Green Ribbon in Tail for First OUting

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Joyous70

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Im taking my youngster to her first party early next month, and i will put a green ribbon in her tail to let people know she is "green" and inexperienced.

How many of you have done the same? and does it make any difference to how others act around you?

Finally, do i need to remove the ribbon before entering the ring we are competing under BD rules.

Thanks in advance
 
Hi we have used a red ribbon on our ex racehorse not because he kicks but just to try to get him a bit more space since as with I think a lot of ex racehorses he doesn't like being crowded. It seems to have made very little difference and he has still be ridden at from the rear. I think only one person has ever commented that she would give us extra room (we don't expect anyone to comment but I know I would keep well clear of anything with a ribbon on be it green or red). This was all BD. We take it off before he goes in. Must admit don't always used it and don't think it makes much difference but others may have different experiences. it was more just to try and ensure he had as nice an experience as possible on his first few outings rather than anything else.
 
I do it with my green youngster... only just thought to myself the other week "shall I take it out now" I have used it several times, more for peace of mind that people will notice it and hopefully give me enough room to work in the warm up. I must admit i have had good and bad experiences with it, people with give you a wide berth and listen or still persist to ram you up the backside! So i'd say you use it for your own peace of mind :)
I used mine in unaff dressage run under BD rules and still left it in for my test with no comments. So think it would be fine to leave in also. :)
Hope you have a successful first time out :D
 
I've not used a ribbon for dressage myself, but have seen it done regularly. Just leave it in!

In your situation, I would ask anyone who came too close, politely, to allow a little more room next time please. Also, make sure it's visible from range rather than blending into the tail - ribbons are not about discretion :D
 
As Humblepie said. Most people won't know what a green one means however 99% of people know what a red means. For the first few trips out then why not.
 
I had a green ribbon in my 4 year old's tail last year at the very first show she was at. She was still technically 3 so very young and it was just a 'have a go show' where you walk and trot round. In the warm up some idiot on an uncontrollable horse galloped into her from behind and then it spun round and bucked, missing me and Nell by inches. Poor Nelly got so worked up and was doing little rears which she does when she's very stressed. My mum politely asked the mother of the girl who's horse did this to not get so close next time and got a mouthful of abuse, saying our horse shouldn't be at a show if it couldn't handle other effing horses around it! Still annoyed when I think about it!!

Anyway, after that little rant the majority of people have cleared me a bit more with the green ribbon in! So I'd put it in and then just leave it in for the test.
 
I always take my inexperienced mare out with a green ribbon. I've had a few people ask what it means and there are always a few that just barge past anyway but in general I think it does help.
 
Thanks all for you replies, green ribbon in then.

She is only 4 and this will be the first time out with other horses, i have specifically chosen a quiet evening dressage test to take her too, in the hope it wont be too much for her to take.
 
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