Every year, the Monday after Thanksgiving is my big Christmas shopping day. I go through the wish lists my nieces, nephews, kids, and parents send me and do my best to stick to them. After all, everyone likes to get exactly what they’ve asked for, right? But sometimes, I feel like the magic of gift-giving gets a bit lost without a fun surprise or two.

Did you know that holiday gift-giving used to be all about handmade presents? Before we had department and box stores, people had to craft gifts themselves, and in some places, it’s still a tradition to make something for someone you love. Even though we buy most things now, there’s something special about a handmade gift—it carries a bit of your spirit with it.

Whether you own a horse, take riding lessons, or just love all things horse-related, these three easy DIY horsey crafts made with horseshoes are the perfect gift for all your barn buddies. Plus, they make for some fun, equestrian-themed Christmas decor. You can grab some horseshoes from a tack or farm supply store, or if you know a farrier, ask if they have any extras. With a little notice, they can usually hook you up with a good stash.

If you’re using a previously worn horseshoe, be sure to clean it thoroughly—otherwise, the glue won’t stick. (I’ve even tossed them in the dishwasher to get them clean and sanitized).

Horseshoe Ornament or Wall Decor

This DIY horsey craft is a simple, versatile Christmas gift that’s totally customizable. I found small decorations at my local dollar store, but you can also check box or craft stores. You can stick with classic Christmas colors or mix it up. One of my friends requested one in purple and green as a good luck charm—with a Halloween twist. You could add little bats, pumpkins, or even some sparkly black accents to give it that spooky-cute flair or long, flowing ribbons at the bottom for a birthday party craft. 

Materials Needed:

• Horse Shoe
• Twine
• Small Bow
• Glitter glue (optional)
• Decorations
• Hot glue
• Scissors

Steps:

1. Start by weaving the twine through the holes of the horseshoe, beginning at the bottom. Pull the twine from back to front to hide as much as possible.

2. If the twine is tricky to thread, add a tiny bit of hot glue to the end, let it cool slightly, then roll it between your fingers to create a stiff “shoelace” tip.

3. Once you reach the top hole, twist the twine inward, looping it around the shoe three more times, then tie it off. Add a drop of super glue to secure it.

4. Repeat on the other side and tie the two ends together at the top.

5. Finish by gluing on your decorations and a small bow.

Tip: If your horseshoe has grips, you can skip threading the holes and just wrap the twine around for a simpler look.

Horseshoe Coasters

These coasters are festive and super easy to make. You can use cork for a rustic look, but I went with silver glitter foam paper for a little extra sparkle. The foam paper isn’t as thick as cork, so don’t put anything really hot on them, but they really make a statement. You can pick any color foam paper that you want.

Materials Needed:

• Horseshoe
• Glitter foam paper
• Festive ribbon 
• Twine to tie them together for presentation
• Scissors
• Hot Glue
• Pencil or Marker

Steps:

1. Flip the foam paper over and trace the outline of the horseshoe (both inside and outside).

2. Draw a dotted line just inside the outer line (about a centimeter) and cut along this new line.

3. Cut a piece of ribbon to fit across the bottom of the foam paper cutout, angle the ends, and glue it in place.

4. Finally, glue the foam paper to the back of the horseshoe.

5. Make a set of four coasters and tie them together with twine for a cute, gift-ready presentation.

Bonus: Paint the horseshoe with glitter glue for a little extra pizzazz.

Horseshoe Picture Frame

This project combines elements from the first two crafts to create a personalized photo frame—the perfect DIY Christmas gift for a horse lover that needs a way to display their favorite horse photos.

Materials Needed:

• Horseshoe
• Festive ribbon
• Printed 4×6 picture
• Decorations
• Scissors
• Hot Glue
• Wire cutters
• Pencil

Steps:

1. The first thing you’ll need to do is get a picture printed. You need to make sure it’s a vertical picture and make sure your subject is as centered as you can get them. I had mine printed at the store for about $0.50 but you can also print a picture and laminate it. 

2. Clean the back of the horseshoe with a wire brush and soapy water to ensure the glue will stick.

3. Tie off the twine at the top of the horseshoe using the method from the ornament craft. If your horseshoe has grips, skip weaving and just wrap the twine around.

4. Lay the photo over the horseshoe and use a pencil to mark where it needs to be trimmed. Push hard—you can’t see the pencil marks unless you hold it up to the light. Cut off any excess.

