Do you plait up for low level dressage??

i would normaly always plait up for dressage but not sure what to do this year as my TB is wintering out so dont want to pull his mane but hopeing to do indoor winter dressage and dont want to be looked down on for not plaiting up!

sorry not much help!
 
Yes
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I sometimes plait, and sometimes I don't bother. In fact, usually I don't bother as my horse ends up with 17 golfballs on her neck, and a tennis ball as her forelock plait, so it doesn't really enhance her appearance
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Personally yes, I think it gives a better impression and tbh if the judge has given up the time to judge me the least I can do is make an effort
 
yes, always. it only takes me a minute per plait, and i think i owe it to the organiser, judge, writer, steward etc to make the effort. it's good for the baby horses to learn that they get plaited for the little stuff as well as the big stuff.
i've been known to plait while going along in the horsebox if time has gotten really tight... they weren't the tidiest plaits i've ever managed, but better than nothing!
 
You don't have to, but I do because my mare looks great plaited (well she would if I wasn't still practicing on her). She has a lovely neck, but not a great mane.
 
i havnt done at riding club level as my horse had a rubbish mane and hates it being touched, now its got thiker and he is used to me brushing it and generally playing with it, i shall plait.... it just looks better and some comps get affended if you dont... bit like the correct turnout...
 
I don't but that is more due to the fact that my horse has sweet itch and I think it looks messier with chunks missing. Plus with all the rubbing the hair is weaker and tends to fall out when plaited up
 
I have written for a few dressage judges who have always commented when someone hasn't 'made an effort' e.g. not plaited up - this is from walk/trot to elementary
 
I hate it but do it! Never used to but she does look really scruffy as has long mane (part bred native) plus the first time I did I got our highest mark and placed so always do now...lol!
 
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Personally yes, I think it gives a better impression and tbh if the judge has given up the time to judge me the least I can do is make an effort

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completely aree...i think you should always plait up as the judge has given up their time and organisers have put in a lot of effort.
 
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Personally yes, I think it gives a better impression and tbh if the judge has given up the time to judge me the least I can do is make an effort

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completely aree...i think you should always plait up as the judge has given up their time and organisers have put in a lot of effort.

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See, I agree with this, but I think it shows just as good an impression if you go in with a well behaved horse, who is moving nicely, regardless of the TO and 'correct dress'.
I've never been marked down for not plaiting, using a WH saddle, and having a brown bridle and black saddle.
I would rather put the effort into my schooling than attempting to tidy up my girl's mane.

I've also found that plaiting was creating tension in her neck (she's had problems in the past with her muscles) and I get a more relaxed test from her when she's unplaited.

By the time I've hacked to the RC (7 miles) any plaits that were in when I left the yard would unlikely to still be there at the venue anyhow
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i always plait for dressage just as a mark of respect for the judge, at low level they take time to sit there and give helpful comments and dont get paid for it!
 
i never plait as i have a hogged cob
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but when i start dressage with my welsh d i shall not be plaiting it is against breed standard and i can't pull his mane enough to plait it as i show him as well, it would just look a total mess, i do however make sure he is clean and well turned out to his breed standard.
 
I must admit i don't usually bother for unaffiliated...
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I will be plaiting up for affiliated dressage over the winter though. I'm not sure why I make the distinction to be honest! I always plait with thread though as I'm not very good with bands, so it just makes it more of an effort.
 
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