How should a Newforrests Mane and Tail look?

[Spottyappy]

I was wondering, but does anyone know how a new forrests tail and mane should look for showing? i know they're not ment to be pulled or anything, but the new forrest website says to 'tidy' the mane and tail. Any ideas? thanks

 

[appylass]

The ones I have seen in the ring have had sleek and tidy manes that appear to have been 'pulled' level without looking cut. They seem to be around 8 inches long? When I am smartening up my boy's mane I just break the ends off the straggly bits with my fingers as I feel it gives a more natural look, highlands are meant to be scruffier than foresters though I think!

Tails seem to be left natural.

 

[PennyJ]

Look at some of the photos on the website, the ones that win are pretty sleek and groomed. Manes are definitely pulled and levelled. Tails left unpulled though smoothed down to look as sleek as possible, and cut straight across at the bottom. Usually on the long side...

Google Mallards Wood Goddess, Hollybrooke Rambler, and Farriers Fingerprint and look at the images that come up for them. All 3 are notable NF ponies and have been v. successful in the show ring, so are good examples of how to turn them out.

 

[POLLDARK]

Have a look at the new forest pony and cattle breeders website (think that's what it is called). Lots of good info. Manes to my knowledge are lighty pulled, tidied to around 8 ins long & any feathering may be removed.

 

[BlackCat9]

Quote from the breed website -

"Ponies are shown unplaited, but may have lightly pulled manes and tails. The jaw line and heels may be trimmed, but the whiskers should be left untrimmed."

The breed society are keen that the New Forest is a good allround type of pony able to turn its hoof to anything and are aware that a lot of the established showing people like to show at the big shows like Olympia in non breed specific working hunter classes etc, so light trimming as above is allowed.

The breed website is www.newforestpony.com and if you look under showing guidelines you will find more useful information!

Personally I have never pulled my gelding's tail as it is fairly tidy and nowhere near as thick as that of a Welsh Cob or a Highland but have to shorten it but if I am doing local shows, would trim his jawline and heels as it makes him look much tidier and neaten his mane up as well. The website is worth looking at as somebody else said, there are pictures on there to give you an idea of what to aim for.

 

[shortstuff99]

Sorry slight hijack-I always have had trouble with my new forest pony as he actually has an afro for a mane! Its slightly wirey and is curly! My instructors in pony club used to laugh at his forlock! lol has anyone else ever heard of a new forest with a curly mane? (his coat is not curly and he doesn't suffer from cushings)