Bad equestrian hair -- both Equine Ink and Behind the Bit have covered this topic in the past. Look at the photo left of an international European show horse, braided up and groomed to an inch of his lfe. Now look at the rider, with her unkempt, disheveled hair sticking out from under her helmet. A veritable Courtney Love in the irons.
I can't believe anyone thinks it looks good, and in fact it ruins the picture. Could she not be bothered to tuck it in her helmet? To me, wearing hair outside the helmet is the sign of someone who doesn't really ride.
On a long hair lover's web forum (forum for *really* long hair -- fetishy long) one equestrian with thigh-length hair showed how she dealt with the issue (see right). Granted it was more to protect her hair, and that much hair probably wouldn't fit into a helmet, but it's a neat solution. Good for her!
A clean, sleek appearance (no protruding hair or hair in a bun) is soo classic, so utterly Grace Kelly that we need to introduce the style early to young women riders. Now Outfoxed Farm does a "How not to wear your hair" educational video which I think all long-haired riders should watch.
Phew! I thought for a minute there I might be featured in this post!
I'm a long haired rider, and was "blessed" with exceptionally thick hair. I never know what to do with my hair, it's mostly uncooperative and it doesn't really fit under a hat or helmet comfortably. Thanks for the info, maybe now I'll be able to tame my mane!
I wouldn't say hair should be under the helmet. In a bun behind it is wonderful, and I believe it should be neatly contained for showing, but hair under a helmet disturbs the helmet's fit, and may reduce effectiveness.
(I don't understand spending so much time/money to make the horse look so spiffy and have the hair of the rider look so amateur like in your picture. It's part of the image, and inappropriate to have it all loose.)
Hi, Sorry guys I didn't really mean it had to be under the helmet. Figure of speech (sort of)? I think buns are quite nice, as are pigtails on kids, or your basic hair net for mid-length hair.
For showing, long hair should be neatly combed, braided or wound into a bun secured below the edge of the helmet with dozens of old-fashioned hair pins. Finely woven hair nets serve to contain loose hairs and prevent flyaways. A dark-colored crochet mini snood (such as that demonstrated in the video) finishes the look. Yes, hair nets are ugly when your approved helmet comes off, but the issue is your appearance while in the arena. Baseball caps conceal hair nets post-ride.
For schooling, hair should probably be placed behind the ears and, if long enough, secured into a braid or pony tail. You don't need a chunk of hair falling into your eye one stride before a fence.
Interestingly enough, much of the traditional hunter turnout is based on safety. For example, neatly contained hair won't catch on brush or branches while galloping after the hounds. Stock ties can be used to bind wounds or fashioned into a sling if the need arises.
So -- not only does the traditional turnout look polished, it also has a practical origin.
I agree it looks much better when the rider's hair is "nice and neat". Hairnets were mandatory when I was doing the show circuit thing (and we are not going to talk about exactly how long ago that was either, 'kay? :o)
Thank you for posting!! I can't stand riders who leave their flowing locks cascading from their helmets...if you can't fit it under your helmet, at the very least put it in a bun!
Mine has finally gotten long enough to put up without pins - I can just tie it in a knot and loop it through itself several times.
Back when I was showing hunters, the in look was hair smoothly pulled back over the ears and into a low bun, which had to be perfectly round - so if you didn't have enough hair you had to buy a bun form. And only invisible hair nets were acceptable. I'm glad there are a few more options now. Having hair clamped down on top of the ears was hot and uncomfortable.
I've always had short hair, but when I was showing, and it was curly (permed) and I wore it just a bit longer, I always used a hair net. Just part of the picture.
Flowing locks just don't look neat. And, as pointed out, can be a safety hazard.
For those of us with shorter hair who want to compete - try your local wig / hair extensions shop. I picked up a fake bun for £5 (about $8) and secured it to my velvet showing helmet by sewing the hair net I put it in into the hat lining. Worth a try anyway!
Oh, please! Who cares what your hair looks like as long as you are not at a show! Provided it's not so long it's tangling in the horse's tack, and you're wearing proper protective gear, is your hairstyle really that big a deal. Mine gets tied back in a knot and hardly even brushed properly when I'm schooling at 6am. I hardly think my horse cares wtf my hair looks like.
When I started taking lessons as a kid, I was fascinated by the older girls who could sweep their hair into the helmet before a ride. My hair is so thick that I would need a helmet three sizes too big to hide my hair. Even a french braid will not fit under my helmet.
I like a braid or low pony tail now, but if I go to a show, out comes the hairspray and the "hair bun net". I think pins might turn into UFO's as I was riding along...don't want the judge to lose an eye or something. ;)
As someone who has always had long, thick hair I have always had trouble buying riding helmets that fit correctly. For shows, a french braid with the end looped under into a bun is how I always showed.
