View Full Version : Tips for turning heads!
I'm on a hunt for some fail-safe tips for adding a bit of sparkle to my horse next time we're out competing. He's a relatively stocky fellow, and is currently in the process of building up in all the right places, but still not quite as "vavoom!" as his purpose-bred counterparts. He's bay, got rid of most of his winter coat, quarter-horse, nice thick mane and tail.
Our next event is a show, but I feel presentation is important for dressage too !! (thats how i justify posting here anyway :P)
So... lets hear 'em :D
I'm on a hunt for some fail-safe tips for adding a bit of sparkle to my horse next time we're out competing.Well, Equine Elegance can't advertise here, but I can recommend her browbands (http://www.equineelegance.com.au). Other than that - clean, neatly trimmed, well-muscled as you've been doing, and a happy, relaxed rider in the right gear should do the trick.
I certainly add sparkle to my horse lol...glitter! when i use hair spray to make hindquarter patterns and plaits stay in longer i use glitter spray instead of normal hairspray. i also give him a quick spray allover, which looks really nice when the light catches it. i also put heaps in his tail and put a bit on his legs, so his legs sparkle when he moves...it certainly gets a reaction lol... i think im obsessed with sparkly stuff lol...poor horse! oooh and if he has a nice thick mane and tail, theres no better way to show it of than with Top Tails, i love the stuff! because hes a bay (like mine) heaps of shinning spray in their tail makes it look really black... if its a bit faded or dull. Hope this is of some use, and im not just pratling on and boring people :/ ..oooh one last thing lol... make-up! ...especially the white makeup to make their markings extra bright!
Zephyr
07-09-2005, 07.01 pm
Along those lines (and not an answer to your question, sorry!) what do you guys think of putting glitter on a dressage horse for a freestyle? I've been told thats not really ideal for a Grand Prix horse. I think its a bit of fun, but I guess I can see its not traditional...
Ivanka
07-09-2005, 07.23 pm
with shows (but to a LARGE extend also in dressage) it's the first impression that counts:
- do you look the part?
- does your saddle cloth fit, and is it complementing his figure (don't laugh, some saddle cloths just don't fit certain body types.. it's like women with one (or two) visible stomachs in a hipster jeans... ) :eek:
- Is your bridle nice to look at? with a bay, I usually like black bridles with white or cream backing, and yes..... EE's browbands look absolutely stunning!
Apart from that.. ride forward and BOLD!!!! (without rushing of course)
good luck!
Ivanka
Along those lines (and not an answer to your question, sorry!) what do you guys think of putting glitter on a dressage horse for a freestyle? I've been told thats not really ideal for a Grand Prix horse. I think its a bit of fun, but I guess I can see its not traditional...
my answer probably isnt the right one lol, but personally i think there is never a wrong time for glitter!
Zephyr
07-09-2005, 07.26 pm
I agree, but have been advised otherwise, and I'm sad. My horse is little and cute, and if no-one wants to take him seriously as a GP dressage horse then let me have a little fun with him!
Ivanka
07-09-2005, 07.27 pm
I certainly add sparkle to my horse lol... theres no better way to show it of than with Top Tails, i love the stuff! because hes a bay (like mine) heaps of shinning spray in their tail makes it look really black... if its a bit faded or dull.
ah, toptails... is that the yellow/gold stuff in the squeezy tube??
I LOVE THAT STUFF!!!
I even use it when I am not competing ( how pathetic am I??!! :rolleyes: ) as it keeps their tails nice and detangled and clean.... I think I've used 2 tubes in the last 4 months or so ....
Carole Lok
07-09-2005, 07.52 pm
HI Zephyr,
Talking of adding sparkle, did you keep the "Bling" after Taree?
Now it is up to you if you tell the others about the "Bling" or are you going to surprise them all at the next outing.
:)
Carole
Zephyr
07-09-2005, 07.54 pm
I did keep the 'bling' Carole. How could I not, you did such a great job!! I think we'll keep it a secret and suprise everyone at Nambour ;)
Jayden
07-09-2005, 10.13 pm
Hi guys
Going back a bit to the saddle cloth thing. Someone told me that a horse with a short back should have a smalle saddle cloth and a longer tail(??? about the tail, can't quite remember) and a horse with a long back should have a big saddle cloth and a shorter tail, or maybe the long tail with the long back but you know, because it makes your horse look more in proportion and hides their conformation faults eg. the long or short back.
