This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] The comments on the muzzle hairs are interesting. Here lies my dilemma... the WSCA (open show circuit here in Minnesota) judges barely know what a Fjord is let alone how they are "preferred" to be clipped or unclipped. All they know are quarter horses, paints, and a little about arabs, etc. All these breeds are supposed to have clipped muzzles, white socks, fetlocks, eye hairs, and ears to be able to compete. If we showed up with a horse with long face hairs, the judges would not give us a second look in a halter, showmanship, or pleasure/horsemanship class. It's not that I agree with the expectations (like the ridiculously low head sets on pleasure horses) but if you want to compete in these arenas, you can not stick out like a sore thumb. I let the horse's hairs grow out all over from Oct. through April, then start my clipping for the show season.
I've always been confused on how I can fit in with my Fjord in these shows. I've found a compromise with them and just make sure the mane is perfectly tri mmed, the tail is shampooed to it's whitest, and the excess face hairs are clipped. I do not clip out the ears as we do the quarter horses but do trim all the excess that sticks out so they look neat and tidy. It's unfortunate that we have to succumb to the masses but if you want to compete in these environments -- and not wait until the Fjord shows come around -- you have to comply with the "accepted standards" in your area. The sports boots comment really got me from the Pat Parelli clinic. If that had been our instructor (I just attended a 2-day Parelli clinic this past weekend with Dave Ellis as the instructor), I'd have had a firm word with him in front of everyone! The only horse with sports boots out of the twenty there was my daughter's quarter horse. We have him wear them for good reason. When he travels, one foot clips the ankle bone of the other and creates a bloody mess. We have tried changing the shoeing slightly but it still happens. He always wears them when we practice and on trail rides but during the show classes, of course, he can't so we always end up with a small cut after every show which heals in time for the next show a week later! Could it be that the Parelli people don't like the sports boots because their competitor, John Lyons, endorses the Professional Choice brand and always has them on even when standing around it seems? I say, if there is a good reason to wear them, do it. Shame on the Parelli instructor for embarrassing those people when they might have a good reason for putting them on their horse. Could this have been an underhanded slam to John Lyons??? Thoughts anyone?? Susan in MN
