Long Fingernails - eventing glamour girls

[zelle]

I know this is a really stupid topic in an eventing forum. But I need some help. Give me some things to say to older teenage fashion conscious girls who just got their nails done for the return to school and they are absolutely RIDICULOUS around the barn. Having never had long fingernails, I can’t really understand the handicap and I need help. I’m talking about the kind of nails that prevent a fist. They insist that they can make fists, though. Hilarious to watch them try and separate two nested water buckets.

Other than being super inconvenient to the person who has the nails, can I hear from you some other issues of safety or horse wellbeing? Getting them to part with these nails is going to take some convincing. And I’d rather not do it with a sledgehammer if possible.

[Foxglove]

As a former teacher of teenagers (Sr. English) for 40+ years, I think this falls under the heading of “Things People Figure Out for Themselves.” I HAD the lovely long nails for 30 years or so, and I hunted, jumped, drove, and cared for my 4-5 horses just fine. But --I ALWAYS wore gloves from the second I left the house to go to the barn, to the second I returned. I occasionally broke a nail --but I broke far more doing laundry (no gloves) making beds (no gloves) and working in the dark room (also taught photography back when one needed a dark room).

You can preach, nag, and forbid long nails --but I think it’s better to provide each girl with a lovely set of gloves and suggest they protect the investment while in the barn. If they do, great --if they don’t --you tried.

Same with dangling earrings, flip flops, and shorts --all of which my kiddos wore into the barn against my advice and then suffered the consequence (not all, but each at some point) of torn ear lobes, stepped on toes, and bruised thighs from stirrup leathers and saddles.

[Maythehorsebewithme]

Former teacher here too (35 years in high school, another 15 working in high school support).

Speaking from experience, the harder you push them, the harder they will push back. At least it does not seem as though the situation is dangerous, although it might be painful.

[LilyandBaron]

I’ve never had long nails - assume these are fake? The only safety risk I can think of might be the nail coming off and going into a horse’s ear? I remember someone telling me that happened with a ring. But outside that, agree with others - absent a true safety concern - they will live and learn.

[zelle]

Thanks all! I will follow my inner wishes not to interfere however ridiculous it is. They’re awesome girls, they will learn just fine.

[mmeqcenter]

I’ve had long acrylic nails since I was 14 years old. I’m now 33 and have my own 20-acre farm. They’ve never been a hindrance nor a safety issue for the horses. The only potential safety issue is to myself, and that’s my risk to take. A few months ago a pony ripped my pinkie nail off and took my whole natural nail with it. Who’s to say that would not have happened without the acrylic nail? I’ve seen people with natural nails lose fingernails and toenails many times at barns. I don’t really understand why you’re so upset over them wanting nails.

[SuzieQNutter]

Just ask them to pick up a 20 kg bag of feed and move it.

[mmeqcenter]

Biweekly I unload 16x 50-lb bags of feed by myself. The nails aren’t a factor in that ability at all.

[lenapesadie]

Any tips for girth tightening? That action is the bane golf my manicures

[mmeqcenter]

ummmm I’m trying to think if I do anything specific… I guess don’t use your fingertips, grab with the whole hand/fist?

[Gardenhorse]

I am honestly impressed. I break my (natural) nails all the time doing stuff around the barn. I can’t even imagine what would happen if I had longer nails. I feel like you must have much better hand-eye coordination than I do or something. Lol.

[lenapesadie]

I swear it’s the worst thing ever! Only the close contact saddle though. The dressage saddle is no problem.

I broke the colt without breaking a nail, but switched to the cc and broke them every other ride at least. Had to give up the long nail life

[mmeqcenter]

Huh that’s weird! Are your billets super short or anything?

[mmeqcenter]

I’m just used to them after all this time I guess. Honestly when I try to take them off to take a break, there’s so much simple crap I CAN’T do without them, it’s frustrating.

[lenapesadie]

@mmeqcenter

Are your billets super short or anything?

Maybe! Or maybe my girth is not the right size/shape? Or I’m a klutz…

I need a fresh mani and a cameraman!

[SadieRidingHorses]

That’s what she said!

[mmeqcenter]

Yessss.

[FrittSkritt]

My coach is one of those who has a beautiful french manicure and is always dressed to the nines… And I swear she never breaks a nail or gets dirty, depsite working/riding for 12 hours straight. Meanwhile, I’ve always had short nails due to years of playing viola and I’m filthy within 5 minutes of stepping out of my car at the barn.

[Djones]

How are their fingers your concern? It will work for them or it won’t. Neither is your problem.

[Ruth0552]

I’m a high school math teacher. You should see them try to use a calculator. It’s SLOW and PAINFUL.