Equine Elegance
07-09-2005, 10.23 pm
haha, thanks Ann!
The only thing I ever won prior to this year were pony club and local show presentation classes! As the others have said, neat, clean and shiny coats are the biggest factors. My pet hates are plaits that are too long and are floppy and tails that are too long, they can make the horse look really unbalanced, followed closely by tails that have been braided far too long down the dock.... I can't braid so we shave the sides of the dock (but not much, as that can look as bad as long braids) and I prefer the shaved tail. These are my personal opinions, no one has to agree with them!
Don't overdo the makeup if you decide to use it.... you can use vaseline but be very careful as if it is a hot sunny day it will burn the skin and if you don't use much, you won't get the big panda eyes that you see on some horses. You can also put it around the muzzle to darken the "yellowishness".
You can use black ravens oil on his black legs to darken them, and use either white chalk on white markings or you can put baby powder on white legs immediately after you have washed them and then wrap them in cotton wool (or you can put the powder straight onto cotton) and bandage overnight. Be careful with the ravens oil as it goes everywhere and stains. Wear rubber gloves and use a mit or cotton wool to apply it to the legs. Follow the markings and make sure when you are finishing with the ravens oil above the knee and hocks that it blends in and the black just doesn't stop abruptly. If you use the baby powder, brush the extra off before you ravens oil and before you put oil/black-it on his hooves, otherwise when he starts to move around he'll end up with white clouds around his legs and white hooves.
A little glitter is ok, a lot can look tacky and draw away from the horse, rather than attracting the right attention. Go for the naturally shiny coat, there is nothing more eye-catching than a dazzling coat in the sun. If he hasn't already got a stunning coat, adding a little oil (corn, sunflower, linseed)to his feed should be the quickest and cheapest way to add shine permanently.
hope this helps and I haven't gon too overboard.
Jytte
08-09-2005, 08.28 am
Go the glitter!!!! Whoever suggests not to use it is a bloody prude! Who cares if it looks tacky, theres a lot I could say about people's dress-sense (or lack of) and its all about how you want it. Who cares what others think!
Yay for glitter!!!
Go the glitter!!!! Whoever suggests not to use it is a bloody prude! Who cares if it looks tacky, theres a lot I could say about people's dress-sense (or lack of) and its all about how you want it. Who cares what others think!For anyone showing horses, the judge's opinion would have to be a matter for consideration, surely! ;)
Ivanka
08-09-2005, 09.41 am
For anyone showing horses, the judge's opinion would have to be a matter for consideration, surely! ;)
Nah.... did you have a good look at the judge's dress sense.... (at least some of them......) don't let that lead you in expressing your own self!!!
:D :D
(oops, :eek: did I say that out loud????)
LOL
HooFie
08-09-2005, 12.24 pm
I used to think that glitter would be cool, but i haven't seen it look cool haha so now the only thing glittery is my helmut ;) IN saying that i do want to see how glitter on their hoovsies would look... lol
I always dye my ponys tail blue/black i hate the red highlights he attracts (*gasp* my secrets out lol) um i have silver thingies for his rosettes for dressage haha and can't forget my purple jacket heheh
and co-ordination, gotta have them colours matching heh
And i have to ask, what is it with dressage and BLACK. I mean you all look the same LOL Am i the only brown person here? :(
Whoever suggests not to use it is a bloody prude!
ooh, first time I've ever been called that !
Who cares if it looks tacky, theres a lot I could say about people's dress-sense (or lack of)
damn, whos been talking about me !
Who cares what others think!
Not me ! (do you all think that's OK to say ?)
The only time I've ever approved of glitter was when Claire Wickens rode a Pas de Deux in Hot Pants and Bikini top (with tassles that kept perfect rhythm ;)) at a State champs about 8 or ten years ago !
