The Best of Dover Saddlery's Holiday Sale

Christmas Day is swiftly approaching, but there is still time to squeeze in a gift or two from Dover Saddlery. As always, Dover's holiday sale features a smattering of best-selling items for the horse and rider. I've selected some of my favorite items from the sale to create a holiday "cheat sheet" for the rider who wants the best bang for her buck this holiday season. (Yes, that means I've tried ALL of the items featured in today's post!)

Orders placed by December 21 are guaranteed for Christmas delivery via FedEx 3-day delivery at prices as low as $9.95. Hurry, though, because these prices are only good through December 31!

For the Rider

Ariat's Westchester Lace Paddock Boot creates a nearly custom fit thanks to the the traditional lace-up front, elastic gussets, and rear zipper. I've owned mine for nearly three years and I couldn't be more pleased with the fit and durability of these boots, even in icky winter weather. Available in Chocolate, ladies' sizes 6 and 6.5, or Black, ladies' sizes 5.5-11. (Also available in a front-zip style.)  Closeout Price: $69.99.

Horseware of Ireland's Newmarket Fleece Vest is exceptionally warm and ideal for layering. The notched cut at the front of this vest makes it comfortable for use in the saddle, and the deep, zippered pockets offer plenty of room to store chapstick, riding gloves, treats, and other barn necessities without having to worry about everything falling out when you bend over to pick hooves. I've washed all of my Horseware fleece several times and there has never been any stretching or pilling, so everything looks just as nice as it did the day I brought it home. Available in Chocolate, ladies' sizes XS-L, or Black, ladies' sizes XS-XL. Closeout Price: $24.90.

Mountain Horse's Richmond High Rider Ladies' Field Boot is, hands down, my favorite tall boot of all time. The Wide version of these boots are a godsend for anyone like me who has a thicker calf than many of the other boot makers are willing to accomodate, and the regular calf versions are just as nice! I purchased my Richmond boots in the fall of 2006, broke them in within two days, and used them throughout college for twice-weekly lessons and extensive showing on the intercollegiate circuit. Over five years later, they're just as buttery soft and supple as ever without any signs of wear or tear, even along the zipper and elastic gusset. I cannot possibly say enough good things about these boots! Available in Ladies' regular calf (6-11), wide calf (6-10), short regular (6-10), or long regular (7-11). Sale Price: $299.90.

The same pair of SSG Work'n Horse Lined Riding Gloves has been keeping my hands toasty warm every winter since 2007. They feature genuine leather with a thin fleece lining that is extremely effective in providing warmth without being awkward or bulky like most winter gloves. Available in tan or dark brown, sizes 6-11. Sale Price: $18.70.

The Original Mountain Horse Winter Jacket is the jacket of choice for members of the US Equestrian Team while training during those chilly New England winters, and has become a favorite of riders for over 17 years. The 200 denier Kammat outer shell and 600 denier Duralon yoke create a virtually impermeable guard against the rain, wind, and snow, while 220gm of pillow quilted polyester lines the coat to keep the chill away. There are tons of bells and whistles on this coat, but my favorites are the snap-closure back vents and two-way front zipper for comfort and coverage in the saddle, and the underarm zip vents for temperature regulation. Available in Hunter/Tan, Black/Indigo, or Navy/Silver in Unisex sizes XS-L. Sale Price: $167.80.

For the Horse and Pony

I love the Circuit Overlay Girth because it is one of the few reasonably-priced leather girths that features fancy stitching, stainless steel roller buckles, and triple-stitched elastic on both ends. Having groomed many a teensy pony and gigantic warmblood for A/AA hunter shows, I especially appreciate the wide range of sizes and contour fit for the comfort of most every horse. Available in Oakbark, sizes 40" and 44"-56", or Dark Brown 42"-56". Sale Price: $69.99.

Vespucci's Square Raised Pony Flash Bridle is an incredible deal for the pony jumper or eventer. Admittedly, I've only dealt with Vespucci's horse sized products, but I'm sure you can expect the same quality leather and stainless steel fittings in the pony versions. I particularly enjoy the padding on the browband, caveson, jaw, and the single-crown design. Reins not included. Closeout Price: $79.99

Dover's Honeycomb Chill Chaser Sheet has many of the features of an Irish knit anti-sweat sheet without the hefty price. I use this 100% cotton, waffle weave sheet as a cooler on my gelding, Sam, after every ride during the cooler months, in the horse trailer, and as a cover-up at shows. The construction is sturdy with a fleece wither pad, nylon shoulder lining, bias surcingles, and hidden D-rings for the addition of leg straps for use as a blanket liner or stable sheet. I only wish that the buckle closure came with velcro to keep things tidy, but that's nothing a few minutes and a sewing machine can't fix. Available in Lilac/Lilac, Light Blue/Navy, Navy/Hunter (pictured), Hunter/Navy, Green/Burgundy, Burgundy/Navy, Black/Green, or Navy/Light Blue. Sizes 72"-84". Sale Price: $34.90, or two for $29.90 each!

Riders International Quilted Saddle Pads with Piping were my schooling pad of choice when I rode hunter-jumper, but would look equally smart on the cross-country course. They are hard wearing, even with daily use, and come in so many fun color combinations that every rider ought to have at least a few tucked away in the tack box. Available in Pink/Green/White, Lilac/Purple/White, White/Navy/Light Blue, Navy/Light Blue/White, Light Blue/Navy/White (pictured), Hunter/Hunter/Tan, White/Hunter/Burgundy, Hunter/Navy/White, White/White/Black, Navy/Gray/Burgundy, Black/Tan/Cream, or Burgundy/Black/Gray. Horse size 22" x 38". Sale Price: $19.90, or two for $17.90 each!

Dover Pro Sport Boots with Neoprene Lining offer supurb leg protection without the constant upkeep that fleece lined boots require; just hose them off and call it a day. I bought two pair (L for the front, XL for the hind) to use on Sam on rainy days or when his fleece-lined Pro Sport boots are in the wash. Honestly, I like the way these fit his legs better and I may not purchase another fleece-lined set when his current ones wear out. Available in Black (M-XXL), Brown (M-L, XXL), or White (M-XXL). Sale Price: $29.90. 

Disclaimer: I am in no way affiliated with Dover Saddlery and do not benefit in any way from featuring these products in my blog. All images used in this post are copyright Dover Saddlery and/or the product manufacturer.