IF you received a pound for every time you heard the word Christmas recently, you'd probably have quite the savings pot built up. Yet the festive season isn't for everyone and nor does everyone celebrate Christmas.
December doesn't need to be all tinsel, trees and trifles - it can be the perfect time for a new adventure or focus, or quality time with your horse. We've rounded up a selection of ideas for those hoping to spend the end of the year a little differently...
A time for giving
JUST because you aren't a fan of Christmas doesn't mean you don't care! Give a gift that lasts by offering your equestrian expertise where it's needed most, especially at this time of year.
1 VOLUNTEER FOR AN EQUESTRIAN CHARITY
Charities rely heavily on volunteers, and while help is appreciated and encouraged year-round and not just over Christmas, the festive season can make a nice time to start a new commitment. Are you handy with a camera? Maybe you're a DIY pro and enjoy maintenance, or just enjoy being in the company of horses and don't mind poo-picking. Whatever you have to offer, there could be a role for you.
Leanne Plumtree of Redwings says that volunteering is a great way to support the animals in the charity's care.
"Like most charities, we had to pause our volunteer work during lockdown and are so pleased to be back up and running again.
"We have a variety of different roles available including gardener, photographer and eBay lister.
"We have an incredible team of volunteer guides at Redwings' Anna Sewell House, which had over 500 visitors during Heritage Week in September, with people queuing out of the door. If any of these sound like you, just head to our website to find out more and apply," she says.
Denne historien er fra December 14, 2023-utgaven av Horse & Hound.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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Denne historien er fra December 14, 2023-utgaven av Horse & Hound.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
'Sorry, but I wasn't feeling it'
Fresh from the opening meet, Tessa Waugh hasn't quite yet been bitten by the hunting bug. Without the crisp autumnal air and cheek-pinching cold she hoped for, it's a sluggish start
New pair pull off a win
A former European Championships pony is on form with his new rider, while elsewhere former showjumpers and eventers take ribbons
Lording it over the rest
Horses who have returned from injury, a second generation homebred and a long format specialist score on the final weekend of the British season
Smith hits flying form
A \"her way or no way\" mare helps Zoe Smith to an impressive ribbon haul and a rider beats his own boss to the top spot
Jankorado hits the jackpot
Paul Sims is triumphant despite his interrupted jump-off preparation and a borrowed horse comes up trumps
Peanut
From \"dangerous, scary\" to hedge-hopping brilliance, hunting has been the making of this unstable but very lovable equine character
She's a corker
Communication, says long-standing and highly respected Belvoir master Lady Sarah McCorquodale, is the key to all, as Catherine Austen discovers
Access all areas Cavalier Centre
The Cavalier Centre is a fully accessible, state-of-the-art equestrian centre designed to improve lives through horse-based activities. Ellie May Forrester pays a visit
'Use it or lose it'
Not everyone wants to reach for the pipe and slippers at a certain age. Becky Murray speaks to some veteran horse-and-rider combos for their secrets of human and equine longevity
A new way forward
Worm control in horses is vital, but established methods will not remain effective for much longer. Tim Mair FRCVS explains why and how we need to change
