The bond between a student and their equine instructor is often deep and meaningful, built on shared passion and dedication. While instructors impart invaluable knowledge and skills, students often seek ways to express their gratitude. The gifts received by riding instructors from their students are frequently more than just material objects; they are tokens of appreciation, reflecting thoughtfulness, personal connection, and a shared love for horses. This collection of stories highlights some of the most memorable and heartfelt gifts, showcasing the unique ways students honor their instructors.
Thoughtful Gestures and Personal Touches
Many gifts stand out due to their personal nature and the clear effort put into them. For instance, one student created a beautiful shadow box for their instructor, containing a picture of a beloved pony that had passed away, a halter hook, and a space for a lock of hair. This deeply personal gesture acknowledged the emotional significance of the pony to both the instructor and the student. Similarly, handmade items often carry immense value. A student gifted their instructor a 15-bridle rack, meticulously crafted from spray-painted horseshoes attached to a wooden board, even incorporating wooden beads to ensure proper spacing for the bridles.
Drawings of horses or of students riding during lessons are also cherished gifts, offering a cute and personal memento of the time spent together. The act of winning ribbons at shows and then gifting them to the instructor, as one student did, signifies a shared success and a desire to honor the instructor’s role in that achievement.
Gifts of Practicality and Shared Interest
Beyond sentiment, some gifts offer practical value or cater to shared interests. A subscription to a relevant magazine, like EQUUS, demonstrates an understanding of the instructor’s ongoing professional development and passion. In other instances, students have pooled resources to buy more substantial items, such as a new helmet, a crucial piece of safety equipment for any rider.
When students prepare to move on, they sometimes gift their instructor all their former tack, a generous offering that benefits the instructor and acknowledges their guidance. Even a seemingly simple gesture, like making cookies for an instructor after knocking over a cone during a lesson, becomes a cherished memory, especially when the student admits to making “awesome cookies.”
Unforgettable and Unique Expressions of Gratitude
Some gifts are truly unique and memorable, often carrying deeper meaning. A student once gifted their instructor a bottle of Hornitos Tequila, recognizing the need for relaxation after demanding days of riding and teaching. Another instructor received traditional Saudi Arabian headwear from a student, alongside a nice dress for another trainer, reflecting cultural exchange and thoughtful consideration.
A particularly poignant story involves a student who, as an orphan, gifted their instructor a computer-generated image of a farm populated with photos of the instructor and ponies. The student’s accompanying words, “This is your farm for now – payment for my freedom,” carried immense weight. Years later, when the instructor finally established their own farm with ponies, they realized the profound impact of that early gift. This highlights how teaching and mentorship can touch people’s core and contribute to their sense of freedom and self-realization.
The Enduring Value of Connection
Ultimately, the most valued gifts appear to be those that acknowledge the unique bond and shared experiences between students and their instructors. Whether it’s a memento of a beloved horse, a handmade item, a practical tool, or a unique cultural offering, these presents underscore the significant role instructors play in their students’ lives. The stories shared reveal that the true gift often lies not just in the item itself, but in the thought, care, and personal connection it represents. The “friendship” offered as a gift encapsulates this sentiment perfectly; the relationship built is often the most treasured outcome of the instructor-student dynamic.
