Manes - which side?

[diamonddogs]

I always thought manes should fall to the left (as you face the horse) but Kelly's goes to the right.

I'm planning on sticking some loose braids in next weekend to train it over while she's still wearing her neck cover, but what do you think?

I think they look odd, but does it matter?!

 

[Chunkie]

Not actually sure how much it matters if they don't, but manes generally fall to the horses' off side.

 

[Beccaeve]

i was told that it should lay on the opposite side to the side you mount
( if that makes sense

)

 

[diamonddogs]

It's probably personal preference, but I definitely prefer off side - but I think Shetties and other tinies look great with a middle parting!

 

[fine_and_dandy]

It should be over to the right side (as you look at it from riding).

The reason for this, so I am told, is that back in the days of sword fights etc, knights/soldiers had their swords on their left side so they could draw their weapon with their right hand. Their sword would get tangled in the horses mane if it was on the left side and leave them vulnerable in battle, so horses manes are supposed to be to the right, so swordsman could draw their weapon in battle.

So, don;t put it to the left!

 

[diamonddogs]

Ooooh - fascinating! I love these explanations - it's like shaking hands with the right hand, to show you're not holding a weapon!

So, to clarify, it's the left side as you look at the horse, the right side when you're riding, the off side, or the opposite side to where you mount (unless you're Pony Club and mount from either side!)

Vindicated!

Next question - I was always taught to put in an odd number of plaits. Opinions?!

 

[amycov]

Odd number down the mane, and the forlock makes it an even number

 

[Box_Of_Frogs]

Easiest way to remember the way the mane should fall is not left or right but off side. Left or right changes depending on where you are but off side is always off side x

 

[Beccaeve]

[ QUOTE ]
Odd number down the mane, and the forlock makes it an even number

[/ QUOTE ]

Yep thats how i'v been taught to do it

 

[spookypony]

I was taught the same thing---off side---but many people now simply plait on the side most of the mane naturally falls on, whichever side that happens to be.

 

[emmiec12]

near side

 

[emmiec12]

got cut off..... i ment near side is wrong - the off side.

 

[kellyeaton]

on the right hand side as you are looking down as your were riding!