Shire & Other Draft Horse Gifts - & Other Holiday Shopping -- Blog-Style!

Judy & Ben in Los Angeles

Meet Judy Brodland, a friend who absolutely loves her Shire geldings, Buckley, Bentley, Dickens and Griffin, constituting the famous Tally Ho Hitch. Just in time for the holidays, back by popular demand here in the States and abroad, Judy has produced yet another beautiful, full-sized 2010 Shire Wall Calendar. The 2009 calendars, once seen, flew off the tables at the Equine Affaire, as well as the Peterborough (England) Show. This 2010 calendar is full of gorgeous photography which includes professional shots by Judy, as well as favorite shots by the owners of the horses featured in the calendar (if photos have met quality standards). A peek at the 2009 Equine Affaire Release gives you an idea of what's in store for 2010 -- click here: http://www.shirehorsecalendar.com/peek.html

Those on your gift list will receive the Shire Horse Calendar wrapped in green moire holiday paper and accented with a red organza ribbon. It's delivered with the Shire Christmas card seen below and signed with your name(s). No mess, no fuss, your holiday gift giving is taken care of by Santa's elf, Judy! http://drafthorsecalendars.com/shire.html ~ Still Available

And for the rest of you fans of fine horse feather, she has published a separate calendar for Gypsy Horse afficionados, which features, in its entirety, J.Brodland's finest photographic work capturing the annual trek to the historic Appleby Fair. The link for the purchase of this calendar: http://drafthorsecalendars.com/calendarsforsale.html#appleby ~ Still Available

And let's not forget the kids! (~ Still Available)

To memorialize the American Shire Horse Association's 125th AnniverShirey in 2010, Judy has branched off into T-Shirts, Hoodies, Champion Zippered Fleece outerwear promoting the beloved Shire breed. Her shirt selection includes a whimsical Tee for the breed, "Draft On Tap -- Give Me a Tall One, Make It A Shire!"

The shirts are pigment dyed ringspun cotton and come in a variety of beautiful colors and shirt styles. If interested in ordering any of Judy's outerwear or calendars, please click on the link: http://drafthorsecalendars.com/shireapparel.html. - 12/7/09: SOLD OUT

Gypsy Mare Studios 2009

Now, for that lovely Shire (and other horsey) artwork around the home . . .

FDF's friend, talented artist and fellow blogger, Jennifer MacNeill-Traylor of Gypsy Mare Studio

[http://www.gypsymare.com/],
has a wonderful selection of these Shire (and many other breed) ornaments to choose from . . . Shire Keepsake Boxes that will protect all your precious treasures:

Shire canvas tote . . .

and Mousepad Too!

Visit Jen's studio to view her exquisite talent and horsey goodies galore! She's even given us a "Black Friday" shopping link to save some $$ that's available right now thru the holidays: http://www.cafepress.com/gypsymarestudio/416507

(Here's a teaser of other breeds. . . .)

Her work can also be found on Ebay: http://shop.ebay.com/gypsymarestudios/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_from=&_ipg=25 where she currently has 8 pieces up for auction ending 11/30, including this incredible Gypsy piece . . .

. . . and not to mention this peaceful Percheron sign:

Moving on, and departing away from Shires. . . . let's certainly not forget about those kids again!

Fun Driving & Riding Society friend, Lisa Blackstone, has developed an educational DVD which includes 18 VIDEO HORSE LESSONS…a MUST-SEE DVD for kids that love horses. Fun . . . entertaining . . .educational! To meet Lisa, and become acquainted with her extensive experience and knowledge about horses, visit: http://horseridingvideos.org/?page_id=10.

The Horse Riding Videos will teach basic horsemanship from….. understanding the nature of horses, how horses behave, communicate, and react, all the way to…. caring for a horse, including grooming, bathing, clipping, leading, tying them safely, saddling, bridling and much, much more.

Visit: http://www.HorseRidingVideos.ORG and also Lisa's children's website: http://www.horseandriderclub.com. Sign up for your child to receive their own FREE newsletter giving riding tips, and enjoy the site that helps parents and kids get on the right track in the horse world.

And finally, let's not forget to Purchase With a Purpose to support the fight of breast cancer. Visit: http://www.shopkomen.com/