Christmas is right around the corner and I probably should have published this post earlier, but I’m hopeful that most of you are last minute shoppers like me.
I wanted to take a second to highlight some of my favorite gear and where I got it, in case you have a cowgirl on your shopping list this season (or, in case you’re shopping for yourself!).
(None of the links in this post are affiliate links, I don’t get anything for sharing these awesome items except the warm fuzzy feeling of knowing you’ll love them as much as I do!)
Andrea Equine is where I get all of my halters & leads, headstalls, snaffle bits, curb straps, slobber straps, and mecate reins. When I look back on older pictures with my hand-me-down or “super sale” tack, I cringe a little inside. You know the old adage “you get what you pay for”? Seriously, why did it take me so long to truly understand that statement? Andrea Equine gear is affordable, high quality, and pretty. It’s fun to have pretty tack!
The Blue Dog Design is where I custom ordered our mohair cinches and Kelly’s mohair breast collar. I love shopping small and I really, really love Bri and a cinch that looks PHENOMENAL on Spur! Plus, unlike rayon and cotton your mohair cinch will retain its shape and wont stretch and warp even when wet, providing comfortable and even distribution of pressure (which is especially important for me because Spur likes to lay down when we’re crossing water plus he sweats a lot).
Cinch and Cruel Denim are where I shop for myself (sorry, Spur!). Not only because their clothes are super cute and great quality but because they fit. That might seem like a little “duh” thing, but I have the hardest time finding jeans and button-up shirts that fit me and I haven’t been disappointed in anything from these companies. Their ladies jeans come in inseams from short to extra-long and I couldn’t be more grateful for the cute (but not weird, overly-blingy) styles in sizes that actually fit my body. Also, all of my ‘dressy’ tops have come from Cruel Denim lately… super cute stuff!
Outback Trading Company has your cold weather gear waiting and ready to go! Whether you need a duster or a coat for work, or something more dressy but still warm, Outback Trading Co. is the place to shop. My only suggestion if your arms are long like mine is to maybe order from the men’s side?
Muck Boots are a lifesaver in the cold weather, especially if you live somewhere that gets a lot of snow and/or gets muddy. I don’t own snow/winter boots, just my mucks and I love them. I’d be lost without them.
Tony Lama Boots are what I ride in (if it’s winter, I slip out of my muck boots and into my Tony Lama boots right before stepping into the stirrup) and I love them.
Whipin Wild Rags are a must to cut through the cold and keep you warm when you’re outside. The beautiful and colorful options don’t hurt, either.
Custom chinks are a luxury I never thought I would splurge on but let me tell you I am SO glad I did! They are SO COMFORTABLE. So beautiful. I got mine from Hawks Saddles but I have since found out I have a friend from high school who also does leather work, Porcupine Leather.
Hitching Post makes beautiful saddle blanket bags and I can’t think of anyone who would complain to find one under the tree!
And this last one I am almost hesitant to share because I have my eye on a piece (just waiting for another shop update!) and I don’t want someone else getting it… but in the spirit of community over competition, if you have a cowgirl in your life that wants an amazing piece of jewelry for Christmas, check out The Noisy Plume.
Also, not to toot my own horn or anything, but the Piper’s Zoo shop now has Christmas Greeting Cards available! Use code “shopsmall” for free shipping.