Perfect Christmas presents for enthusiasts

Few people can claim to be part of Britain’s top eventing team, but you can give some one the chance to regularly rub shoulders with William Fox-Pitt next season through the Fox-Pitt Eventing Club. During 2006 two of William’s six-year-olds, Lord Coe and Dylan, will compete in the club’s colours under the club’s name. Members receive a welcome pack, regular updates on the horses’ progress, and are welcome to watch the horses run at one-day events, including free access to the club’s marquee. A stable tour at the start of the season and a party when the season ends completes the package. Membership costs £99. Visit: www.foxpitteventing.co.uk

Or for less discipline-specific horsey fans, why not give them membership to the British Horse Society? You can relax in the knowledge that your present will help every horse and rider, as well as the recipient, and it’s a gift that lasts for a whole year. Gold members receive the benefit of personal liability and personal accident cover, as well as legal, tax, VAT and ratings helplines, regular copies of British Horse magazine and a host of other benefits. Adult membership costs £54, while under-21s cost £36. For more details visit www.bhs.org.uk or call (tel: 01926 707744).

If the enthusiast is keen to expand their knowledge, a gift subscription to HORSE magazine could be right up their street. Packed full of useful tips and advice on how to make the most of your horse, the HORSE team pride themselves in delivering the latest advice in a straightforward way that is palatable to riders and enthusiasts of all levels. HORSE is well-known for its popular masterclasses that feature some of the biggest names in the equestrian world. A subscription costs less than £35 per year. Visit: www.giftmags.co.uk/horse

Europe’s most successful theatrical equestrian display is back for 2006 with its new programme “Ovations”. Few equestrian enthusiasts would be anything other than delighted to receive tickets to Apassionata’s latest show, which features some of the most well-known and unusual breeds of horses from all over the world. This spectacular combines top class horsemanship with exquisite theatrical displays to captivate the audience. The show is playing in Birmingham, Newcastle, Glasgow, Manchester and London early next year. Tickets cost around £30. Visit: www.greatesthorses.co.uk

If you want to give a gift with a truly personal touch then make a beeline for www.horseandhound.co.uk/gifts This service allows you to produce personalised products such as T-shirts, mugs, mousemats and mobile phone covers featuring your own pictures, or you can choose from the wide selection of Horse & Hound images on offer. Click on the designs option to see some prepared examples featuring Zara Phillips and the European Championship team. Items cost from as little as £4. You can also produce your own personal Christmas cards and gift tags through the service.

Carol is an experienced journalist and editor, who is also a passionate amateur rider and dedicated horse owner, having ridden since childhood. She has a particular interest in the emotional well-being and ethical training of horses, alongside veterinary matters, having garnered extensive first-hand experience of numerous equine health conditions through more than 30 years of horse ownership.