Plaiting Perfection Needed!!

[AbbeyandApache1]

Ok, At some point i would like to compete my traditional piebald cob cross in some small dressage tests, and this has lead me onto thinking, is it ok to plait his mane? And if so, what plait would suit him best, i think he would look good with a running plait... any other suggestions...

PS( some info on my pony to help you visualise and decide: 13hh, Piebald, long flowy mane (can be a bit sparse in places) is called Apache, is quite good fun relatively obedient and quite chunky)

Thanks a lot.... AbbeyandApache1 xxxx

 

[Luci07]

If you want to plait then I would try a running plait which should look nice. Equally, while mine are both trimmed right up, I do have a soft spot for a proper traditionial cob with full mane and feathers so would be inclined to go as is..

 

[tinap]

You don't have to plait him up, we saw quite a few traditional coloureds with lovely flowing locks at trailblazers dressage finals & they looked stunning, although we did plait our coloured cob because I pull his (he's not a very hairy type ! )

 

[Lotty]

A running plait or a lattice plait

 

[mrogers]

I personally HATE running or lattice plaits. I would leave him with his long hair flowing, Plenty of m&ms and cobs do elementry and higher unplaited

 

[Enfys]

I personally HATE running or lattice plaits. I would leave him with his long hair flowing, Plenty of m&ms and cobs do elementry and higher unplaited

M

Long for dressage, I would braid it for anything where you actually need to have control rather than a handful of mane if it is very, very long, eg, xc or hunting. I would use an arab/running braid - I am not a fan of lattice either, mainly because it takes ages to do and I am all for a 2 minute braiding job

Basically, unless braiding is mandatory, do what you prefer
Why not take photos of him, with his mane loose, in an arab braid and with a lattice then see which you like best, or put the photos up on here for opinions - not that you have to listen to us

 

[Polotash]

Running plait vote from me. Always used to do it when i did dressage with my arabs and plait a heavy cob like this for one of my liveries... it takes 5 mins and if you practice you'll get the curve of the plait right to show off his neck. Stitch up the plaited end you get left with, don't leave it hanging down his shoulder or it'll look messy.

Agree free flowing looks nice for showing, but in dressage the judge needs to see the angle and bend of the neck, so mane should be out of the way.

 

[AbbeyandApache1]

Thanks everybody! Will defo try those suggestions....,

 

[Britestar]

My 13.2hh cob has a full mane. He gets a running plait for dressage and lessons, as otherwise he gets too hot. He wouldn't suit a short mane, so that why it is not pulled.

The running plait enhances his neck shape. We tried and fully along the neck plait, .but that really didn't suit him, and made him look fat. Try both to see which suits him best

 

[Cortez]

Another vote for the running plait. I show all mine (PRE's and a Friesian) in dressage this way, unless feeling lazy when they go in full flowing glory.