TrailMeister’s Holiday Gift Guide
As published in the November 2016 issue of The Northwest Horse Source
The Holidays are here!
I try a lot of trail riding and horse camping gear. This Holiday season I’ve put together a gift list of my most favorite pieces of gear this year. They’re perfect for the trail riding family and friends on your holiday list. Let the joyous unwrapping begin!
Gifts for the Back Country Adventurer – DeLorme InReach Satellite Communicator
Using the DeLorme InReach in MT’s Bob Marshall Wilderness
If you have family and friends that wonder if you’re ok while exploring the back country, then the DeLorme InReach will bring them peace of mind. The InReach is by far the most reliable and easiest to use satellite messenger that I’ve used.
The DeLorme can be used as a stand-alone device, or it can be paired with your smartphone. Instead of just sending an “OK”, you can actually communicate through two way messages of up to 160 characters. You’ll love being able to send AND receive messages with the InReach.
The InReach gives me reassurance knowing that I can call for help when and if I need it most. It also reduces the worries of my family and friends when I’m adventuring away from home. They have really loved being able to track my journeys, and it’s wonderful to send them updates from back country areas where cell coverage is but a dream.
Read the Full Product Review Here
Get yours at www.inreachdelorme.com
Gifts for the Road Warrior – Trailer Eyes Trailer Cam
Trailer Eyes takes the worry out of trailing
If you’ve ever wondered what kind of mischief was occurring in the horse trailer behind you the Trailer Eyes Trailer Cam system will bring a sense of relief with a worry free drive to your next trail riding destination. I believe that this device is an excellent safety essential for anyone who hauls horses.
Designed to send video signals from your trailer to a monitor in the cab of your towing vehicle the Trailer Eyes system is easy to setup and monitor. I’ve found that the device is helpful not only to keep an eye on the ponies as we travel down the road but also as an aid for backing the trailer!
Read the Full Product Review Here
Get yours at www.trailereyes.com
Gifts for the Packer – Phillips Formfitter Pack Saddle
The Phillips Formfitter gets us into the back country in style
Over the past few years I’ve come to love my Formfitter pack saddle. This modified decker rig has visited numerous wilderness areas from the legendary “Bob” to the Pasayten, Alpine Lakes, Norse Peak, Goat Rocks and beyond with no issues either for my pack animal or me. For me it’s a winner.
Beyond flexible bars and tree the saddle boasts outstanding workmanship in both the leatherwork and the hardware. Butter soft chap leather lines the breeching and breast collar, while buckle covers add a pleasant esthetic while preventing hair loss.
Wade and Simone of Outfitters Pack Station are the gurus of Phillips Formfitter pack saddle fit and take the time to make sure that everything is measured twice to ensure a good fit for your animal.
Get yours at – www.outfitterspackstation.com
Gifts for Her – Smooth Stride Riding Jeans
Smooth Stride Jeans are comfy!
They look like a western style jean but have all of the advanced features of English breeches. The end result is practical riding pants that are comfortable, functional, and stylish.
Smooth Stride’s innovative sizing system, based on various equine breeds, guarantees a great fit. Three different lengths and a wide variety of sizes ensures that riders can find their next favorite pair of jeans. From Arabian to Nokota, Smooth Stride has you covered!
The Colt program makes choosing the right size easy and eliminates wondering if maybe you should have ordered a size smaller/larger. If you aren’t sure what size you wear, you can order two different sizes, try them both on at home, then return the one you don’t want. Even better SmoothStride pays the shipping.
Read the Full Product Review Here
Get yours at www.smoothstride.com
Gifts for the Groomer – HandsOn Grooming Gloves
HandsOn Gloves make grooming easy
The curry combs, mitts, and scrubbers in my grooming kit started gathering dust once I tried a pair of HandsOn Grooming gloves. The scrubbing nodules on the palm and fingers of each glove make a deep and thorough cleaning easy and more enjoyable for rider and animal.
The flexible design of the gloves makes it easy to conform to your horses (or dogs and cats) contours as well as gives you the ability to grab a lead, grip a hoof pick, or hold a bottle without taking a glove off or putting anything down.
I’ve been using my HandsOn Gloves all year with my horses, mules, dogs, and cats. I haven’t found an easier product for lifting loose hair. The shed hair doesn’t stick to the gloves. Wet or dry a quick flick of the wrist and the hair drops right off so I can get back to grooming the beasts.
Read the Full Product Review Here
Get yours at www.handsongloves.com
Enjoy your Holiday season! Visit www.TrailMeister.com for the world’s largest and most accurate guide to horse trails and equine camping spots as well as riding tips and trail riding equipment reviews. We’re the trusted trail resource of The Northwest Horse Source.