Happy Horse-O-Ween!

By: Brittany Bevis

It’s that time of year when equestrians and equines alike don their favorite costumes and head out into the night for a fun-filled evening of trick-o-treating. Michelle Hilde and her horse, Elle Femme Fatale, went in a decidedly spooky direction this year with an elaborate dual skeleton ensemble. We were able to chat with Michelle about the inspiration behind this creative collaboration.

Michelle’s equine skeleton partner is her AQHA mare, Elle Femme Fatale, her now-retired show horse that she campaigned in all-around classes for eight years. Michelle and her friend, Lindsay DeRusha, came up with the idea for the unique project and both of their husbands agreed to assist.

“Lindsay and I painted my horse, together, using animal-safe washable paint,” Michelle says. “It took two hours to paint one side of her. She didn’t mind at all, because she’s used to being braided for shows.”

Michelle has been showing horses in all-around competition for the past 12 years, primarily in the Minnesota area with an occasional trip to larger events like the Quarter Horse Congress. She currently competes in all-around classes with I LostMyLucky Charms, under the guidance of Leah Rogers.

Michelle loves dressing up every year for Halloween, and Elle Femme Fatale is always eager to participate. “We love Halloween and have always been into costumes. We did Lady Melisandre from Game of Thrones last year, and my family has worked at the Hamel Lions Minnesota Haunted House for many years. We’re thinking something like a dragon next year, maybe with some wings!”

In addition to getting some truly spooktacular photos, Michelle was intrigued to learn more about equine anatomy through the panting process. “It was fun seeing the differences in the neck vertebrae when her head was up and down and when she tucked her nose!”

If you have some great photos to share of your horsey Halloween costumes this year, email B.Bevis@EquineChronicle.com.