Honestly this is all quite silly. Most of you sound like a bunch of hens in a hen house bickering over a dead worm. Susanne had a good point, if you don't like it, then don't do it. However her topic seems to have turned into a "let's bash the horses who win, with the crooked judges who tolerate (or gasp, Prefer!) all this awful animal abuse. " Please.
I Razor my own horses faces, and as Feather pointed out, if done carefully, you will not cut your horses faces. I shave my own legs every day, and find that the removal of my own natural body hair not to be detramental. Razoring their noses slowly and using lotion afterwards so that they don't get chapped, does Not hurt them. Taking appropiate care of their newly fragile faces and bodies is a Must for any show horse. I do agree that with the lack of this care, shaving and razoring my horses would be harder on them, or even down right mean, as we have removed thier natural protection. However, My horses are kept inside almost all the time when they are show clipped except for the few hours of late afternoon turn out.(Weather depending, down here that Thunder storm time) I make darn sure they do not get sun-burnt, (the Nutragena spray sun block is wonderful!!) and as for being cold well, here in South Florida, that's rarely an issue. I see nothing wrong with what I do, and guess what, we win. Alot. I don't believe there was a single horse unclipped/razored at the AMHA Julep cup in Kentucky. It accentuates the horses faces, & bodies, hence why the arab and quarter horse people follow some of the same trends. I have never been to a show that does Not mainly have shaved and razored horses. I feel that those of you who are sitting here gabbing about how awful it all is, and complaining about what awful judges you have in your area should take a good hard look at your horses and not your grooming. I realize that's a harse comment, it's ment to be. Notice the lack of consistant winners in this post yicking about balding and shaving in a 50? The few who are, are simply calling for tolerance and each to his own. This is all silly, you do what you feel to your horses, but please do not assume that I or others that win are abusing ours because we clip and show to win. Any of you are welcome to come and meet both my big kids, and my little ones, at a show, or even here in my back yard to see they are happy, healthy, sun-burn free, Winning show horses and broodmares. Flame away, I am in a cranky mood and welcome it.