FINDING the perfect gift can be difficult so why not think slightly outside the box and give a present which keeps giving all year long such as an annual membership subscription, annual racecourse membership or possibly racehorse ownership?

MEMBERSHIP IDEAS

If you are struggling to come up with ideas for what to get a riding enthusiast for Christmas, why not get them a membership subscription to whatever organisation they are affiliated to? The Irish Pony Club have branches around Ireland and run different shows and activities all year long.

If you are considering purchasing Irish Pony Club membership as a gift this Christmas, do so before Friday, December 14th to avail of their special offer of getting a personalised voucher with the membership.

Membership subscriptions are available from www.irishponyclub.ie, by phoning 056 8832966 or email catherine@theirishponyclub.ie.

Showjumping Ireland also offer membership subscriptions as Christmas presents. With national shows running in every corner of Ireland almost every weekend of the year and top international competitions throughout the year, this is the perfect gift for any rider keen on show jumping.

To purchase a gift voucher, contact the Showjumping Ireland office by phoning 045 852230 or by emailing info@sjai.ie.

RACEHORSE OWNERSHIP

The Irish National Stud recently established a new racing club which might be the perfect Christmas present you have been searching for. Irish National Stud Racing is the perfect gift for any racing enthusiast and gives members an opportunity to own and race top-class flat and National Hunt racehorses.

Annual membership costs €399 and includes a share of the club’s prize money; a season pass to the Irish National Stud; free entry to racing whenever Irish National Stud Racing have a runner; educational workshops and visits to some of the top training and breeding yards.

For more information, go to www.irishnationalstud.ie or email insracing@theirishnationalstud.ie.

RACECOURSE MEMBERSHIP

There are top racecourses all over Ireland and an annual membership to any one of these racecourses would make a brilliant Christmas present. Membership options usually include reciprocal race meetings throughout the year.

There is something for every budget with most racecourses offering a special rate for students and senior citizens. Aside from annual membership to each individual racecourse, there are different joint membership options available.

Fairyhouse and Navan have a joint membership which is very reasonably priced at €260. This membership package includes free entry into all 21 race meetings at Fairyhouse and all 19 race meetings at Navan.

Members can also avail of free reserved parking, reciprocal race meetings and yard visits. Joint racecourse membership can be purchased from both www.navanracecourse.ie and from www.fairyhouse.ie.

Go Racing in Kildare is another brilliant scheme which could make an ideal present. Annual membership includes free entry into every race meeting at the Curragh, Punchestown and Naas throughout the year.

Early bird offers are currently available with annual adult membership priced very reasonably at €320 and senior and student membership at €220. To purchase membership or for more information, go to www.goracinginkildare.ie.