That being said, we don’t necessarily recommend offering yourself up as the obstacle! You have to wonder who the guy in the center ticked off to draw that particular assignment at the horse show….

Hunter/Jumper Horse Jewelry

Valentine’s Day is fast approaching.  If you’re going to buy your sweetheart horse jewelry for Valentine’s Day, consider selecting a piece that closely reflects their interests. Eventing is a passion: people who spend all of their time, money, and energy in the hunter/jumper world do so because they love it.  Select jewelry that reflects that love!

Bangle Bracelets are a perpetually popular option for Valentine’s Day. This Sterling Silver Hunter/Jumper bangle bracelet features a sculpted horse head with exquisite detail. A low, flat design makes it ideal for everyday wear: beauty can be durable!  Sized for a larger wrist, this bangle bracelet can be worn by men and women.  If you’re looking for a daintier version, check out this version. Slightly slimmer, this bracelet also features the detailed sculpture of a hunter/jumper’s head.

Earrings make a great Valentine’s Day gift! These sterling silver studs shaped like horses’ heads feature the same detailing seen in the bracelets. These earrings are small enough to be worn in the show ring and are great for everyday wear. You can dress them up or down: they go from home to office to dinner seamlessly – always appropriate and always stylish.

Valentine’s Day is all about the sentiment.  More than any other holiday, this is when it truly is the thought that counts.  Knock your sweetie’s socks off by presenting them with horse jewelry that’s stylish, high quality and reflects their love for their hunter/jumper – who they adore nearly as much as they love you!

And perhaps I’m more than a little nostalgic for Norman Thelwell’s ponies.  Do you remember them?  With touseled manes, snarled tails, and determined helmeted riders, Thelwell’s ponies were a staple of my childhood, decorating storybook pages and china mugs.  I collected such things as proof of my love for all things equine – even if I got no closer to the show ring than leading Sugar around and around and around the corral!

Of course, you live, you learn. Growing up means discovering that fresh fruit and vegetables are better than candy and cake – for you and for your horse!  When we love someone, we want what’s best for them.  And boy, do we love our horses.

Silver Horse Jewelry

I scoured the Equestrian Jewelry Collection to see if we had any pieces that evoked the fat and sassy ponies of my childhood – after all, aren’t there some days when you’d LOVE to wear a brooch with that expression of absolute and utter contempt that only a pony can manage? – but no such luck.

Instead, let’s check out Sterling Silver Horse Head in Heart Necklace. It’s a little more refined, perhaps, with an elegant jumper’s head in a silver heart. The 17 1/2″ rolo chain is the perfect length, flattering with every neckline. Whether you’ve got fat and sassy ponies in your life or trim, athletic horses, this is the necklace for you!

Ireland has a long, complex relationship with horses that goes back to the dawn of time.  Before Christianity became the dominant religion in the region, the Celtic people worshiped a variety of Gods and Goddesses.  Among these was Epona, a goddess of fertility and protector of horses, donkeys, and mules.  Epona was the only Celtic goddess who made it to Rome, where she was worshiped extensively.  You can still see examples of her in Roman sculpture of the time.

Celtic Knotwork Horse Jewelry

Perhaps the most well known and distinctive form of Celtic decoration is knotwork, in which endless loops and knots repeat to create distinctive patterns.  Examples of this artwork have been found dating back to the fifth century and are still being made today — proof positive that good design never goes out of style.  Lovers of Celtic knotwork are drawn to the intricate pattern, the complexity of the craftsmanship, and often, the animal motifs that are woven into the knots.  Particularly common are those two perennial Irish favorites: dogs and horses.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries — the time when many writers, especially William Butler Yeats, were doing their best work, there was a great passion for everything Irish.  This was termed the Celtic Revival and many people embraced it as a rejection of a life they felt was too modern and out of control.

Here we are, two centuries on, and the pressures of modern life are still with us.  Perhaps that’s why the timeless, mysterious — some even say mystical — feel of Celtic knotwork horse jewelry remains.

This Sterling Silver Celtic Horse pin is a particular favorite of ours. At 1 and 3/8 inch in diameter, this round pin uses a traditional image of Epona, repeated three times in traditional Celtic Knotwork fashion. Appropriate for every setting, evocative of Ireland’s verdant shores, and perfect for the horse lover, this pin makes a great gift for someone special — or for yourself!

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!

I was reminded of this proverb, first delivered to us from the sands of Arabia so very long ago, on a ride this weekend. There is no sensation quite equal to the thrill of riding: that effortless partnership covering miles, civilization left far behind at the trail head, the timeless rhythm of hooves, new wonders discovered with every hour of exploration. We’d gone a long way on this ride, through some wild country and then flatter, more open fields, where our only companion was the sky, the sun our sole witness.

