Quarter marks are a traditional finishing touch used across many equestrian disciplines, including hunters, riding horses, cobs, show hunter ponies, lead rein hunter ponies, and working hunter ponies/horses. When done correctly, they enhance your horse’s hindquarters and create a polished, professional appearance in the show ring.

What you’ll need

Dreamcoat

A short, stiff-bristled brush

A comb - Ciara prefers using a dog grooming comb instead of a traditional mane comb, as it helps create cleaner, straighter lines and prevents smudging

Top tip

To create a denser brush with better control, Ciara shortens the bristles using clippers.

Before starting, take a moment to assess your horse’s hindquarters. The goal of quarter marks is to enhance their shape and draw attention to the area for the right reasons.

Younger horses often have a weaker topline through the hip. In this case, V shaped quarter marks can help create the illusion of greater strength and muscle.

More mature horses with a stronger topline are well suited to the classic three stripe quarter marks.

Once you’ve decided which style best complements your horse, you’re ready to begin.

Extra tip for V shaped quarter marks

When creating V shaped quarter marks, the starting point should vary depending on the horse’s build and fitness level. Make sure both lines meet neatly at the point of the “V” without overlapping.

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