Monday, May 27, 2013

Make Your Horse Look His Best With Horse Bling

By Antoinette Quinn


Horse bling is now big business. The array of embellishments available has increased to a staggering degree. Whereas decorations were once confined to bridles and breastplates, it is now possible to dress up hooves, bell-boots, rumps, quarters, manes and tails with eye-catching, glittering bling. Whether riders compete in professional arenas, ride in parades or simply have fun with their local Pony Club, they all love their mounts and are keen to have them looking their best.

One of the newer products is equine body stickers. These are available in any number of patterns from stars to skull and crossbones. Flowers, hearts, cupcakes and ribbons are other options. Change your sticker according to your mood or match it to the apparel of the day. Ranch brands, school colours or company logos can be picked out in bright stones to advertise your allegiance to an organisation.

These stickers are self-adhesive and can be applied very quickly. They are non-toxic. To apply, the horse's coat needs to be clean and dry. Peel off the paper and place the design in place. If applied in summer the design will last two to four days. This extends to five to ten days in winter. When you want to remove the design, simply peel off in the direction of the hair.

If your steed wears bell-boots, you are in luck. Bell-boots are available in all sizes and a number of colours including pink, red, burgundy, navy blue, black or olive-green. Gemstones enhance the hand-painted designs. Bell-boots are used in a number of events including rodeo classes, gymkhanas, Pony Club and barrel-racing events. Team riders can co-ordinate their body decorations and bell-boot colours and designs to present a matching picture.

Perhaps you prefer dressage or showing to Western events. You can still add decorations and a certain amount of bling. When choosing browbands, pick a style and colour to enhance the head of your mount. V-shaped browbands flatter most heads and add class to a bridle. Those composed of a 5-row crystal chain look very impressive. Choose from silver or gold. A mix of coloured ribbon and crystal chain gives added glamour. Custom browbands can be made to incorporate the name of your horse.

A coloured browband often has rosettes at the end to complete the glamorous look. The rosettes and short ribbons are done in matching colours. Instead of a rosette, a carnation may be chosen. Grey horses look particularly attractive with red and silver browbands finished off with a red carnation. Matching breastplates and stirrup leathers enhanced with gemstones increase the decorative effect.

For a better overall effect, match bamboo canes to browbands. Imagine a cane covered in hunter green velvet and wrapped in crystal chain. Finished with a crystal top, these are bound to attract attention. The entire cane can be wrapped in crystal chain for the ultimate in glitter. Canes are available with or without flaps. Matching stock pins and lapel buttons give a final touch of glamour to your outfit.

To create your own styles and patterns, purchase some glitter gel and stencils. Glitter can also be used on manes and tails. Awareness ribbons are popular and advertise your support for a particular charity. Adorn hooves with satin or glitter hoof polish. White chrome enhances white markings. Glitter eye and muzzle oil is also available. Gift packs of horse bling make a great present for friends who love their horses.




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