Subject: JRJ Glitter on horses (Kris Carroll)

An adult reported that glitter is all the rage in 4-H, especially showmanship. I innocently (LOL) posted: The heck with the rule book. Tell em flat out to buy a Breyer model if they want to play dress up horsie or Barbie makeup. Real horses deserve a great deal more respect.

Moderator Laura Clemins noted: I agree with Kris - anyone else? The most "dolling up" I'll do is like DARK (almost black) hunter green yarn when I braid - looks neat, esp with a square pad that has dark green piping on the edges.

Subject: JRJ Glitter *Abby*

Very well said Kris! My school actually sent a letter home saying that students aren't allowed to wear glitter, it never occurred to me people would use glitter on horses! Scary, scary, scary. One time I was visiting a barn and there was this one girl using hairspray and glitter in her pony's mane to make it stand straight up (?!?!). And I've been told I have problems.. LOL j/k

Subject: JRJ Glitter - Dani

I think that glitter is a great idea.I have three horses and they are all great Champion Barrel Horses,and i almost always dress them up in glitter and use some hoof sealant too.On my mare I use purple,blue,gold and silver glitter with purple hoof sealant,on one of my geld. I use red gold and silver glitter,and on my other geld. i use blue,gold,and silver glitter in their manes,tails and all over their back hips and the tip of the tail above the butt.They love it and everybody at my show and all of my friends are always wanting me to do the same thing to their horses.

So this means if you haven't already caught on, that i disagree with you saying that glitter is a bad idea for horses and their appearance,and i agree with anyone that says that glitter is a good idea to use on their horses and for their horses appearance!!!!!!!!!!

Subject: JRJ Glitter Emma Kenyon

It must be an old person thing, because I'm a dyed in the wool 'no coloured bandages go near my horse and the same for saddle cloths!' (except for hot pink, dear Caroline), I won't ride unless I am attired "just so" but I think glitter is great.

I'm still stewing over the fact that I can't put checker marks on Emily's rump because she is grey, and with all those flea bites/dapples glitter is pretty pointless as well.

It's a fun thing, no my horse is not a toy (she reminds me quite regularly of this each day, if she was a toy she'd be sold with a M15+ rating), we're talking a little bit of fun at a big championships (not EFA), PCAQ state dressage, Zones Teams Challenge, etc.

Geez, one year we spray painted our horses green and white before our dressage test for the Zone Horse Trials Championships. The judges were very kind and judged us quite fairly, and we won the teams event. Of course we had matching green and white hair.

[LN] I know people who put zebra stripes on their horses for XC

At the end of the day, what is the difference between plaiting a horse's mane and spraying glitter on the rump? Very little - all they are both interested in is enhancing the appearance of the horse.

It's a bit of fun, let kids be kids, and if it makes them feel their horse is more snazzy, who is a staid adult to tell them "don't do that"?

Kris note: Oh, ask me for help with another homework assignment, Emma!!! But more to the point - Where does anyone say *don't*? My opinions are my own. They belong to me. Mine. You (all) are welcome to yours. [EG]

Subject: JRJ Glitter Kati Matyka

We glitter up our horses for parades, but I don't think it's appropriate in actual shows. I would think it would be distracting to the judge. Not to mention, it looks too artificial.

Subject: JRJ Glitter Ashley Smith

At Morgan Nationals, it was all the rage to use glitter on SS Eq riders. It was so awesome looking. They had glitter in their hair, on their eyes, sequins on the corners of their eyes and even cubic zirconia stones on the buns. Under the coliseum lights, it was so cool looking. Nikki Rae Woodworth had it on her derby, suit and face. She stood out and looked amazing. When I went in for the Youth of the Year Presentation, my hair and eyes were done. As far as horses go, there is really no reason for it. In eq you want to attract attention to the rider and on a pleasure horse, motion is what you look for. We don't have showmanship.

Subject: JRJ sparkily horses Alyson B-Y

I have seen glitter on horse hooves....once for an X-mas show the lesson horse I rode had green glitter on his hooves (not full out glitter, just a little..and it was 'dull glitter', not like super sparkily). It looked pretty cool.

However, once my friend totally COVERED her pony's hooves with gold glitter and it was just plain stupid looking.