It's the only time I've seen straight male partners of dressage riders pay attention to what was going on in the arena. :D
Judi Ruffo
08-09-2005, 06.08 pm
Along those lines (and not an answer to your question, sorry!) what do you guys think of putting glitter on a dressage horse for a freestyle? I've been told thats not really ideal for a Grand Prix horse. I think its a bit of fun, but I guess I can see its not traditional...
hey, i bet it was phillipa who said that to you...do it girl... i do the love hearts on my chestnut,, but then i am only at PSG... i think a bit of fun is good and maybe what the sport needs to enhance it's popularity...sparkle away..anyhow whats the differnece with the sparkley brow bands anyway???
thanks for all the great suggestions everyone :D
looks like my shopping list is going to consist of
a) glitter
b) more glitter
c) a browband that doesnt resemble a cauliflower growing out of the side of poor pony's head (exaggeration, but after a squiz on E.E's website- i'm feeling a bit inferior :p)
plus i will follow the preparation/trimming/squeaky-clean advice :)
i think tradition will need to step aside for me on that particular weekend. the mention of heart-shaped quarter markers got me thinking... *evil grin*
keep 'em coming!
ah, toptails... is that the yellow/gold stuff in the squeezy tube??
I LOVE THAT STUFF!!!
I even use it when I am not competing ( how pathetic am I??!! :rolleyes: ) as it keeps their tails nice and detangled and clean.... I think I've used 2 tubes in the last 4 months or so ....
yea, its awesome stuff. my instructor is the lady who "invented it" lol. i go through at least 2 tubes a month! ... im the pathetic one lol
Equine Elegance
08-09-2005, 07.56 pm
:)
Oh, and if your boy has feathers and he doesn't mind clippers, you can zip them off, you can also use them to clean up the hair around the coronet band if it's a bit long and wispy. Otherwise you can use razors. You can also pull his chestnuts off, or use some sandpaper to get them flush with the leg and put ravens oil on them, but I'd only do this if the black markings extend to the chestnut or have a play with at home beforehand. Sometimes it looks good, sometimes it doesn't.
Don't forget to do the bridlepaths and if he has a bit of a hairy chin or jaw, you can use razors or clippers to trim his "beard". You can clip his ears out if they are really fuzzy or for a more "professional hackie" look, but make sure you put cotton wool in his ears so the hair doesn't fall inside. If you want to go all the way, you can also razor off the whiskers around his muzzle but that would be the last thing on my list, some horses don't cope without their whiskers. Some hackies will even pluck some of the long lashes/whiskers around the horse's eye.
One of my younger friend's has been a serious hackie for years. She took out 2nd reserve champion junior rider at Nationals in Werribee a few years ago, and we also went to school together. At the start of every year her mum runs a "how to present" session for all the newcomers to the equestrian team, so we get all the new hackie techniques. Some are good, some you just say "oh, ok, maybe some other time..."
Franca
09-09-2005, 05.46 am
If you want to go all the way, you can also razor off the whiskers around his muzzle but that would be the last thing on my list, some horses don't cope without their whiskers. Some hackies will even pluck some of the long lashes/whiskers around the horse's eye.Yeah, I think those whiskers around the muzzle are there for a reason. Most folks around here seem to remove them for events but I wouldn't. OUCH on plucking the eye whiskers! No way! I can't imagine touching them in the first place, but ... plucking? Really? Wow.
Some are good, some you just say "oh, ok, maybe some other time..."LOL! Yep! Some other time maybe on a stuffed horse. ;)
Zephyr
09-09-2005, 07.29 am
No, not Phillipa :)
Carole Lok
09-09-2005, 07.51 am
Hi Guys,
I think the really shiney coat looks great. However I think that Glitter would add some extra fun to the Freestyle. I guess it is like anything it has to start somewhere, could be here?
If you look at the crowd that comes to the freestyle you know they are not all the really avid pure dressage fans. A bit of glitz and hype will help the sport to get more people to enjoy the freestyle and then maybe become more interested in the straight dressage too.
I remember in the press seeing some glitter on a horse used in a demo at the Dressage with Stars, it looked really "night time fun". Like we all dress up a bit more at night to go out, why can't the horses too?
Who is going to start the trend.....
Carole
Zephyr
09-09-2005, 08.02 am
I will, plus I have my 'secret bling' weapon! ;)
I think that Glitter would add some extra fun to the Freestyle. ... who is going to start the trend...One of the horses in the Medium/Advanced Freestyle at the CDI-W at Nambour this year had glitter. It was a bay horse, but I can't for the life of me remember which one! I remember thinking what a great idea it was, and what a shame that the test was being ridden in daylight. You would have missed that because you were hidden away in the scoring room!
Jytte
09-09-2005, 08.49 am
Hahahaha....says you in your king-gee shorts and ugg boots! :D
Jytte
09-09-2005, 08.49 am
I thought you were purple!
