A HORSE under the Christmas tree is a tall order, even for Santa. But there’s room for a Connemara peering over a stone wall, a field of chasers flying the first or a bronze with the quiet presence of a horse at rest. From Jack B. Yeats’s mysterious woodland to David Paton’s riders on the wet sands at Mornington, these six Irish artists capture something familiar to anyone who loves horses. The only thing left to find is a spot on the wall or a space on the mantelpiece.

Simon Carman, bespoke equine portraits in bronze, oil, or charcoal

If your loved one can pick out their horse from the far side of a field, why not commission a bronze portrait or artwork of the horse they know by heart. Simon Carman is one of Ireland’s leading sculptors and equine portrait artists.

Simon’s work is held in collections including Áras an Uachtaráin, the Irish National Stud, Greg Broderick’s Ballypatrick Stables and McKeon Stone. Each portrait is made to commission, capturing the details that make a horse unmistakably theirs, from the set of the ears to the way they carry their head. It’s a deeply personal Christmas gift for someone whose horse has a story all of its own. Enquiries to artfabricate@gmail.com. Note: There is currently a waiting list into 2027 for commissioned pieces, but quality is always worth the wait.

Jack B. Yeats, For the Road print, €35

A pale horse gallops through a dark wood towards a sliver of light. This reproduction of Yeats’s 1951 painting is a lovely choice for someone who likes their equine art with a touch of mystery. The print measures 50 × 70 cm including its white border. Buy from the National Gallery of Ireland Shop.

Sara Hodson, Connemara Pony, €80

A pale-maned Connemara looks over a stone wall with the air of a pony who knows exactly what’s going on in the next field. West Cork artist Sara Hodson’s 12 × 12-inch giclée print is taken from an original oil painting and is individually signed and numbered in an edition of 100. Buy from Sara Hodson Fine Art.

David Paton, Sparkling Waves, from €180

Two riders cross the wet sand at Mornington, their reflections flickering beneath them. Meath artist David Paton catches the particular pleasure of having a stretch of beach to ride on. The hand-signed print starts at €180 for the 50 × 40 cm size. Buy from David Paton.

Peter Curling, First Fence, Novice Chase, €250

A packed field meets the first fence in a rush of colour. Waterford-born Peter Curling’s panoramic print puts you close enough to imagine the sound of the hooves. The image measures 12 × 30 inches and the edition is limited to 150. Enquire with Peter Curling.

Anna Campbell, Horse, €3200

For a showpiece gift, Newry-born sculptor Anna Campbell gives this bronze a pared-back silhouette, with long legs, an outstretched neck and a richly worked surface.

Availability by enquiry with The Kildare Gallery.