For shows..I think if you want your horse to shine, use show sheen. Glitter is for school dances, not schooling shows. =)

Subject: JRJ Glitter (Leah)

I don't see really see the difference between glitter and all the primping that goes on to prepare a horse for an average show hack class. Even Tisca, who is just a very occasional show hack, has face makeup (red brown), sock and stripe highlighter and his coat temporarily dyed to 'enhance' his colour. His hooves are painted black and sprayed with hairspray to make them shine and of course he's plaited. He is liberally sprayed with coat gloss, as is his tail, and he wears a very specky green, gold, blue and white browband with rosettes which matches my tie/waistcoat/jacket. I won't say that Tisca 'loves' having this done to him - really I don't think he cares. He does like going out somewhere new at a show and he knows what all the preparation means. He stands dead still and dozes off while I make him all 'pooncy' - as my Dad and nearly every other male who hears about the stuff people do to show horses - puts it.

And then of course you have false tails (very popular in both hacking and dressage - but Tisca doesn't need one), false plaits and quarter marks. I LOVE well done quarter marks, but Tisca's butt doesn't really suit them. Although not appropriate for hacking, if I ever showjump indoors under lights (as if) I'm going to stencil stars on Tisca's rump and cover them in glitter. When we did our Prix Caprilli team thingo, Bo and Tisca has matching green glitter diamonds and stars. And our Pas de deux costumes (which we didn't end up being able to use, as he had to scratch) definitely included glitter.

I almost love all the preparation for shows as much as the actual competing. Maybe it is a bit childlike - I'm 'playing dressups' with my 'dolls' or something. I never was into that as a little girl, but now that I'm 18 I fail to see the harm, and anyway, it is all great fun. Isn't that the important thing?

And I can't wait until the cross country phase this coming Sunday where I get to match my navy with white piping saddle blanket, navy and black (with white electrical tape) brushing boots, navy and white browband, black crop, white shirt and navy and black body protector. And I might even spray some glitter through his tail.

Later,

Leah and Tisca (who looks so pretty when he sparkles!)

Subject: JRJ Glitter- Reply to Grace Kate

Okay now in this glitter thing their are too many things to quote. I am not exactly against or for it. Ok, I think glitter is okay at fun shows, doing games, or just for fun, but when it comes Shows that are more then that, then you are stepping across the line. I think it would draw way to much attention to a horse. (like I should talk, my horses hooves where purple for at least a month, I think I scared my farrier) I know for parade classes my trainer would paint Jazzez hooves with glitter, but then a few classes after that they would be blacked again. I know that at Morgan Shows if you came in the ring with glitter on your horses body in a regular class (that wasn't parade or costume- why Asher's feet where purple.) The judge would probably DQ you on the spot.

Subject: JRJ Shiny Glitter Stuff. (Jenny Mignard)

*Glitter*

: They love it and everybody at my show and all of my friends are always
: wanting me to do the same thing to their horses.

They love it? Horses love glitter? I am pretty sure your horses are pretty indifferent about having glitter pasted to them.

I agree with Kris and Laura on this one. Glitter is for toys and not horses.

Has anyone thought of the health risks of doing something like covering your pony with glitter?

What if a piece of that sharp, usually metal, glitter gets into an eye? You may not realize it is in there cutting the eye. Next thing you know your horse has a corneal ulcer, which requires an expensive vet call.

Is that can of hair spray glitter non-toxic?

Is the glitter itself non-toxic?

Subject: JRJ War paint--Susie Thaxton

[LN] I know people who put zebra stripes on their horses for XC

In light of my heritage, I paint totems on Izzie for XC. Aidrian's looking forward to my first English event and the looks on the judge's faces.

Subject: JRJ barbie doll horses...i know one :) (danielle)

Now, onto glitter as this seems to be a hot topic ;) I think its a neat idea and it has its good points and bad points. Used tastefully, I think it would be cute, as is certainly a fun idea, but in equitation (as Ashley pointed out)? I think the line should be drawn there. Yeah, it might look cool, but IMO in equitation, it goes too far. A good rider should be noticed because of her excellent position, riding skills, not b/c she's a moving glitter ball. While I'll assume it wasn't overloaded, I just don't have the $$ to go around throwing glitter all over expensive saddlesuits and hats. Not to say the rider's can't ride, but it shouldn't be up to the glitter to make or break them.