One thing I do know for certain, I would rather be considered "sloppy" or "non grace kelly" ;P and be comfortable while I ride at my own barn.
Hi Guys, Your comments are valued and appreciated -- until recently I never rejected a post. Please note that I reserve the right to reject an anonymous post.
Correct Connect helps you develop better contact with your horse. The reins/gloves were developed by Olympic eventer Jill Hennenberg and endorsed by recognized trainers. Read about them!
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Unfortunately, a helmet with enough room to conceal long hair has diminished protection!
ReplyDeletePhew! I thought for a minute there I might be featured in this post!
ReplyDeleteI'm a long haired rider, and was "blessed" with exceptionally thick hair. I never know what to do with my hair, it's mostly uncooperative and it doesn't really fit under a hat or helmet comfortably. Thanks for the info, maybe now I'll be able to tame my mane!
I wouldn't say hair should be under the helmet. In a bun behind it is wonderful, and I believe it should be neatly contained for showing, but hair under a helmet disturbs the helmet's fit, and may reduce effectiveness.
ReplyDelete(I don't understand spending so much time/money to make the horse look so spiffy and have the hair of the rider look so amateur like in your picture. It's part of the image, and inappropriate to have it all loose.)
Hi, Sorry guys I didn't really mean it had to be under the helmet. Figure of speech (sort of)? I think buns are quite nice, as are pigtails on kids, or your basic hair net for mid-length hair.
ReplyDeleteFor showing, long hair should be neatly combed, braided or wound into a bun secured below the edge of the helmet with dozens of old-fashioned hair pins. Finely woven hair nets serve to contain loose hairs and prevent flyaways. A dark-colored crochet mini snood (such as that demonstrated in the video) finishes the look. Yes, hair nets are ugly when your approved helmet comes off, but the issue is your appearance while in the arena. Baseball caps conceal hair nets post-ride.
ReplyDeleteFor schooling, hair should probably be placed behind the ears and, if long enough, secured into a braid or pony tail. You don't need a chunk of hair falling into your eye one stride before a fence.
Interestingly enough, much of the traditional hunter turnout is based on safety. For example, neatly contained hair won't catch on brush or branches while galloping after the hounds. Stock ties can be used to bind wounds or fashioned into a sling if the need arises.
So -- not only does the traditional turnout look polished, it also has a practical origin.
This is where a french braid comes in handy too. With a dab of gel, your hair is like a neat basket weave all day long. It won't go anywhere.
ReplyDeleteI agree it looks much better when the rider's hair is "nice and neat". Hairnets were mandatory when I was doing the show circuit thing (and we are not going to talk about exactly how long ago that was either, 'kay? :o)
ReplyDeleteThank you for posting!! I can't stand riders who leave their flowing locks cascading from their helmets...if you can't fit it under your helmet, at the very least put it in a bun!
ReplyDeleteMine has finally gotten long enough to put up without pins - I can just tie it in a knot and loop it through itself several times.
ReplyDeleteBack when I was showing hunters, the in look was hair smoothly pulled back over the ears and into a low bun, which had to be perfectly round - so if you didn't have enough hair you had to buy a bun form. And only invisible hair nets were acceptable. I'm glad there are a few more options now. Having hair clamped down on top of the ears was hot and uncomfortable.
I've always had short hair, but when I was showing, and it was curly (permed) and I wore it just a bit longer, I always used a hair net. Just part of the picture.
ReplyDeleteFlowing locks just don't look neat. And, as pointed out, can be a safety hazard.
For those of us with shorter hair who want to compete - try your local wig / hair extensions shop. I picked up a fake bun for £5 (about $8) and secured it to my velvet showing helmet by sewing the hair net I put it in into the hat lining. Worth a try anyway!
ReplyDeleteOh, please! Who cares what your hair looks like as long as you are not at a show! Provided it's not so long it's tangling in the horse's tack, and you're wearing proper protective gear, is your hairstyle really that big a deal. Mine gets tied back in a knot and hardly even brushed properly when I'm schooling at 6am. I hardly think my horse cares wtf my hair looks like.
ReplyDeleteIf you're at a show, different story.
When I started taking lessons as a kid, I was fascinated by the older girls who could sweep their hair into the helmet before a ride. My hair is so thick that I would need a helmet three sizes too big to hide my hair. Even a french braid will not fit under my helmet.
ReplyDeleteI like a braid or low pony tail now, but if I go to a show, out comes the hairspray and the "hair bun net". I think pins might turn into UFO's as I was riding along...don't want the judge to lose an eye or something. ;)
As someone who has always had long, thick hair I have always had trouble buying riding helmets that fit correctly. For shows, a french braid with the end looped under into a bun is how I always showed.
ReplyDeleteOne thing I do know for certain, I would rather be considered "sloppy" or "non grace kelly" ;P and be comfortable while I ride at my own barn.