Christmas is around the corner, and for many employers it is a busy and sometimes stressful time. Between shows, end of year planning, and everyday barn life, finding the right Christmas gift for your groom can feel harder than it should be. Yet this moment matters. Christmas is one of the few times in the year when you can pause and say thank you in a tangible way.
A Little Recognition Goes A Long Way
So what do grooms actually wish for at Christmas? To find out, we asked them directly. Their answers were honest, practical, and deeply human. After a long season of busy show schedules, cleaning countless boxes, and running non-stop, many grooms said the same thing: a day off, a holiday, or a bonus. A little extra recognition goes a long way, and it remains one of the clearest ways to show appreciation for consistent hard work.
An Extra Day Off, a Massage, A Bracelet…
Beyond time and financial recognition, grooms also value gifts that show thought and personal attention. A massage or physiotherapy session for sore backs and shoulders, or a keepsake of a beloved horse such as a painting, photograph, or bracelet made from a favorite horse’s tail or fur, can feel incredibly meaningful. Paying attention to the person you are buying for is key. You can always ask what they want, but noticing something personal and thoughtful without asking often says even more.
Here’s a wish list from grooms to help you find the right gift
- Mobile services for chores like car detailing, house cleaning, or anything that makes a busy groom’s life easier
- Services or gift cards for personal care such as a massage, facial, or mani-pedi
- A painting or photograph of a favorite horse
- A bracelet made from a favorite horse’s tail
- Gift cards to restaurants, tack shops, or Amazon
- A salary increase
- A bottle of wine or champagne
- More relaxed days at work during the holidays
- Hiring a freelancer to give your groom a real extra day off at Christmas
- A better living situation or private apartment
- Concert tickets for their favorite artist, including time off to go
The following items are appreciated, but we believe they should already be part of the normal tools and outfit provided by an employer:
- Riding and stable clothes
- Riding boots
- A grooming box, personalized can be a thoughtful touch
- A ring bag from their favorite brand
Photos courtesy of Shelley Paulson and Arnd.nl
At the end of the day, it is not about how big or expensive the gift is. It is about feeling seen. Grooms put their hearts, bodies, and souls into caring for the horses and making every day run smoothly. A thoughtful gesture, whether that is time off, support, or something personal, can mean more than you might think. Sometimes, the best gift is simply showing that their work truly matters.
