Tiz the season for festive greenery and glistening lights. Instead of going store-bought, this may be the year to customize your décor with something one of a kind—a horse head wreath.

Creating a horse head-shaped wreath is easier than you think; it can be made in an afternoon while sipping on spiked eggnog and listening to Christmas music. Grab your barn mates and throw a wreath-making party together.

1. Gather your supplies and find an appropriate workspace. The chicken wire has sharp edges, which can scratch delicate surfaces and your hands. Be aware of this and cover your table if necessary.

One of the most challenging parts of this project is finding the right horse head shape. I suggest drawing out the outline of a head on poster board first. Don’t stress if your drawing isn’t perfect. Most of the fine points will not be captured within the wreath’s shape.

Once you have your horse head drawing, carefully unroll the chicken wire. Cut off a square section that is as large as your piece of paper or poster. The wire is thin and breaks with regular scissors. I used my trusty old barn scissors for this.

2. Bend the wire into the shape of a horse using the drawing as your guide. Make cuts in the wire as needed so you can roll the wire when shaping the ears and jaw.

3. Repeat this process a second time to add an overlay of thickness to the wire base. It should be durable enough to hold several layers of garland. If you opt to use real greenery, a third sheet of wire might be required since it’s considerably heavier.

4. Now it’s time for the fun part—adding the greenery! Attach the garland to the chicken wire using small pieces of wire to secure the garland every few inches. First, work with larger strands. Then cut the garland as needed to fill in any thin spots.

5. Don’t skimp on the garland; you want to create a thick, full wreath. Make sure your garland is attached well, especially if it will hang on an outside door.

6. After the garland is attached, jazz up your wreath with additional decorations. Make a halter from ribbons and adorn the wreath with your favorite horse show winnings. Be creative! When you’re finished, it’s time to hang and admire. Simply hook the back of the wreath onto a nail with the back frame of wire.

This straightforward DIY might look intimidating at first glance, but it’s one of the easiest craft projects I’ve ever done. It took about two hours to complete and cost around $30 for supplies. Gallop over to your local craft store and make a horse head wreath you can enjoy year after year.

This article on how to make a horse head wreath originally appeared in the December 2019 issue of Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

The post DIY Craft: Make a Horse Head Wreath appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Though you can opt to throw a party at the barn, people are more likely to linger if they’re not frozen to the core in the first half hour. Why not invite the gang over to your home to celebrate the season? And don’t worry if your house isn’t Martha Stewart-ready; one of the best things about barn buds is they won’t cast judgement—they know how clean you keep your horse and your tack!

Horsey Holidays: Save the Date

For a horsey holiday party, It’s a good idea to pick your party day early, but don’t be offended if not everyone can make it. Between work parties and relatives in town, it can be virtually impossible to find a date and time that works for everyone.

If you think your party will become a staple on the holiday calendar, pick a date (like the third weekend in December) you can use year after year; people will begin planning their season with your party in mind.

Up the Equine Ambiance

While many riders have a few touches of equestrian décor at home, it’s especially fun to highlight your love of all things equine this time of year. This can include something as simple as creating a wreath for the front door with horse show ribbons or wrapping all your gifts in equine paper and bags.

To go all out, consider a themed tree using horse-related ornaments, or make a ribbon tree featuring your favorite horse show ribbons. Have a ribbon quilt? Use it as a tree skirt! If horse shows aren’t your thing, add in country touches like a burlap tree skirt or garland among the more traditional holiday décor.

Horsey Holidays: Equestrians Can Eat

Make sure to provide plenty of food for your horsey holiday party. Generally speaking, horse people are easy to please in the food department. While you don’t have to provide a five-course meal, it’s helpful to have a variety of options to nibble on; bonus points if you can make it ahead of time.

Want something a bit more filling? Try slow-cooker soup. This is a simple way to offer more substantial fare; on cold winter nights, warm soup and good company is a welcome respite from the dark and chilly outdoors.

A signature drink or cocktail is a great way to embrace your equestrian theme with a personal touch. Chestnut Mare-tini, anyone? Or perhaps Short-Stirrup Sparkling Punch is more your style.

For added fun, host a horse cookie exchange, where each guest brings cookies of the equine variety to share. Horse-loving party-goers tend to be more excited about this than sweet treats of their own to take home.

Let the Gift-Giving Commence

To enliven your holiday gathering, add a white elephant or Yankee gift swap during the event. Each guest brings a wrapped gift and numbers are drawn to choose a gift. Much hilarity can ensue as gifts are opened, “stolen” and swapped around.

Let guests know ahead of time the price limit (as little as $10 can still draw silly surprises). Be prepared: Some guests go all out with horsey items (lead ropes, gloves and grooming tools are popular), while others will dig out random items they already own (think tacky Christmas sweaters and tchotchkes).

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by stuff at this time of year for a large horsey holiday party, consider giving back instead. Ask each guest to bring a donation to a charity of choice, such as a local animal shelter, food bank or equine rescue. These things need not be new; items like old towels, clean pet beds or used tack could be on the wish list (for instance, our local animal shelter gladly accepts used, clean horse blankets for bedding large-dog cages); check websites for most-needed items.

For an even bigger impact, ask for a minimal money offering from each guest in lieu of gifts. Additionally, you and your barn friends could sponsor a family or child in need, bringing requested items for a local angel tree to the party so they can all be gifted at once.

Horsey Holidays: Thoughtful Gifts Show Your Appreciation

If you’re racking your brain to come up with thoughtful gifts for the team who keeps your horse healthy, think of what they might truly appreciate rather than reaching for a traditional standby. If you are giving gifts at your horsey holiday party, here are some ideas.

Barn Manager/barn owner

Offer to feed and do stalls a few times over the holiday season so they can spend a little extra time with family.

Hoof Care Professional

Farriers spend hours a day on the road; consider a gift card for a favorite lunch spot or a massage. On-the-go snacks to keep in the truck are also welcomed.

Veterinarian

Vets are some of the busiest people. Consider gift cards that can be used anywhere (like a prepaid Visa or Mastercard), or a coffee or gas station gift card.

Trainer/riding instructor

Anything monogrammed, screen-printed or otherwise emblazoned with their logo is usually well-received.

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