IDHSNA inspection turnout

A successful inspection can make or break a breeding stallion's career, so it's no surprise that all of the horses at the IDHSNA SouthWest Inspection were immaculately presented.

In most cases, this meant braids.

All but one of the stallions had braided manes.

Two had braided tails...

I love the little bit of extra bling on this chestnut!...

and another two had what I call "sport horse tails."

That is, the tops are neatly trimmed along the sides of the dock,

and the bottoms are banged.

The fifth stallion had a banged but otherwise natural tail. 

This particular horse was also presented with a loose mane, although this was the result of braider issues rather than planning.

In any event, it did not matter. Cloverstone Celtic Gem received a top rating from the inspectors.

Manes and tails aside, the rest of the turnout was clean but natural. Ears,

whiskers...

and legs were all left untrimmed.

Fun fact: You're not allowed to present an Irish Draught for inspection with trimmed heels. The inspectors want to see the amount of feather.

Regardless of hairdo, every single stallion looked spectacular.

What a wonderful display of horses! I am so glad I was able to attend, I hope to someday do it again!