The Mane Attraction

In many ways, stall rest has meant that I can finally get a few things done around the barn that I never seem to find the time to do when all I want to do is ride. One such endeavour is Walker's mane.

For the record, I decided to let Walker's mane go this summer. I wanted to see what it would look like long and flowy. However, now that Spring is in the air, it's time for a trim.

The "before"picture

I may have cut it a little shorter than I intended to, but once I got to cleaning it up, I found that I ended up trimming it shorter and shorter each time.  :S I know that a lot of you pull your horse's manes but no one seems to do that at our barn. Everyone just trims them.  It's a process either way.

For the record, I did clean it up a little bit more than this.
It doesn't look nearly this shabby in person

Also, one of the kids taught me how to do hunter braids this weekend. What a process! I can't believe you guys do that for every show! In Western disciplines, we usually just band the mane, which means we put tiny ponytails in it, instead of braids or bumps. I'm a banding machine. I can easily band Walker's mane in under 30 minutes, but I think this braiding thing will take forever. My instructor will be so proud if I ever take Walker in a crossrail division. My poor, good-natured quarter horse will be all hunter-esque!

I also learned the importance of matching string...