywifenosevrything. Thewifedoesntknow. They’re one-two. Of course they are!”

Mywifenosevrything and Thewifedoesntknow are destined to meet again (of course!) on Sunday, during the 8th race at Monmouth Park.

This battle for the ages even extends to the trainers: Mywifenosevrything is trained by a woman, while Thewifedoesntknow is trained by a man.  But here at ShowStable Artisans, we like to focus on what brings us together rather than what divides us, particularly when it comes to jewelry!

Now, it’s true that there are times when you can take the matching thing entirely too far — all you have to do is let your memory wander back to the early days of line dancing and coordinated bib-shirt outfits to know what we’re talking about.  You can make your connection clear while still being stylish.

Check out these pair of rings: His features a matte gold background with .33 carat weight of diamonds. A bold, masculine ring that works well as a wedding or commitment band, this ring is a favorite among the men we know. Hers is a classic 14K gold ring with .22 carat weight of diamonds in a striking horseshoe, timeless elegance paired with exceptional sparkle and shine. Imagine this couple holding hands, the love they have for each other — and for horses — evident for all to see.

Will Mywifenosevrything  emerge victorious after this weekend’s race?  Only time will tell!  One thing is certain, though…every time these two horses meet, people will pay attention!

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!

Not this year.  This year will be different — particularly if you’re shopping for horse lovers!  We have the absolutely perfect gift — something that’s guaranteed to delight, that no one else will get them, that’s reasonably priced.

We’re talking about the Sterling Silver Horseshoe and Nameplate Bracelet. This item is one of our top sellers, and it’s easy to see why: an attractive, distinctive, high quality sterling silver bracelet, with five sterling silver horseshoes alternating with six sterling silver nameplates. On each plate goes the name of someone near and dear: beloved horses, the best dogs ever — why, there might even be space on there for the kid’s names! When you’re looking at the picture, examine the second bracelet from the top: that’s the one we’re talking about.

This is the type of piece you can wear every single day.  Sterling silver goes with everything, and the design of this piece is appropriate for all but the most formal occasions.  A thoughtful gift, sure to be treasured, and a tangible demonstration of how much you care!  Cross one name (or more!) off your shopping list now and make the holiday season less stressful for you — and more joyful for the person you give the bracelet to!

Of course, being Hermes means it is also going to have an amazing price tag.  Without exaggeration, you could buy yourself a horse — perhaps an entire stable full of horses and the barn itself! — for what the new line is going to cost.

No  matter! We’ll get that lottery ticket someday!  Meanwhile, there is a lot of vintage Hermes and Hermes inspired equestrian jewelry available right now. Long a favorite of many horse jewelry collectors, the elegant lines, strong styling and bold grace of these pieces make them appropriate in any setting.

At the moment, we’re particularly entranced by this amazing 18K gold snaffle bit bracelet. Imagine this dangling from your wrist: substantial enough to make an impression, airy and designed not to be heavy on the wrist. Every movement, every wave, every handshake, creates just enough sparkle and shine to make meeting you memorable. Hermes did so much with the bit motif — you can see that here in this lovely vintage bracelet and it is truly a fabulous way to communicate your love of horses.

The passion for American horse jewelry is easy to understand.  Speaking to the rugged, adventerous years of our country’s history, a time when cowboys rode out on the range, and a good horse was all the transportation you needed to reach your dreams, this piece is perfect for the individualist who appreciates tradition, history, and exquisite craftsmanship.

This piece was handmade and signed by Mr. Ilfield, who lived in New Mexico until his death in 1944.  We’re not sure exactly when the piece was made, but it was definitely after he’d become an accomplished artist: the bezel set bright turquoise stones are surrounded by applied twisted silver wire, evoking the look and feel of rope.

Who’s wearing American artist jewelry? You need look no further than Hollywood, where stars have been accenting outfits from the carefully casual to red carpet elegant with American pieces.  The Old West is a perpetual fashion favorite, and speaks to individual strength and personal vision.  It’s a innovative fashion choice for those in leadership positions, who have to forge a path to success that isn’t traveled by just anyone.  After all, not every man is a cowboy — nor every woman a cowgirl!

Turquoise is thought to promote good health and healing, and coupled with the traditional horseshoe shape, could you ask for a luckier piece to wear? Ideal for gifting to the person you hold most dear — tomorrow’s classic, delivered today!

Now, it’s no secret that we at Show Stable Artisans have a certain fondness for Estate and Antique Horse Jewelry. There’s something almost otherworldly and beautiful about these pieces from yesteryear, when everything wonderful was made by hand, and detail was captured by a fine eye.

And among the great jewelers, of course, we must give credit to Hermes.  Founded in 1837, Hermes is renowned for being the French jeweler (they did some bags and such too, you may have heard of them.)  The relationship between Hermes and the horse world is well established — the family, after relocating to France from Germany, worked making harness and tack. Their saddles were so magnificent that they were the choice of the Czar of Russia!

Over time, the Hermes family moved into apparel.  They became famous for their scarves, and their distinct approach, which one of the family described as “Leather, sport, and a tradition of refined elegance.”

You can see that refined elegance in this Amazing rare vintage Hermes horse bit bracelet. We’ve taken far more pictures than usual so you can really look at this piece — frankly, it’s not the type of thing most of use get to see often enough! It’s a gorgeous sterling silver Hermès snaffle bit bracelet circa 1950-60. This was the era when Hermes was seen being worn by Grace Kelly, the Princess of Monaco!  Talk about glamour!  Today, you’ll see Elle MacPherson, Madonna, Nicole Kidman and other celebrities turn to Hermes when they’re striving for that elegant, polished, ultimately sophisticated look.

We only have one of these bracelets, and if we had our way, would likely keep it for ourselves.  But the boss has informed us that our mission is actually connecting horse lovers with the ultimate in horse jewelry — and for the lucky customer who buys this bracelet, we’ll have certainly done that!

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!

This Victorian 14k Rose Gold and Pearl Horseshoe Ring is a stunning example. This sensational piece has 11 round pearls, each with beautiful luster. The pearls are prong set into a horseshoe shape with an elaborate raised and cut-out side gallery. On either side of the horseshoe setting is an attractive etched design. This is a special piece of antique equestrian jewelry. Not only does it combine the elegance of pearls with elaborate design work, it incorporates the classic horsehoe motif in a way any horse lover would consider themselves lucky to wear.

Many stunning pieces of estate jewelry featuring horses also incorporate the horseshoe motif. The beauty of estate and antique jewelry, particularly horse jewelry, is how unique and well-crafted the pieces are. Consider this Antique Rose Gold Horseshoe Ring Like the previous piece, this lovely ring features the horseshoe motif and intricate detail work. In fact, the band of this ring is a riding crop! The ring also features 17 turquoise stones — making this ring irresistable to any true fan of turquoise jewelry.  This is the real deal, too — not the cheap stuff you’ll find sold in tourist traps!  Circa 1885, this gold ring has a fantastic rose gold patina that would look superb with any skin tone.

Both rings are size 6.5, and both are surprisingly affordable. If you’re just starting to collect horse jewelry they’re great pieces to begin with. If you’ve been collecting for years, both pieces are strong enough and unique enough to enhance any collection. Don’t miss out on these special rings for horse lovers!