At 32 years old, he keeps going and going and going!

by Heather
(Millington, TN USA)

We asked Heather how she created this amazing horse costume for Halloween! Here's what she said:

The Energizer Bunny led by his trusty 9 volt battery. Bodre Ebony Cotton is a 32 year old Tennessee Walking Horse who now enjoys the fine retired life on the farm.

We get him out once a year for our local Halloween Show and he is always a great sport (and I think he enjoys it). From his cool shades, iconic drum, fluffy cotton tail down to his battery pack on his rump, he sports this ensemble with pride! Below are the details of the inspiration and execution of this ensemble.

How did you come up with your costume idea?

Well my old man turned 32 on October 4 of this year and the classic Energizer Bunny Commercials were always a childhood favorite of mine.... it just seemed fitting considering the great shape my horse is in for his age. He just keeps going and going and going!

How did you make it?

I started by designing the drum, sunglasses, bunny ears and logos on my computer. The drums were printed out (for free) by a local sign company. I printed out the rest and mounted to board. The fly mask was one I had purchased on clearance and hadn't used yet. I simply spray painted it and attached the ears and glasses with wire.

The slinky he is wearing was a hand-me-down from a friend. The battery pack was made from the heavy cardboard rolls that banner material is shipped on. I spray painted them and added the logos. The fleece for his leg wraps was purchased from Walmart and I had cut them to fit. His big cotton tail was made from a rounded basket that I covered in furry material, attached a hair clip, and fastened it in his tail.

Now for my outfit which is nothing more than a cardboard box, spray painted, logos attached, and held up by borrowed suspenders. In my hair I'm wearing a headband with four C batteries hot glued onto it.

How much does it cost?

I have less than $25 in materials and nearly all of the costume was hand made.

Where did you wear it?

We have a Halloween Show at our Saddle Club every year. It was held on October 29th this year because we kept getting rained out on the weekend dates.

How did people react?

THEY LOVED IT!!! Couldn't get enough!! Doted all night long on my creativity and execution. The ensemble really pulled together perfectly and was very functional as it made several laps around the arena without a hitch.

How did your horse like it?

He always seems to enjoy dressing up and is a great sport about everything.