It’s that time of year again where I pick my favorite gadget or equine item of the year! Usually it’s some kind of tech item or cool new innovation (except for the one year where it was my favorite hoof pick… I’ll still die on that hill…) but this year I was kind of stuck between two things, so I decided to do one of each rather than having to pick. I make the rules so I can do what I want.

First up: the techy item!

The title here goes to my $36 amazon waterproof bone conduction headphones. I originally got these so I can listen to music while I swim, but I find myself using them for other things too, particularly Ride iQ lessons or listening to music while I’m mowing. Can def attest to the waterproof part as they’ve been swimming with me for months now, and they’re super easy/basic to use.

They’re a lot more secure than airpods and they don’t actually go IN your ears (which I hate) so they’re great for anything active. And for $36, if you lose them you probably won’t cry about it. You can either listen via Bluetooth from your phone or you can upload music directly to them. I do both.

Moving on to the horsey item: it’s gotta be Bow Horse blankets. Not a gadget, but I feel like the design is innovative and leveled-up, therefore it totally counts. This company is newer to the US, but I have a fly sheet, blanket, and blanket liner from them so far and have been really impressed with the design and features. If you’re thinking “a blanket is a blanket”, nah fam… these are superior. If you like Rambos, you’ll love these.

Design features:

– every blanket is embroidered in multiple places with the model name and the weight. The neck cover AND the body. If you’re boarding or have staff (or if you’re me and need all the help you can get when it comes to making things idiotproof for yourself), it makes blanketing very straightforward and simple.

– the top of the neck cover is ruched so that it doesn’t bind across the mane/top of the neck.

– option to use the PVC-coated tail cord or regular leg straps

– every velcro strap has a little grip tab on the end for easy use even when you have gloves on

– lots of adjustability and plenty of shoulder room

– the liner has a split gusset at the shoulder so it won’t bind or rub

– you can fully remove the back clips/hardware on the liner to replace/customize or to wash the liner without the hardware banging around your machine.

These have been selling out fast every time they get a shipment, and for good reason. I’d say they run on the generous side – Presto is in an 81. Oh, and I do have a discount code – AMANDA15 bc I’m a lil obsessed with Bow Horse.

Here’s a little video tour of Presto’s blanket and liner if you want to see all the features.

Did you have a favorite gadget or item of the year? Drop it in the comments!