ridecamp@endurance.net: Re: Arabian/dressage mane length

Re: Arabian/dressage mane length

NagsRMe@aol.com
Tue, 20 May 1997 15:31:34 -0400 (EDT)

In a message dated 97-05-20 02:07:48 EDT, you write:

<< ....but if you're going to "do"
dressage, it looks *much* nicer to also give your horse a short,
one-inch or so bridle path so that he doesn't scream "Arab alert! Arab
alert! Early '80s halter refugee!" <vbg> every time he enters the
arena. >>

Hi Lisa, had to laugh at your post!!! I've had show Arabs and Saddlebreds.
I'm into dressage and now endurance. Last year when I went to a four day
long USDF dressage camp with FEI level instructors, I debated for days as to
whether or not to pull Henry, my Saddlebred geldings' beautiful, long flaxen
mane. I just didn't want to stand out in the midst of all those
warmbloods!!!! So, off went the mane! Alas, the minute I entered the ring
for my first private lesson, the German FEI level instructor asked, "Is that
a Saddlebred?" I said in my meekest voice, "Yes." and waited for the raised
eyebrows. Instead she went on and on about how much she loved Saddlebreds
and had owned two straight out of the show ring (one was a nationally
recognized 5-gaited mare) and had taken one to the Grand Prix level and one
to FEI. We became "teachers pet" and she asked if I knew where she could
find anymore Saddlebreds around us with my gelding's bloodlines! Tee-hee!
I haven't shown dressage or participated in any clinics since then and the
mane is now long and beautiful again. Hard to say what I'd do if I were in
the presence of the warmbloods again!

Susan Swope
& "Henry" with the long blond mane!
Kentucky

Home Events Groups Rider Directory Market RideCamp Stuff