The Ultimate Christmas Gift for a Horse Owner

Bonnie Kwiatkowski has developed quite the talent in making jewellery from horse hair. It is unique, colourful and you would never guess that it was made from the tail of a horse. Not one to harvest the hair for use, Bonnie's jewellery is usually made from all the loose hairs that end up on the ground after brushing and grooming the horse. Once the hair is thoroughly cleaned and conditioned, Bonnie turns the strands into beautiful works of art.

Calling her work Equine Collection, Bonnie's pieces are showcased and offered for sale at Jordan Art Gallery or by contacting her directly.

Bonnie discovered the art of horse hair jewellery after visiting a display at Congress a few years back. Thinking she could do something with this, she set to work to determine how and she got started. The jewellery "does quite well as far as sales at the Jordan Art Gallery" says Bonnie. "I was quite surprised, and most people do not realize what the items are made of, until told".  Her customers are both equestrians and non-equestrians.

Bonnie and her daughter have a champagne quarter horse affectionately called April - A Playboy Dun It is her registered name. A beauty of a horse to look at. Bonnie credits their knowledge of horses to their mentor and friend Barb Young, who leased and then sold them April after teaching them what they needed to know about horses. Bonnie, a casual rider does the grooming and the odd trail ride here and there and even competed once at Dunnville Saddle Club in the walk/jog class, winning first place. Christine a bit more avid of a rider, started showing western as April's training is such, but the last year or so, they have been showing April in the hunter ring in hack classes. They are thoroughly enjoying the experiences they have with their horse and now, the ability to make a dollar or two through the jewellery because of their love of horses. April, Bonnie and Christine currently board at Hunter Highland on Effingham Road.

Bonnie is branching out to custom orders now. These lovely pieces would make a great Christmas gift for the horse-lover in your family. Bonnie can be reached by email at kwiatkowski@cogeco.ca