The Not-Obvious Gifts for Horse People

I think that Ed is beginning to believe that horse people are weird.

Or maybe he just thinks that I'm weird.

I'm not talking about the gifts that seem logical- like saddle pads, brushes or gift cards for tack stores. I'm taking about the ones that seem to be less exciting to non-horse people.

Over the years I have asked for some gifts that at first glance may seem a bit 'odd'. I know this because when I share it with others they get this look that says 'and you were happy to receive that?'

For example, this is the best ring I ever received (and no I don't view my wedding ring as the best one because the best gift from that Ceremony was Ed and our lives together not the symbol).  Ed and I installed the footing ourselves. He put the fence (with help from a friend) and painted it because I was going to be backing a young horse and wanted a barrier.

 put a ring on it.

A few years ago, shortly after we moved to the farm Ed asked me what I wanted for my birthday (he doesn't like to guess, it stresses him out). Without hesitation I said 'a tool box and my own tools. Including a power drill and attachments'.  He looked at me for a few minutes and then said 'is this a trap?'  Nope, it wasn't. I was thrilled with my tools and love doing small repairs around without bothering him to do it. He used to look worried watching me go and would ask if I needed help. Now he doesn't - he knows I will ask if I'm unsure (but I'm sure he checks out what I've done after). 

Other gifts that have excited me include: 

• Jump standards and poles
• A retractable hose (I'm terrible at winding up hoses without tangling them beyond hope)

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• Letters and a mounting block for my ring: 

love letters 

it's been perfect

I would have said that Ed has gotten used to weird requests but I surprised him yesterday. He came home from work and had a lot of stuff in the car. I was helping and reached for a box. 

'that's heavy' he said

'what's in it?'

'pylons'

' you bought pylons for me?!'

'yes. I bought you pylons'

'oooh THANK YOU! How did you know? I don't remember telling you.'

*silence*

I turned and looked at Ed who was staring at me with a quizzical look on his face. 

'You honestly thought I bought you pylons? And you were excited?Those are for the fire department' (Ed is chief of our local volunteer fire department). 

My face fell. 'Oh. Right. I totally missed the sarcasm.'

I then brightened up 'if you bought new pylons for the deparment that does that mean you have old pylons?'

He sighed. 'If you want pylons I will get you pylons.'

Notice that he didn't even ask why. 

What about you? Have you asked for/received any gifts that might seem to be unusual? 

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