On Eventing Trend: Braided Tails (and whiskers too)

It’s not that I’m telling anyone to stick it in their pipe and smoke it.  I’m just celebrating!  Celebrating the braided tail, that is.  The 2010 World Equestrian Games showcased a lot of things from stellar riding to impeccable style.  It also showcased some eventing trends including one of my favorites: the braided tail.

photo by Josh Walker

I’m partial to braids in general for myself or my horse.  They make everything prettier. So why not the tail?  I learned to keep that tail pulled (or at least take clippers to it to get by).  That way you show off the muscle-tone in the haunches and keep your horse neat and tidy.  I’m with it.  But pulling tails is a pain and, if you’re unlucky, you might get a kick from your horse reminding you that they agree. I’ve stayed away from the clippers for fear of slipping and “evening” the job until nothing remains.  Poor Ellie! So I’ve left my sweet Ellie’s tail alone, much to my turn-out chagrin.

That’s where the braided tail enters to save the day. It reflects perfect turnout and adds an extra touch to your look.  It works for a gelding or mare (or stallion) so you’re good to go no matter your subject. You achieve the same goal but with less pain and more style.  That’s a win for all involved.

photo courtesy of Shannon Crocker

Oh, and did I mention it looks lovely no matter the size, big or small?

On a side trend note: We also noticed quite a lot of long whiskers in the jog lanes at the World Equestrian Games. That took me by surprise. But I’m not wasting any time jumping on that trend.  The horses looked just as neat as their clean-shaved counter parts but had an extra bump of cute like that furry pony with curly whiskers out in the field. I like that in a four-star horse.  Ellie is officially off the hook for a clean-shaven muzzle.  Lucky girl! I think our turnout just got twice as nice.

photo by Josh Walker