Hairstylists, like designers and makeup artists, constantly seek new inspiration. But time and time again, these creative types tend fall back on one particularly dynamic muse: nature.

When hairdresser Gianni Scumaci evoked the natural muse, he came up with a shocking idea: horse hair styling. To execute his plan, Scumaci placed an ad in Horse and Hound magazine seeking an equine. After receiving 700 emails in response to the mysterious ad, Scumaci held a casting call for 21 horse models. Eventually, Scumaci met his model in Birmingham. Named Sandokan, the pure-bred Lusitano impressed Scumaci with his gleaming chestnut mane and tall, elegant physique.

Over three days, the hairstylist created three separate looks for the horse. The first was a blond Paris Hilton-style mane that required thousands of dollars worth of hair extension and hours worth of stitching. The second look was a Mary Quant-style bob, and the third was a teased, 80s rocker look inspired by The Cure's Robert Smith.

I admit, as an ex-My Little Pony fan, who spent hours gelling, brushing and cutting colorful plastic hair, this project is right up my alley.