Freya
09-09-2005, 12.23 pm
I think that Glitter would add some extra fun to the Freestyle. I guess it is like anything it has to start somewhere, could be here?
Who is going to start the trend.....
Carole
Maybe we can all start doing it? Especially the higher levels when the freestyles are most definately at night in the indoor. All the QLD horses could do it in the freestyles at nationals..."sparkle" in their performances...start a trend ;)
Also, do you use the glittery hairspray? Cos I have some of that from a few yrs ago when we were going to do a quadrille at school but it never happened so the glitter is just sitting in my grooming box.:)
Jytte
09-09-2005, 03.30 pm
Hey Frey...teehee! Anywho, 've use jsut plain chuncky glitter that kids use on art projects and stick it to them with proplaits...it works heaps better than the spray on stuff!
Freya
09-09-2005, 06.08 pm
Do you just put it in taddy's mane?
Jytte
09-09-2005, 06.24 pm
I put it along his mane with his blingbling bow-ties and then in his tail too
Freya
09-09-2005, 06.29 pm
I put it along his mane with his blingbling bow-ties and then in his tail too
Thanks yets...hahah i was going to buy white bow-ties today..they were cute ones with pearls in the middle ...perfectly matches my new stock pin....but i had spent enough so will get them next time maybe....
Jytte
09-09-2005, 06.33 pm
Ooooh...they would look real purdy!!!!!
Freya
09-09-2005, 06.33 pm
Not sure what your 'secret bling' is, but just getting images of you doing GP with you and zephyr wearing stuff like this....
http://www.nycenet.edu/ve/vv/artimages/imagesinarticles/blingbling.jpg :D
Zephyr
09-09-2005, 07.31 pm
You guys have it all wrong, just shave the manes off!! (sunbeam plait :)) It saves at least an hour when getting ready for shows! ;)
Zephyr
09-09-2005, 07.32 pm
ROFLMAO :)
Zeph would look great with lots of bling 'round his neck!
Ivanka
09-09-2005, 07.38 pm
Not sure what your 'secret bling' is, but just getting images of you doing GP with you and zephyr wearing stuff like this....
http://www.nycenet.edu/ve/vv/artimages/imagesinarticles/blingbling.jpg :D
And what about this one on your lapel:
http://www.icedoutgear.com/media/BB98-TN.jpg
Ivanka
09-09-2005, 07.39 pm
And what about this one on your lapel:
http://www.icedoutgear.com/media/BB98-TN.jpg
OR:
This one as a belt around your joddies: (especially nice on those days when you don't have to wear a jacket):
http://www.icedoutgear.com/media/BB84-TN.jpg
LED Scrolling Pink Text Name LED Belt Buckle
You can even put the name of your horse on your belt!
Zephyr
09-09-2005, 07.42 pm
Not quite the bling I had in mind, but I love it all the same! I don't know if it would be considered very traditional, mind you! ;)
Ivanka
10-09-2005, 08.31 am
Not quite the bling I had in mind, but I love it all the same! I don't know if it would be considered very traditional, mind you! ;)
Ah c'mon.... we need to keep an open mind!
Progress is important!
Carole Lok
11-09-2005, 06.08 pm
Yes Zepher we are going for "The Bling" for the upcoming freestyles.
Carole :)
Zephyr
12-09-2005, 02.14 am
yay! Good for you!
Schmerglatt
12-09-2005, 07.03 am
Along those lines (and not an answer to your question, sorry!) what do you guys think of putting glitter on a dressage horse for a freestyle? I've been told thats not really ideal for a Grand Prix horse. I think its a bit of fun, but I guess I can see its not traditional...
Mum used glitter on Fenton a couple of times at the unnoficial Grand Prix freestyle champs at Caboolture from memory but I do remember some official people having a problem with it. I don't see how it can hurt though??? It's only glitter and I think it adds that extra little bit of fun and sparkle that Freestyle's are all about. If you really want to use it and there's no rule against it I can't see why you shouldn't. And I think you will find that the audience will love it!
Naomi
12-09-2005, 04.54 pm
And what about this one on your lapel:
http://www.icedoutgear.com/media/BB98-TN.jpg
I had to laugh at this.... at the weekends competition I used a brooch just like this as a stock pin because i've lost my real stockpin! :D
Funniest thing I have ever seen in glitter at a competition - A horse competing had 'I'm for sale' written on his rump in sparkly gold glitter.
