All about the bling

In 2019, Heather Malone's first Candyland Live show included a performance class called "Bling Bling." Most of the entrants, myself included, showed horses in sparkley costumes.

Margaret Balch went another way.

This was actually super on point, because when it comes to turnout, Dressage is one of the blingiest, sparkliest, most Swarovski crystal loving performance events there is.

I am reminded of this every time I go into work.

Even the most conservative dressage bridles have a little bit of sparkle on the browband.

Of course, not everything is conservative. Look at the size of the crystals on this one. They are huge!

Nosebands don't get the crystal treatment, but with patent leather, anything can be sparkly.

Ear bonnets are another popular place for crystals.

Saddles aren't immune either. While I don't have photo evidence, crystal adorned cantles are not unheard of. You can also get crystal decorated stirrups and saddle pads.

As for rider attire, let me tell you, that can also be nose-to-toes crystals. Sparkly helmets and boots are definitely a thing.

And don't even get me started on the clothes.

Show coats often have crystal trim on the collars,

cuffs...

and pockets.

It's hard to see in this picture, but the shoulders of this (very expensive) coat are decorated with a cascade of tiny crystals.

Shirts have crystals.

Stock ties...

and breeches, too.

They are literally everywhere.

Even belt loops!

Nothing is spared. Even spurs, spur straps...

and whips can be decorated.

Ironically, the only thing that doesn't get bling is the horse itself. While you can absolutely buy crystal encrusted braid bands, those aren't competition legal. Go figure.

There probably won't ever be another model horse show with a performance class called Bling Bling, but consider this a Tack Reference Tuesday PSA. Crystals aren't just for Western Pleasure riders and Barrel Racers. When it comes to sparkle, no one outdoes the Dressage Queens!