March 10, 2015

Peak Feathers

This is the time of year in which Connor has the heaviest feathering.  He's just now starting to shed his body, so the feathers will go soon and eventually they'll be their usual summer wisp:

Summer first, for comparison (back when we still used shavings, a long time ago!):
Summer wisp, with nothing down the back of the tendon.

This is what they're like right now:
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!


I am a little sad about it, because I feel like I'm taking away his breed's calling card and that he'll get mistaken for a Haflinger more often now.  But who am I kidding, feathers or not, he's always going to get mistaken for a Haflinger.
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33 comments:

  1. Alli + DinoMarch 10, 2015 at 8:05 AM

    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. :)

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    1. JenMarch 10, 2015 at 10:08 AM

      His 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.

      Delete
  2. UnknownMarch 10, 2015 at 9:06 AM

    Oh 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

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    1. JenMarch 10, 2015 at 10:09 AM

      They're useful though! Especially in the rainy Midwest. Connor gets to keep them in the fall/winter/spring.

      Delete
  3. redheadlinsMarch 10, 2015 at 9:18 AM

    I love the feathers, so much hair! Also, agree the sleeker look will be better for eventing though.

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  4. PiccoloponyMarch 10, 2015 at 9:24 AM

    I 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.

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    1. JenMarch 10, 2015 at 10:09 AM

      The knee parts get so long in winter! Actually his sire grows feathers on the front of his knee. How crazy is that?

      Delete
  5. emmaMarch 10, 2015 at 9:37 AM

    sooo 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 :)

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    1. JenMarch 10, 2015 at 10:10 AM

      They 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.

      Delete
  6. FigureMarch 10, 2015 at 9:44 AM

    Haflinger owner just wants to point out that Haffies have feathers too, so you should be good there!

    Love 'em, but totally understand why you'd take them off, too.

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    1. JenMarch 10, 2015 at 10:10 AM

      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!

      Delete
  7. Alanna MMarch 10, 2015 at 9:50 AM

    Emi has such much hair right now too! I was just telling a friend that it will start to shed out soon.

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    1. JenMarch 10, 2015 at 10:11 AM

      Any 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!

      Delete
  8. AnonymousMarch 10, 2015 at 10:42 AM

    I love the feathers and don't want to see them go! He's just such a cutie!

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    1. JenMarch 10, 2015 at 12:06 PM

      Haha thanks! Maybe I'll hate it and never clip them again, you never know.

      Delete
  9. Boss Mare EventingMarch 10, 2015 at 10:45 AM

    those are some hairly legs! But nice hairy legs...unlike mine :p

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    1. JenMarch 10, 2015 at 12:07 PM

      Oh girl, you and me both this time of year. I need it to warm up so I have some motivation!

      Delete
  10. SprinklerBanditMarch 10, 2015 at 11:09 AM

    Feathers make me batty. He'll look so much better sleek!

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  11. StephanieMarch 10, 2015 at 11:23 AM

    The feathers would drive me crazy!!

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    1. JenMarch 10, 2015 at 2:46 PM

      There 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.

      Delete
  12. SheMovedtoTexasMarch 10, 2015 at 12:19 PM

    I have never thought Connor looked like a Haffie. Maybe I'm a weirdo. Clip all the hair!

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    1. JenMarch 10, 2015 at 2:47 PM

      I seriously cannot count the number of times he's gotten mistaken for a Haflinger (English crowd) or a Mustang (not very educated Western crowd...).

      Delete
  13. jenjMarch 10, 2015 at 2:06 PM

    I am not telling Paddy that you think it's a BAD thing that Connor will be mistaken for a Haffie. BLASPHEMY!

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    1. JenMarch 10, 2015 at 2:07 PM

      At least tell him it's only bad because I have a breeder/breed to represent! ;-)

      Delete
  14. JessMarch 10, 2015 at 2:30 PM

    My former coach from FL: "Feathers are for birds."

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    1. JenMarch 10, 2015 at 2:47 PM

      Lol. Totally agree, unless you own a native pony breed!

      Delete
  15. ErikaMarch 10, 2015 at 3:11 PM

    I 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).

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  16. SarahWMarch 10, 2015 at 4:01 PM

    Awww, 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!

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  17. AoifeMarch 10, 2015 at 7:28 PM

    But 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 ♡♡♡

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  18. AnonymousMarch 11, 2015 at 2:00 PM

    Wow that's an impressive amount of hair!! I think he'll look super sporty all clipped up. :)

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  19. KarleyMarch 16, 2015 at 3:55 PM

    Boots with the furrrrrr!

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