5. Glue a ribbon across the top of the photo for a festive touch.

6. Attach the photo to the back of the horseshoe with hot glue, pressing firmly.

7. Add decorations around the frame for a personal touch. I only put a ribbon at the bottom because I didn’t want to cut off any faces. 

These DIY horsey gifts are not only fun to make but also thoughtful and personal—perfect for any occasion, from holiday presents to birthday surprises or even a little good luck charm for a friend. Plus, there’s something special about giving a gift you’ve made with your own hands.

So, whether you’re decorating for the holidays, crafting for a friend, or just looking for a creative way to repurpose old horseshoes, these projects are sure to impress. Happy crafting, and don’t forget to have fun along the way!

More DIY Horsey Christmas Gifts

• DIY Wood Slice Barn Ornament
• DIY: Felt Horse Ornaments
• DIY Horse Head Wreath
• DIY Horsey Ornaments
• DIY Dala Horse Cookies

This article about DIY Christmas crafts for decor and gifts is a web exclusive for Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

The post DIY Horsey Christmas Gifts and Decor appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

On that first Saturday in December, Lebanon hosts over 100 parade entries, all of them pulled by equines, and over 100,000 visitors who flock in early to claim their spot to view the horses and carriages. There are two parade times: a daylight parade at 1 p.m. and a twinkle-light one at 7 p.m. The entire city gets into the spirit with entertainment, wagon rides, a living nativity, a craft and food fair, visits with Santa, happenings at the library and local churches, and more.

The parade features all sizes and breeds of equines, ranging from draft horses to Minis, as well as donkeys and mules, pulling a wide array of horse-drawn conveyances. All rigs must pass a pre-parade safety check and be accompanied by grooms walking alongside.

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The Humble Beginning of the Christmas Parade

Pat South, who was the Lebanon Chamber of Commerce president when the idea for a parade came up in the late 1980s, explains how it started.

“We wanted to establish some holiday events in beautiful downtown Lebanon to showcase the businesses around town and to entertain,” she says. “In 1988, we had a trial run, thinking that we liked the idea of horse-drawn carriages, and had a small event with maybe eight horses. The next year, we decided that we had hit on something and had our first official parade. We wanted it to be all horse-drawn carriages; we didn’t want any other types of entries. We had 15 or 20 units that first year and a crowd of maybe 15,000.”

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South credits city officials and local law enforcement for their wonderful support of the event and explains how the festival evolved into what it is today.

“The next few years, the spectator attendance climbed by 10,000 or more each year, and then at some point it jumped up to near 100,000 by 1992,” she says. “By [that point], our parade entries had climbed to near 40 and it just continued from there. The town picked up the theme of decorating with miniature white lights downtown, so at nightfall, it looked like glittery stars and glistening icicles. It was an instant success.”

Something for Everyone

Located in the rolling hills of southwestern Ohio about halfway between Dayton and Cincinnati, Lebanon’s streets are decked with holiday decorations on parade day. Festival visitors can check names off their holiday shopping lists at boutique shops and antique stores. Food vendors offer tempting treats, including peppermint frozen custard, hot chocolate, kettle corn and roasted almonds.

History buffs will delight in seeing the circa-1803 Golden Lamb Inn, which has hosted the likes of Charles Dickens and at least 12 U.S. presidents, and the Greek Revival-style Glendower Mansion, built in 1836, both swathed in full holiday garb.

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And what of Seuss’s Mr. Grinch, the curmudgeonly character who crept into Whoville to steal Christmas in the story? If parade goers look closely, they are likely to see him riding in one of the carriages along with cheerfully waving Santa and Mrs. Claus in another. It’s all part of the horsey holiday fun!

Planning Your Trip to the Lebanon Horse-Drawn Carriage Parade & Christmas Festival

◆ The parade is free and open to the public, although reserved box seating near the viewing stand can be purchased.

◆ Local volunteers wearing green vests will be on duty for crowd control and to answer questions.

◆ Free public parking lots and on-street parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Some local businesses and charities offer prime pay-to-park spots as well.

◆ Make hotel and dining reservations well in advance of parade day.

◆ Arrive early for the best viewing opportunities. Bring chairs and blankets and dress for the weather.

◆ Download parking and parade route maps ahead of time here.

This article about the Lebanon Horse-Drawn Carriage Parade & Christmas Festival appeared in the November/December 2022 issue of Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

The post The Magic of the Lebanon Horse-Drawn Carriage Parade & Christmas Festival appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.