I'm on a hunt for some fail-safe tips for adding a bit of sparkle to my horse next time we're out competing. He's a relatively stocky fellow, and is currently in the process of building up in all the right places, but still not quite as "vavoom!" as his purpose-bred counterparts. He's bay, got rid of most of his winter coat, quarter-horse, nice thick mane and tail.
Our next event is a show, but I feel presentation is important for dressage too !! (thats how i justify posting here anyway :P)
So... lets hear 'em :D
wat i do before shows is i clip all the white markings the day before (before i wash them) and also if u haev a bay use the maximum effect champion tails dye and it makes their coat look darker and shinier. and in the morning i put white makeup on their socks and blaze and put checkers on their bum with sharks teeth down the flanks. and also black ravens oil jst above the sock and blend it to their leg above the knee or hock or wherever the sock is lol. and stitching in the rosettes makes them look pritty, hehe. also i use the champion tails makeup for their face with a bit of gloss over the top to blend it but dont overdo the makeup. and i cut their tail to jst below the hock. and shave (or braid) until the point of their bum. ooh and dont forget to purple shampoo white markings lol
thanks, rhi!
we're gunna be the super-pretty ones at the caboolture assoc. dressage next week :D
ooh and!!! bandage ur horses tail with a COTTON not nylon bandage until u go in the ring it makes it look nicer hehe.
bandage ur horses tail with a COTTON not nylon bandageHave to agree with that, rhi - the tail sits much better with cotton.
yea i no ay. and also the cotton breaths better. my friend had a nylon bandage on her horse from the night before, and when they took it off, all underneath the tail had started peeling and bleeding. it must have been so uncomfortable for the horse. so everyone make note lol dont use nylon bandages for tails!!
ALSO if ur horse has a fly away mane, jst spray it with hairspray before u start plaiting.
ALSO if ur horse has a fly away mane, jst spray it with hairspray before u start plaiting.A bit of leave-in conditioner works well, too.
oh cool i never thought about that. does that make it too slippery though??
oh cool i never thought about that. does that make it too slippery though??Not if you use minuscule amounts. Less than a 5 cent piece for the whole mane. Put it on while the mane's wet to spread it.
oh ok awesome. i'll try that
Acrasia
12-10-2005, 12.43 pm
I have a question if thats ok, I dont have anything against prettying your horse at all, I have done all that when showing. But if you have 2 horses competing in dressage both clean, neat and healthy looking. What diff does it make to the final score if one has all the extra glitz? Assuming they are pretty much equal in ability etc. Iam just curious.
Zephyr
12-10-2005, 12.52 pm
I have a question if thats ok, I dont have anything against prettying your horse at all, I have done all that when showing. But if you have 2 horses competing in dressage both clean, neat and healthy looking. What diff does it make to the final score if one has all the extra glitz? Assuming they are pretty much equal in ability etc. Iam just curious.
None whatsoever. My disgusting horse once won a medium test in very good company looking like a total feral. He'd rolled shortly before I went to saddle him, and we couldn't quite resurect the white in a few short minutes. Plus he'd already had red stains down his front legs where the dye from one of his rugs had run in the rain. (Yes, yes, I know you're all thinking, just to match his tail :o . He is rather difficult to clean, his tail is either yellow or pink, except at Taree where none of you were to see it.)
i jst present them well because i dont like anyone seeing my horse dirty i have no idea why lol. i jst get so embarrassed
I asked about tips etc because (you probably dont agree) but I believe dressage is subjective to a certain degree (i'm talking about subjectivity rather alot tonight).. certainly less so than hacking, but there is still a requirement to catch the judges eye and stand out (in a good way) - especially if you're competing prelim or novice as i am, in enormous classes!
Not only this, but certain prepping techniques can trick the eye and balance out a horse's conformation (and theoretically, give a nicer outline). My little bloke, for example, is still in the transition of developing a nice muscular neck, and he is a little long through the back. So I make his plaits increase in size as they reach the middle of his neck, and decrease back down again as they reach his poll, giving him a fake crest! (its much more subtle than it sounds, however) The length of the tail can also add or detract to conformation, as Jayden suggested.
However, Acrasia, on the whole I agree with you- the most important things are a healthy, correctly muscled and tidy horse.
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