Maybe A Silly Question On Plaiting

[DougalJ]

I have probably a silly question for you all about plaiting. I'm off to do some dressage on my friends horse tomorrow (I'm saddleless unless I go bare back on mine but that's another story) and he is a mane hogged Irish Cob, would you leave his forelock alone or do you do one plait? Would look a little odd so I was leaving this and his tail alone? Do you get marked down these days on presentation? I haven't done a test for quite a few years now so very rusty on etiquette!

 

[thespanishmane]

I think I would leave the single plait and tail alone - as long as he is neat and clean it really doesnt matter. There are some horses who find having plaits and in particular tails plaited a bit uncomfortable. Have fun and remember smile - if you cant smile, grit your teeth - It looks the same from a distance!

 

[DougalJ]

Thanks thespanishmane - yes he has been tidied and trimmed in his forelock and tail and the main discussion was about doing one plait? We all came to the same opinion it would look a bit odd! Gritted teeth all the way!

 

[jenz87]

Id leave it, think itd look a bit odd. I know several people who when they plait up they dont plait the forelock anyway!!

 

[**Vanner**]

I would plait the forelock.

 

[**Vanner**]

Have fun and remember smile - if you cant smile, grit your teeth - It looks the same from a distance!

I'm adding this to my signature!

 

[DougalJ]

I think perhaps not to plait and leave his forelock. Perhaps the judge will be busy looking at his flowing forelock and not what the rider is doing!