Summer first, for comparison (back when we still used shavings, a long time ago!):
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| Summer wisp, with nothing down the back of the tendon. |
This is what they're like right now:
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| So. Much. Hair. |
He doesn't get to keep them this season, because I've made up my mind to clip him. If only we could make it to WPCSA shows I might think about keeping them, but I haven't managed to get a ride to one in three years. Time to clip him appropriately for the sport he does get to compete in!
FLOOFY FEETS! How do you deal with mud!? My husband call horses with feathers "mop feet" horses. It is a little sad to see them go, but he'll look so sleek for events. :)
ReplyDeleteHis feathers don't get muddy very often, the worst of it is the tips over his feet get muddy and the very ends of the feathers. Honestly, they protect his skin pretty well from wet and mud, everything just runs off the feather and away from the skin.
DeleteOh man, I'd be trimming those feathers year-round. I feel like Miles' legs practically have feathers right now, and it drives me nuts, haha
ReplyDeleteThey're useful though! Especially in the rainy Midwest. Connor gets to keep them in the fall/winter/spring.
DeleteI love the feathers, so much hair! Also, agree the sleeker look will be better for eventing though.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely.
DeleteI especially like the long whispy but right at his knee. They're so adorable that I can completely understand why you are reluctant to trim.
ReplyDeleteThe knee parts get so long in winter! Actually his sire grows feathers on the front of his knee. How crazy is that?
Deletesooo much hair!! i'm frankly a little impressed you've managed to hold of from clipping them for so long!! i'd be constantly worried about fungus and scratches and all kinds of gunk getting in there, cute tho they may be :)
ReplyDeleteThey actually I think prevent fungus and scratches. They divert rain away from the back of the pastern very well, I rarely see that part of his leg wet. I know they can also cause it, but maybe those cases have heavier feathers than Connor does.
DeleteHaflinger owner just wants to point out that Haffies have feathers too, so you should be good there!
ReplyDeleteLove 'em, but totally understand why you'd take them off, too.
True! He will always get mistaken for one no matter what. He gets to keep them when he's not showing, that's my compromise!
DeleteEmi has such much hair right now too! I was just telling a friend that it will start to shed out soon.
ReplyDeleteAny day now! The first time I saw his feathers shed I had no idea what was going on. I mean, it makes sense now thinking about it, but at the time, I didn't realize feathers shed, and I came to the barn one day and he had 50% less feather than on my previous visit!
DeleteI love the feathers and don't want to see them go! He's just such a cutie!
ReplyDeleteHaha thanks! Maybe I'll hate it and never clip them again, you never know.
Deletethose are some hairly legs! But nice hairy legs...unlike mine :p
ReplyDeleteOh girl, you and me both this time of year. I need it to warm up so I have some motivation!
DeleteFeathers make me batty. He'll look so much better sleek!
ReplyDeleteYou and Mary both!
DeleteThe feathers would drive me crazy!!
ReplyDeleteThere are definitely a lot of people in that camp. I consider it a breed calling card and therefore like it, but he will look a lot better (and I bet his boots will fit better) without them.
DeleteI have never thought Connor looked like a Haffie. Maybe I'm a weirdo. Clip all the hair!
ReplyDeleteI seriously cannot count the number of times he's gotten mistaken for a Haflinger (English crowd) or a Mustang (not very educated Western crowd...).
DeleteI am not telling Paddy that you think it's a BAD thing that Connor will be mistaken for a Haffie. BLASPHEMY!
ReplyDeleteAt least tell him it's only bad because I have a breeder/breed to represent! ;-)
DeleteMy former coach from FL: "Feathers are for birds."
ReplyDeleteLol. Totally agree, unless you own a native pony breed!
DeleteI feel your pain. To clip, or to not clip the feathers. The feathers are so lovely when they're clean and fluffy, but so disgusting when they're dirty! I've gone both ways (kinky).
ReplyDeleteAwww, I love the feathers. I think it's great when breeds fly their own flags and show off their unique characteristics, regardless of the sport. Plus, it's a neat way to show off how the sport is inclusive!
ReplyDeleteBut but but they are so cute and don't you just know that once you clip them your lift to the WPCSA will materialise just to spite you...no matter what you clip from him he is still going to be gorgeous ♡♡♡
ReplyDeleteWow that's an impressive amount of hair!! I think he'll look super sporty all clipped up. :)
ReplyDeleteBoots with the furrrrrr!
ReplyDelete