The keeper of the fire: Silvia Ochsenreiter-Egli reveals her training secrets
She stands for her own riding style like no other: fiery, joyful and radiant. And that is exactly what her horses embody on
Sportsfreund Studios
Gifts for Icelandic Horse Riders: Our Gift-Guide
It's that time of year again, Christmas is just around the corner. It's always nice to see the joy in the eyes of the recipient, but it's also quite stressful to find new gifts every year. That's why we've curated a list of the best gift ideas for Icelandic horse fans. From small gifts to big surprises, you'll find everything here.
Authors: Marie-Theres & Veronika Conen
Support Small Businesses
If you're looking for something really special, then it's worth looking at Small Businesses. Small businesses often offer handmade, individual or unique items that make perfect gifts. These products are original and different from the mass-produced goods of large companies.
The holiday season is widely characterized by a consumerist frenzy that encourages excessive materialism and waste. The original meaning of the holidays - such as compassion, charity and time together - is pushed into the background. This frenzy also has a negative impact on the environment, as it is accompanied by a huge increase in waste from gift wrapping, unsustainable gifts and seasonal decorations.
Small businesses pay more attention to sustainability than large companies. They are idealistic, like to use local materials and produce regionally under transparent conditions.
Women Owned
The majority of small businesses are Women Owend. We know your needs. Almost 100 percent of our customers are female. So are we at Sportsfreund. By supporting a women-owned business, you are investing in female economic independence and equality. Buying women-owned is innovative, socially and economically smart.
Women-owned businesses are not only important because of their economic impact, but also because of the values they embody. Women place greater emphasis on social responsibility, community engagement and diversity in their businesses, creating a fairer and more sustainable future for all.
We should recognize the contributions of female entrepreneurs and commit to supporting and encouraging them along the way. In this way, we can create a better future not only for women and girls, but for all people by moving away from harmful role stereotypes.
Female entrepreneurs are more cooperative than competitive in their attitude and a role model for girls and young women to be self-confident and actively work towards future equality despite significant hurdles.
Fair Prices
Small companies appear more expensive at first glance because they do not benefit from the same economies of scale as large companies.
Their products are generally of higher quality and longer life, which proves to be more cost-effective in the long term, even if the purchase price is higher at first glance.
Let's make a comparison:
Company A: Production costs for 5000 saddle pads: 2€ per saddle pad
Selling price: 80€ per saddle pad
(Yes, that's real, original prices)
Profit margin ≈97.5%
Company B:
Production costs for 1 saddle pad: 150€
Selling price: 245€ per saddle pad
Profit margin ≈38.8%
Here we have a huge discrepancy between the two profit margins. Company A only invests around 2.5% in production and payment. While company B invests 62% in fair wages, quality and sustainability.
Fair prices are not the cheapest possible price for the end consumer, but fair payment for everyone involved in the process.
Made in Germany
If it says "Made in Germany" on our Sportsfreund studios, then it is. Not only the small final assembly, but for many products even the entire manufacturing process from the yarn to the finished horse rug. Spinning, weaving and sewing take place in Bavaria, Saxony, North Rhine-Westphalia and Austria.
These are medium-sized companies, some with a long family tradition, which we are happy to support in order to maintain diversity and quality with the advantages of short transportation routes, decent working conditions and compliance with environmental standards.
30 Gift Ideas for all Icelandic Horse Fans
Gifts for the horse
This is probably the simplest idea. Accessories for your own horse, you always need something like this. Here you will find a hand-picked collection of handmade and sustainable products that will make your horse's heart beat faster. From stylish halters and snaffles to high-quality brushes, mane sprays, sweat rugs and lunging pads, each of these gifts has been carefully selected to give your Icelandic horse the very best.
Equestrian Clothing
As the cold season sets in, it's important to stay warm and cozy, especially when riding outdoors. From colorful overalls to handmade Icelandic sweaters, luxurious leather gloves and sustainable riding leggings, this guide offers a carefully curated selection of gift ideas for riding lovers. Dive into the world of HGG, Hoofment, Tölta Deluxe and more to find the perfect winter gift.
Small Gifts for Icelandic Horse Fans
Sometimes it's the little things that bring the greatest joy. From charming accessories to practical essentials, here you will find gifts that will accompany you outside the barn.
Gifts for Further Education
Don't want to give away something that just sits around and isn't used? Why not give the gift of knowledge! Through online seminars, books or riding lessons, riders can improve their skills, learn new techniques and develop a deeper understanding of horses and riding. These opportunities open up new perspectives, promote confidence with horses and create an enriching experience that they can enjoy for a long time. These are all in German.
Donate Instead of Shopping
Das perfekte Geschenk für alle Leute, die schon alles haben. Spende einfach in ihrem Namen! „Spenden statt Kaufen“ ist eine tolle Möglichkeit für Geschenke. Bei Sportsfreund Studios unterstützen wir Projekte, wie den Sporty, der aus recycelten Materialien gefertigt wird und syrischen Frauen im Libanon hilft. Ebenso spenden wir 10 % des Erlöses vom „Save my Planet“ T-Shirt an den BUND e.V. für Naturschutz. Wer Pferde unterstützen möchte, kann an Organisationen wie die Pferdeklappe e.V. spenden oder bei Horse Plus Humane Society helfen, einer Organisation, die sich um gerettete Pferde kümmert und Programme für Pferdebesitzer anbietet. Spenden sind immer willkommen!
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