As dedicated equestrians and horse caregivers, we know how important it is to keep your horses’ coats shiny and healthy. That’s why we’re excited to add Hairy Pony to the grooming products lineup available at FarmVet! Hairy Pony creates products with the highest quality ingredients and with convenience for the groomer in mind to provide the best possible care for our horses. This blog is contributed by Hairy Pony to teach us how to create sleek and precisely defined quarter marks on horses using the Hairy Pony Quarter Mark Kit.

Mastering Perfect Quarter Marks: Show Ready in 6 Simple Steps

Achieving stunning quarter marks doesn’t require magic—it’s all about technique and the right tools. We asked Hairy Pony Ambassador Ebony Darnell to give us a comprehensive guide on how to achieve quarter marks that will make heads turn.

Choosing the Right Quarter Marks for Your Horse

The goal of quarter marks is to enhance the roundness of the hindquarters and the symmetry of the horse’s overall proportions. The marks you make will affect the way your horse’s body looks, for example, if your marks are on too much of an angle your horse will appear to have a sloping hind quarter. To ensure you are complimenting your horse:

  • Look at his confirmation to see if there are areas you can “enhance” with different angles and marks.
  • For horses with sloped hindquarters, create quarter marks with horizontal lines parallel to the ground, countering the slope and giving the appearance of a more level and muscular hind quarter.
  • For flatter hindquarters, follow a sloped line to enhance the illusion of more angle.
  • When making shark teeth patterns, adjusting their size and placement can compensate for a long or short hip. Fewer and larger teeth, positioned slightly further toward the hind quarter, make the hindquarter appear shorter.
  • Smaller, narrower teeth closer to the flank lengthen the hindquarter’s appearance for horses with shorter hips.

Also, note that the class you are entering will determine the kind of quarter marks you do. For a Show Hack and Show Pony the traditional quarter marks are an upside-down V checkerboard pattern, just like Ebony demonstrates below. Show hunter classes often have simpler, bigger, and freer marks.

What You Will Need:

Hairy Pony Quarter Mark Kit for Horse Grooming available at FarmVet

Step 1: Prep

 Use a flick brush to remove any dirt or loose hair from the coat.

Step 2: Wet Coat

Spray coat with the Hairy Pony Quarter Marking Spray until it is damp. A wet coat will produce better quarter markers.

 Step 3: Make the Shark’s Teeth

Using the Hairy Pony Quarter Marker Brush (included in the kit), start at the hip of your horse and brush up against the hair. Then, at the same point, brush down diagonally towards the hoof. Next, brush up to meet the last point down. Repeat this until there are three or four shark’s teeth, depending on the size of the hindquarters.

Step 4: Make Your Checks

Using the Hairy Pony Quarter Marking Comb, select the square size you’d like to proceed with. Start by getting as close to the spine as possible, where the hindquarter begins. Using the size you have chosen, pull the comb down to the size of your choice and continue along the spine leaving the space of a checker in between each new checker. Continue your way down the horse’s hind end until you reach where your sharks’ teeth begin.

Step 5: The Finish

To finish your quarter markers, do a half-moon where the tail starts. This will give the horse the “apple bum” effect.

Step 6: Final Touches!

Make your hard work shine with the Hairy Pony Shimmer Spray. It will add an effortless sheen without attracting dust!

Ebony’s Pro Tip: Use quality products and practice until you’re happy with the outcome. Play with different patterns until you find which one is best suited to your horse!

Remember, the key to mastering quarter marks is understanding what works for your horse’s build. Experiment with patterns and sizes to find what complements your horse best. Quarter marks are an art form that, with practice and quality products, will take your horse’s show presentation to the next level!

Learn More

Looking for more ways to get creative with your grooming routine? Check out how Twinkle horse products can add more sparkle to your outfits.

Shop Now

You can shop more grooming essentials, as well as all our equine and pet products available at FarmVet  24/7. You can also call one of our friendly Sales Associates at 1-888-837-3626 or email your order to [email protected].

This blog was contributed by Hairy Pony to share the best techniques for using their grooming and quarter mark products.