Tabbi, the mare I was riding, isn’t as young as she might be. I don’t hold that against her, as I’m not as young as I might be either. Here we were, two middle-aged females escaping from everyday life for the afternoon. The trail was wide and flat and open. Tabbi’s ears came forward. There was a little bit of bounce in her gait, if you know what I mean. I leaned forward, pitching my question just for her: “Do you want to go, girl?”

And go we did. I gave Tabbi her head and held on — better riders than me would have plenty to say about my form, I’m sure, and we wouldn’t have won any points for style from any judge, anywhere — but my friends, believe me when I say we flew through that field. Tabbi’s hooves barely brushed the ground. The wind rushed by. It was joy, pure and simple, her exhilaration taking me along for the ride of a life time.

That’s where the love of horses is born, I think — in those few precious moments when we too know what the comet must feel as it hurtles through space. Or perhaps it comes after that, in the barn, after a rubdown, carrots crunching and brown eyes shining, Tabbi assuring me that she’d had a great time too.

I can’t look at this sterling silver necklace without remembering that ride — and I think that’s the point of horse jewelry. It serves as a tangible reminder of those magical moments. Look at the dynamic movement in the manes of these three horses — it’s the same joyous tangle I saw in Tabbi’s mane — that you’ve seen during these grand gallops. A glimpse of our horse jewelry can connect us immediately with those times when we have no office to worry about, no kids to supervise, no relationship angst to angst about. There’s nothing but joy. Nothing but companionship. Nothing but the sure knowledge that these things that give us so much happiness bring so much to the horses we share our lives with. That’s what inspires my horse jewelry collection, and I hope it inspires yours as well!

Our surroundings critically impact our mood, the way we function, even how efficient we are at our jobs!  Adding those items that make you smile — a vase full of flowers, a small sculpture on the bookshelf, a decorative letter opener – can provide that little psychological ‘perk’ that makes the day better. You can’t always have your horses with you — but they can always be in your mind and heart!

If you’re going to add horse-themed items to your decor, aim for the pieces that will make you the happiest.  What could make you feel better than surrounding yourself with pieces from Tiffany?  Perhaps sitting at your desk, opening bills and other correspondence, isn’t your favorite task, but you can make it better with a letter opener that reminds you of great days in the show ring, the thrilling thunder of hooves flying down the track, the joy of jumps so high you could almost touch the sky.

Treat yourself well!  Let your home become a showcase for your self.  Including items that speak of the greatest passions in your life makes your space more “yours”. This builds confidence and adds joy to your day. Equestrian home decor items can be a great addition to your horse jewelry collection.

Looking at the beauty, style and distinctive shine of silver, many people assume that the  majority of this metal winds up in jewelry.  After all, it’s so perfectly suited to that purpose!  However, if you want to discover where most silver goes, you need look no further than your cell phone, computer, television, GPS, or any of a million other technological gadgets that surround our daily lives! Batteries contain silver.

Confusion crops up around the term sterling silver. Sterling silver is an alloy, which consists of 92% silver and 8% other metals. Mixing the metals results in a more durable product, as pure silver is exceptionally soft.   Most fine jewelry artisans work far too hard to want to see their artistry obliterated when someone bumps a bracelet against a tabletop accidentally. Sterling silver horse jewelry is durable and beautiful, tough and exquisite — not at all unlike the horses we hold so dear!

When selecting silver jewelry, remember that you’re looking at a material that has timeless appeal — yet is priced to allow you to keep up with the trends without breaking the bank.  Every horse jewelry collection should include some silver!  (And yes, if for no other reason, silver has been known to keep werewolves away.  Talk about peace of mind!)

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!

What could be simpler than a cuff?  The beauty of this piece rests in the quality of the materials used — in this case, sterling silver — the measured grace, and the intricate detailing.  Look at the horse’s head.  You can almost see the light in the horse’s eyes as he looks ahead to the next jump, or prances eagerly in place, ready to enter the ring.

Part of the beauty of cuff bracelets is that they’re always appropriate. You could wear this piece casually — paired with a sweater and jeans, it’s a nice, bright, sporty accent — or in an office environment, where it pairs nicely with more formal attire while still conveying a sense of style and timeless elegance.

Not all cuff bracelets for horse lovers are strictly figural, either. This sensational Yurman-style cuff bracelet with satin matte silver curb links outlined by a shiny basketweave border embodies the equine aesthetic without being over-the-top, in-your-horse centric. It’s possible to be subtle and fashion forward at the same time, and this stunning cuff accomplishes exactly that.

Silver horse jewelry really shines in the winter, capturing the cool elegance of November skies, the frosty clouds of  your horse’s breath in the morning when you go out to the barn, the shimmering beauty of a dappled mare’s coat as she runs across the pasture… how could any horse lover resist?