French Braid for dressage?

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EquiGirl1

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I helped plait a pony this afternoon for her first dressage tomorrow. Pony is I think a welsh b x. Anyway pony has really long native style mane and though I did the best I could (and I'm normally quite a perfectionist when it comes to plaits) they were at best small golf balls (and there were lots of them!).

I know at local level prelims/intros you dont have to plait really but I think its nice to and the girl who was riding wanted to make pony as smart as possible. My question is is it appropriate to french braid for dressage? She would look a lot smarter (not to mention its quicker and easier!) is a french braid than with a series of mini golf balls but I wouldnt want a judge to think it improper...
 
Yes, I always braid my Spanish and Friesian horses this way for dressage competition; I can't think that a judge would be offended.
 
They look so smart, used to do one on a little Welsh C my sister competed- he got so many compliments for it :D
 
I often take mine out with a french braid - it looks so smart and now that his mane is quite long, stays in well. Whilst flowing locks look beautiful they don't half tangle in the reins...any tips from traddy show people to avoid this very welcome!

Occasionally I plait his forelock aswell, but fold it rather than rolling and getting a giant golf ball - avoids the bizarre quiff moments :rolleyes:
 
French/running plait looks much smarted than golf ball sized normal plaits just make sure it's nice and tight to the neck rather than hanging half down :D
 
Definately ok to do a running plait. I did it many times over the years for dressage with a pony with long mane. Looks way better than golfballs, but even golfballs are a sign of effort and respect!
 
Juan Manuel Munoz Diaz competes Fuego (he was competing at the London 2012 Olympic Games) with a running plait on the crest. Occasionally he is seen sporting "normal" plaits, but as Fuego is a PRE, he always looks fabulous with his running plait. If its good enough for Olympians, its good enough for the rest of us!
 
I usually do french plait - looks very smart - but although i think i do it tight, one shake of her head and it comes out!! Any tips for keeping it in?? X
 
There is a method to the running plait to keep it in and it's to plait it from the underneeath, rather than the top. I.e. start at the ears and work your way down to the wither as normal but rather than passing each strand OVER another you pass it UNDERNEATH. Takes a while to get your head around but once you get the hang of it it makes for a much neater, closer plait that doesn't go baggy :D
 
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