I hope it doesn't catch on with Walkers in equitation...I'll be chucking around the ride with glitter ball riders. Though it sounds like fun...I might try it for 4H next year :)

Well, that's all for now :) Danielle, Chuck It Pistol (cute, eh?)

Subject: JRJ glitter (Lindsay Sing)

I think as well, there's an appropriate time and place. I don't see why you can't glitter up horses, but only, say, the hooves... it would be hard to get glitter out of their coat (though I guess if you checker the rump and glitter that's not too bad) and would be kind of tacky if excessive. And, of course, I wouldn't do it for shows, just maybe parades and the small schooling show type scenario. Gymkhana's and such.

Subject: JRJ Glitter, etc. - Rachel Frazier

I rode at Vermont Spring classic this year on a super nice horse (beside the point), Rivermead Classic. I had glitter in my hair and my eyelashes and all over my face. The judge thought I was a riot, but the ringmaster said it was unnecessary?!? I rode with glitter at Autumnfest in my night class, and took glitter and sprinkled it on the inside of my coat so when we were trotting and cantering I would sparkle. I then kept my head up, smiled and everybody said I looked like a masterpiece, Yank on the other hand, well. (Mary decided NOT to wash before the show, thanks, so the horses were dirty, crummy, and nasty. How uncommon?)

Subject: JRJ Glitter (CJ)

About the glitter, just wanted to let you know that it CAN be harmful. I have known a few horses that have developed rashes (and their hair has fallen out) b/c the glitter irritated their skin and cut it. It can't be good if they breathe it in or it gets in their ears and eyes. I don't use glitter on my horses and never will, I think it looks kind of ugly anyway. Take care-

Subject: JRJ Glitter Grace and Buzz

[Has anyone thought of the health risks of doing something like covering your pony with glitter?]

:::rolls eyes::: You guys, come on, lighten up. For goodness sakes, the roof could fall on my horse and kill him , he could step in a hole and break his leg, he could get his halter caught outside and break his neck, etc. If people want to put glitter on their horse, who cares, it's their business. I'm sure the horses don't care one way or another. JMO.

Grace and Buzz (are we gonna go over that fun bridge again? huh huh?)

Subject: JRJ (Ro) *The Glitter Issue*

Glitter is composed of little small pieces of glass, if I remember correctly, which is why you should avoid putting all glitter near your eyes..couldn't glitter at shows be a bit of a safety issue? Especially if you're moving quickly, it could scatter..I know the gel and roll-on glitter does sometimes slough off and move around under hot lights, I'm sure it does something similar in 100 degree Fahrenheit heat..!! That can't be good. Even if glitter is made of plastic now. Maybe someone has brought this up already, my brain is usually really fried the day after a conference call (usually a Thursday, but today a Tuesday), but it's worth bringing up again..anyways, glitter is banned from many elementary schools because it's not particularly safe.

Subject: JRJ hairspray on the glitter Dani

Hi everyone, I always put hairspray on the glitter before it has a chance to blow away snd I always me share none of it goes anywhere their head. I love my horses and they love me so they don't really care what I do with the glitter cause they know that every time I go for my glitter/hairspray and hoof paint that they have to do a good job for me at the Barrel show. Plus they don't care cause I always give them a lot of treats while I am doing it and after I do it. Plus they also love the attention that everyone gives them cause that is their favorite pat of it all. well i am running out of words.BYE-BYE. - -Dani

Subject: JRJ Glitter Katie E. Langone

*GLITTER* If it's a costume class or a schooling XC event, or a casual hunter pace, I don't see a problem, as long as it wasn't anywhere near the horses eyes.... In moderation, of course. I think a little bit on quarter markings might actually be pretty snazzy looking.

Subject: JRJ Glitter Kati Matyka

: cause they know that every time I go for my glitter/hairspray and
: hoof paint that they have to do a good job for me at the Barrel show.

I think that's a little far fetched to say that glitter improves your horses attitude at a show. As far as your horse is concerned, you could be putting on fly spray or hoof polish. Glitter just pleases the rider, I really doubt it does anything inspiring for the horse.

