Yes that is hunting gear.
I have just realsied I havn't done a Pony Club hunter trial with my horse yet as ours was cancelled due to the weather
I don't think you should have to plait but as it is Pony Club I am not sure, maybe it's worth ringing up your DC to check. You don't need to for the XC in eventing but Hunter Trials are often different.
we have never plaited for pc hunter trial before and i don't recall seeing anyone else who did either. Even at the pc ode a lot take plaits out for xc.
I must be a complete saddo but I always plait whether it be hunting, hunter trials or team chasing. That was how I was brought up!! It only takes me 5 mins to do a horse so not really a huge amount of bother.