Dressage turnout for section D

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gabbypinkjessica

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Hi all, just looking for some advice.

I have a very 'au natural' sec D mare and am planning to do her first dressage test next month.

Is it correct to leave her unplaited as she is a native? Or what? I've never not plaited for dressage (never done it on a native) and am worried we will be too scruffy!

I've seen people use a Spanish plait, or normal plaits too, but there is no way I can do proper plaits in her mane and I don't want to pull it. Spanish plait is feasible, but is it correct?

What does everyone else do?

Thanks
 
Are you affiliated or unaffiliated? You see all combinations of plaited, left, running plaits. I've taken feathers off my D and I plait her up for BD. Unaff I tend to leave her as she is (though she isn't au natural'). There is no right or wrong, it's not essential to plait. As long as you are clean, tidy and presentable that will be fine :)

I actually love seeing a flowing mane and feathers, sometimes I wish I hadn't trimmed her up!
 
I go for the natural look with my D. That is, I attempt to remove bits of hay and give it a brush. It actually looks remarkably lovely from a distance (I am always surprised in photos!). My other horse is hogged and clipped out so very tidy looking. I always think the D looks like a ragamuffin by comparison!
 
When I had a D I just left natural (well 'neatened' mane and tail end as for showing so not totally left natural). I was always taught natives should never be plaited and only basically Iberians should have Spanish plaits ;) But hey, do whatever you like! If the mane really gets in the way of your hands then plait, you wont get marked down for either.
 
Affiliated or unaffilaited doesn't matter. There are no rules for it at all. Some judges will appreciate if you put in the time to make them look nice but no judge will take off marks for looking less then perfectly plaited!
I used to compete my welsh sec d unplaited because she hated her mane being touched. My current welsh sec d x clydesdale has hers plaited, they are mega big (like golf balls) but she has a big neck and it suits her. Our belgium draft gets a running plait because his are very thick and long.
Do what ever makes you feel comfortable! really, it makes no difference!
 
I have two Welsh D mares and I plait normally as they are both fairly light weight.
They both have fairly short pulled manes which helps.
I do think they look smarter turned out in this manner. Not sure it helps with scores though����
 
Mine isn't a type-y Welsh D so I trim what little feather she has, pull mane short, and plait. Mine is very fine (when not fat!) and tall so it looks better if I present her like that.
 
I turn out mine to type- feathers on, mane appropriate length and brushed but not plaited, I don't shorten his tail especially for dressage but it's a typical Welsh tail as we also show.
 
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