Subject: JRJ That horse looks a disco ball from the 70's. (Jen)

**Glitter**

If I am going to spend thousands of dollars each year on an animal, I am not going to possibly jeopardize his health for fun or fashion. It seems trivial, but even the wildest scenarios can do occur. Manure happens.

We are so careful in other aspects of horse husbandry; why take the risk? Using a product on a horse, for whom it's not intended, isn't worth the possible side affects.

I took a look at the bottle of spray on glitter for hair that I had bought for myself for holloween.

Nowhere on the bottle did it say "non-toxic."

Among the HUGE warning on the bottle it said such things as "Do not use with any other chemical preparation." How in the heck does this stuff react with Show Sheen, fly repellant, or any other chemical, which we have sprayed on the coat?

There is a warning of a possible allergic reaction.

You are to keep this junk away from eyes, ears, nose and mouth. Are these glittered horses going to be monitored from the second they are sprayed from the time it is shampooed off to make sure they don't nibble their glittery rumps?

IT ISN'T RECCOMMENED FOR CHILDREN UNDER 8!! You're not even supposed to spray it on your kid if they are under 3! People are spraying this on their horses!

Sorry to yell, but it is very obvious to me that using this stuff is a hazard and not to be taken lightly IMO.

: Glitter is composed of little small pieces of glass, if I remember : correctly, which is why you should avoid putting all glitter near your
: eyes..

My mom works in the office of a company called (snip) and they make glitter, foam balls, and other craft supplies. The glitter is made out of metal plastic there. I have tons of the stuff b/c of my "connection."

Even though that particular glitter isn't glass, it is still very sharp.

Subject: JRJ Glitter Leah Jones

I would be very wary before I ever put glitter on my horse's coat. First (agreeing with the post above) how can anyone be sure that it isn't harmful? And also, can you imagine how hard in would be to get those little pieces of plastic (I doubt seriously that they are glass) out of your horse's coat? It isn't something I'd like to try.

Anyways, (even supposing glitter isn't harmful) I don't think it has a place whatsoever in the show ring. When we show, we wear traditional, *conservative* clothing, meant to give us and our horses that refined, elegant look we are supposed to have. Glitter ruins all of that. It also draws attention to what we are wearing instead what should be focussed on--how well we can ride or how well our horse goes.

Subject: JRJ glitter :Larry

**Glitter** Glitter sprayed onto the hair or sprinkled and secured with hairspray, is no more dangerous than any of the other paraphernalia that is applied to show horses day in, day out. Like anything else, it should be removed at the end of the show/parade/whatever to avoid excess irritation. This shouldn't be any more trouble than anything else because it's always best to wash out hairspray, mousse, gel, hoof polish and makeup anyway. As for appropriateness, that depends on the class. If the general rule is absolute elegance as it is supposed to be in the hunter ring, dressage, hacking and so on, then glitter is as out of place as a sequined tux at a funeral.

But as far as speed events, especially those conducted under lights, x-country and showjumping, and other events where colorful flashyness is the way to go, then tactful glitter on the horse and/or rider is fine.

Subject: JRJ Glitter Sarah

On the subject of glitter(from Sarah who's buried in school work :p) I think it is kind of immature. I mean, the hoof polish, good grooming, etc. makes a horse look elegant. Glitter, IMO, makes a horse look childish. Glitter on the rider, however, in MODERATION looks ok, but if you go overboard it too looks pretty stupid. But thats my opinion.

If I go to big shows in my area, the most I'll do for Jack is hoof polish, highlighted on his face, conditioner in his hair, and a coat conditioner/shiner(rarely, because I groom so often his coat looks much shiner and healthier without anything else on it). Otherwise it's just a good groom and clean hooves. I wouldn't waste the money to buy glitter for Jack and I when it looks so unprofessional and childish. We used to allow glitter in our schools but the kids went overboard with glitter and it's no longer allowed unless it is in moderation.

Subject: JRJ Glitter Meg Sinclair

**Glitter** I never would even think about putting glitter on my horse. Why would I? It just seems like an overall dumb thing to do. Horses are animals, not birthday cards. WOuld you pour glitter all over your dog? Or you cat? Or your fish?

