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Ponies now have more hair style options than just their eponymous tails.

Melody Hames is a UK-based 'horse clipper', meaning she has a talent for giving horses the most unique haircuts you've ever seen.

Hames is known for her intricate designs, which she gently clips into her horsey clients' fur.

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Hames started clipping at the age of 12 because her pony suffered from Cushing's Disease, a condition that causes the growth of a thick, woolly coat that doesn't change in the warmer seasons. This is where her excitement for horse clipping began.

"I went on to do creative stuff after receiving requests from people who wanted something a bit different and less conservative," she told Mashable in an email.

Horse clipping can be an important part of equine care, as horses use their body hair to regulate body temperature.

"Diminishing sunlight triggers your horse to grow a winter coat," according to The Horse. "This built-in prompt means he is certain to grow a coat no matter what climate he lives in, warm or cold...if you plan to continue training throughout the winter, a heavy coat means loads of extra work. It will take you far longer to cool your horse out, even after the shortest workout."

While many choose to give their horses simple clips, Hames specializes in making these routine cuts into works of art. To complete these cuts, Hames has a wide range of blades and clippers, as well as a load of experience working with horses of all sizes and temperaments.

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As for where the ideas for her patterns come from, May says the ideas come to her long before she gets to clipping.

"Usually I will have an idea and I’ll think about it over a few days, weeks, and sometimes months," she explained. "I like historic things and anything medieval. For the other smaller works I rely on people asking me to do what they want. So far, I have never not been able to complete a commission. Each request is a challenge and I really enjoy the task at hand. It’s a bit like problem solving."

After years of clipping, Hames feels confident in her skills.

"It’s very much like a craft to me that only comes with experience and practice," Hames said.

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TopicsAnimals

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