The workarounds

Yesterday I wrote a post about the issues I've encountered while trying to tack up my mini-me Olive model.

Several people have weighed in with helpful advice. I know that's well intended, but also, y'all are funny. I've been doing this a long time. Trust me, I know all the work arounds.

For example, I am aware that I could cut the browband into two pieces and sticky wax the parts onto Olive's head to make it look like they are going under the forelock. 

That is a tried and true performance shower trick that I have done many, many times.

But here's the thing. That's a really nice browband. I don't own nearly as much tack as I used to, and I don't particularly feel like destroying this bridle for a one time use.

not the exact bridle, but same vintage

Plus, I find halters and bridles that look like this to be really artistically unsatisfying. I always wanted to make things that look and function exactly like their full scale counterparts, and this... isn't that.

Of course, there are other ways to tackle this issue.

Melanie Ferrio-Wise and Vlad

I have plenty of pictures in my reference files of horses jumping - and competing - without bridles.

This horse - Zan Chin ridden by Kelly McNight - has shown in Grand Prix classes in just a halter.

Although it feels a little bit like a cop-out, I am far more inclined to set up Olive bridleless than I am to cut that browband. 

But what will I actually do on show day? I still don't know.