Subject: JRJ Glitter (Grace)

*Glitter Thing* More of my opinions on glitter. I really doubt it would do any damage, unless you sprinkled it right in their eyes or nostrils... And some horses could be allergic to it I 'spose but some horses are also allergic to fly spray and shampoo. I don't think its any worse than show sheen, conditioners, fly spray, hoof polish and blackener, baby oil on the face and ears, etc. If its removed after use and properly applied, it should be fine. And horses get stuff in their eyes and nose all the time and they live...what about stall shavings? Or dust? Or hay particles? I'm sure its not any worse than your harmless glitter used once in a while.. If someone wants to use glitter, let them. JMHO.

Subject: JRJ Glitter Adrienne and Louis

~Glitter~ Why is it that the show ring is so conservative in some respects and so trendy in others? Why are coloured horses and arabians still discriminated against in some disciplines, but the bay with the glitter isn't?

Subject: JRJ The Great Glitter War Clover

Glitter Glitter Glitter A million things can happen to a horse, the least of which is wearing glitter for a couple of hours, then having it washed off, for a special occasion.

To me it falls in the category of fashion, and all of you saying that your against it, just don't like it as a fashion statement (which sometimes i can't blame you, i'm not a glitter fanatic or anything!) Personally i don't like capri pants, therefore i say "capri pants are bad" "no one should wear them!" Criticism of glitter is the same way.

What about that black gunk that gets put around their eyes for shows, or hoof polish, which i'm sure isn't good for their feet, or irritation shampoos, neck sweats!, the stuff that gets put on the trotting horses legs to sore them, etc. and while were talking about dangerous concepts: every time you worm your horse you are giving it poison.

99% of all fly sprays (including the one you use) rids the horse of flies not only by repelling, but by killing the brave fly that lands on your horse. your horse is covered with fly poison.

all those shavings your horse is bedded down in are much more likely to find their way into your horses eye.

what about inhaling excessive amounts of arena dust as your worried about your hair sprayed glitter falling off.

Just a few thoughts yall. - -CBL

Subject: JRJ Glitter Cedar D. Ousele

*Glitter - Dani* : glitter,and on my other geld. i use blue,gold,and silver glitter in their
: manes,tails and all over their back hips and the tip of the tail above the
: butt.They love it and everybody at my show and all of my friends are always

Your horses love glitter? Excuse me, but how do you know?

*Glitter* I disagree with the excessive use of glitter. Small amounts tactfully applied on the hindquarters at mounted games and informal shows are fine but that's about where I draw the line.

People are mentioning that glitter bottles say things like "isn't recommended for use on children under that age of 8" and such. But have you ever read the warnings and instructions on fly repellent bottles? Toxic chemical soup.

Subject: JRJ Glitter Emma

: Glitter is composed of little small pieces of glass, if I remember

It would more correctly be small pieces of metal and possibly plastic, probably an aluminium compound.

Subject: JRJ My Glitter Words Becca Payson

Well, first of all, I have to voice my opinion on glitter- I tried to stay out, really i did! And now I'll just say a few words:) I Would NEVER use glitter on my horses coat, as a) who knows how safe it is? I mean sure, it can be used on human skin, and doesn't hurt us, but we also don't scratch ourselves with our teeth... And I think it looks horrendously tacky. Once, I mixed it in with hoof polish, and painted his feet for a fun musical freestyle/drill team we did, but thats as far as I go. I can see for similar fun purposes mixing some with show sheen or water or something and spritzing the tail- but no more! :)

Final Word....
From: Kris Carroll
Subject: AHSA on glitter

Per Aileen Gordon, Assistant Director, Breeds and Western Disciplines at AHSA. Posted to rec.eq by Jennifer

Quoting from here on:
Article 319.1 - "Any change of color or markings other than name, tail or hoof is prohibited..Only clear grooming materials are allowed on the hide and hair. Materials may be used to remove stains." It does not appear that any other division othen than Arabian actually address the use of glitter. However, it is traditionally not used in any of the other breed divisions. nor in the western divisions and its use would like be frowned upon by the judges. The spirit of the Western Division is a good working horse, so much so that Article 3905.1 states, "Entries shall be shown with stock saddle but silver equipment will not count over a good working outfit."
End quote.