Will today’s blog post be the most controversial one I’ve ever written and hit publish on? Stay tuned.

I enjoyed Lauren @ She Moved to Texas’s thoughts on how horse people always seem to be chasing the next trendy thing in tack. Someone in the comments made a disparaging note about how even show bows used to be the hot thing to wear.

I’m going to come right out and say this: I love show bows. I own one. I use it on a regular basis. (Well, I use it when I show, which doesn’t happen often.)

Yes, you heard that right. I love show bows.

If you’ve somehow managed to avoid knowledge of this sadly misunderstood piece of showing apparatus, and its polarizing influence on equestrians, take a seat. I’m going to tell you why they’re awesome and then I will serve popcorn for you all to throw at me in the comments.

Here are three reasons I love show bows.

1. I don’t have to put my hair under my helmet.

My helmet doesn’t fit when I put my hair under it. It slides. It slithers. At the same time, it’s so tight it gives me a headache. I have to re-do it constantly. I have to use bobby pins, or double or even triple layer hair nets. Speaking of…

2. I only have to use one hair net when I use a show bow.

One hairnet to keep the side wispies in, then a pony tail, then twist the rest in the little lace holder and clip on the bow. BAM. Ready to enter the ring.

3. I think they can look really classy.

Specifically, I think they look nicer than hunter hair. Yes. I said it. I’m just horrifying people all over the place today, aren’t I? But think about it: they allow people with long hair to clip that hair up neatly and quickly. Done well, they have a simple velvet bow that blends right into the helmet, and the pouch part is basically a black hairnet. Having it attached all together reduces the chances of it flopping around.

There are bad apples in every bunch that ruin it for the rest of us.

So, there’s my spiel. Does anyone out there wear one? Do you now want to set me on fire? Why do you like or dislike them?