Plaiting

[Starbucks]

See - that doesn't really sit with me. Over a big drop hedge I'd slip my reins, lean back (and maybe call a cab on the way!) At which point my hands couldn't reach any mane!

Maybe I just have short arms.

 

[SueEllen]

Simply because there is absolutely no need whatsoever to plait if one's ned has a very well pulled and laid mane.
High Days and Holidays - yes - but not otherwise.
This is a "modern" thing - and is totally unnecessary.
My late (great) father never plaited apart from OM, BD and NYD. Most of his generation did likewise.

I like this attitude Mr Woof

Yes turn out is very important and I personally take a lot of pride in having my horse looking the best I can however for me its just part of the day not the be all and end all and yes its nice to see others making an effort but I would never look down on somone who's turnout was smart but not 100% by the book. After all its Hunting not Showing.

Old school all the way!

 

[millitiger]

was it not in the hunting column in H&H the other week that whilst plaiting is appreciated, a neat, well pulled mane is perfectly acceptable?

tbh, all this snobbery and cringing at people who don't fit in is what puts a lot of people off going hunting in the first place.

 

[joe_carby]

its not snobbery though. if its snobbery does that mean if you go into a showring for a hunter class and your horse isnt correctly turned out for the class and it looks a state then the judge is a snob for marking you down if we go by these idea's then the ettiquiette for equine world is going to go tits up very quickly. im pleased to see that most of the youngsters that come out with us do plait infact i cant remember last time a youngster didnt plait but when they look around the other horses and see the older members not plaited up its sets a very bad example and makes them then wonder why they should have to.

 

[chestnut cob]

was it not in the hunting column in H&H the other week that whilst plaiting is appreciated, a neat, well pulled mane is perfectly acceptable?

tbh, all this snobbery and cringing at people who don't fit in is what puts a lot of people off going hunting in the first place.

I can't get near mine with a pulling comb OR solo comb so he's plaited every time to cover up his unruly mane that I have to cut!!

 

[SueEllen]

tbh, all this snobbery and cringing at people who don't fit in is what puts a lot of people off going hunting in the first place.

I agree with the above, if you enter a showing class your obiously going to be judged on turnout, you dont go Hunting to be judged on turnout. As previously mentioned I preffer to plait and I dont like to see horses that look like they have just been dragged in from the bog but I dont think its that important to have perfect bobbels (plaits).

 

[joe_carby]

and when you dont think you dont need to have plaits another person doesnt have plaits then a few up and coming kids dont have plaits ect ect ect you then have half of the field not plaited then you have general turn out slipping then the ettiquiette goes and then you have the same as every other area of society a mess lol

 

[Starbucks]

Ga some people are such snobs!

 

[Ditchjumper2]

Sorry but since when does having pride in your turnout render you a snob?! More like those of you who don't are lazy Bs because they can't be bothered to allow an extra 20 minutes to do this. Just get up earlier!!

 

[Starbucks]

I was being sarcastic... I think me and my horse are presentable.

 

[Ranyhyn]

In all fairness Wench you cannot be worse than me, mine were like bread rolls on his neck!!! lol It was pathetic, but its the effort that people appreciate I think.

Maybe its not neccessary or uncouth, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't try your upmost with turnout where possible, does it?

 

[Ditchjumper2]

I am sure that you are!! I just find that some standards are slipping, and yes, I do like to maintain standards out hunting........once you let one thing go you are on a slippery slope....and it is hard then to get things back.

 

[MrWoof]

If you want to come out hunting you should be turned out properly, which means after opening meet having a plaited horse. Its just sloppy and lazy not to, really gets my back up.

No, not neccessary at all.
Look back to the 40s, 50s and 60s
Most people then, including Masters, did/would not plait.
Yes, I agree to plaiting for High Days and Holidays.
I started hunting in 1956 - when did you?
A very short, nicely pulled, laid mane is totally adequate.
I, personally, do not hunt mounted on BD after a fatal accident, as far too may half-wits about - kicking. barging, no brakes and generally getting in the way.

 

[chestnut cob]

Argh, can't imagine anything worse than Boxing Day! I don't do Opening Meet either. Too many horses just winds my horse up and because I know he has kicked in the past, quieter days make it easier for me to keep him out of the way. BD is full of people on horses that are totally wired because it's their only hunting day of the season.

 

[Starbucks]

I kind of agree - that if you look smart and have a properly pulled main.. it's doesn't matter so much about plaiting.

I think boxing day is a right laugh! Just stay out of the way for a bit then most people go home.

 

[SueEllen]

Off topic but same here for Stevens Day, used to but went last year and wont be going again sooooo many people. No organisation at the back at all. I kind of lost it quite loudly and stormed off, was fumming at the time. Turnes out none of the regulars noticed so got away with it. Never again.

 

[MrWoof]

If you want to come out hunting you should be turned out properly, which means after opening meet having a plaited horse. Its just sloppy and lazy not to, really gets my back up.

I am most probably old enough to be your Grandmother.
Have you ever sat on a seriously fit point-to-pointer who bounces off the ceiling and walls for the simple reason that they just hate having plaits in - because plaits restrict neck action? Sucking eggs and grannies spring to mind!!

 

[Starbucks]

well I've ridden a few pointers... which used to win BTO at PTP's.. because they were plaited up and looked smart!

Maybe if they are were that stupid you should have maybe stopped pumping them full of oats... :smirk:

TB's are actually quite normal if you don't!

 

[MrWoof]

I think it's quite bad how scruffy people look nowadays.

Yes - Mermaids with no hairnets, dirty and Dressage Topped Boots, badly tied - or even worse, ready-tied stocks, mud still in situ in various places from the week before - and ear-rings!

 

[Starbucks]

If you can be bothered - follow this link..

This is me and my mum ( and our boys)

I think we look smart!

http://i118.photobucket.com/albums/o85/buckybee/BadgeandCaf.jpg

 

[MrWoof]

I have to plait up the two I have in because they whip in. I plait for opening meet, thats it. plaiting up is a fairly new idea IMHO , if you look through old hunting prints most are not plaited. George Coombs never sent his out plaited so thats good enough for me now silly colored whips / numnahs, black jackets / stocks on kids, people sat on their horses smoking these thing have been really bugging me latly !

Thank you - and yes, my whole point - which I have been trying (very hard) to put across to some "newbies" who think they know everything there is to know about the hunting field.
When they have been out in it, as I have, for the last 53 seasons, then maybe, they can comment!
Sorry, but I do sneak a puff now and again in a quiet corner.

 

[marmalade76]

Must say that the plaiting up, dressing up and generally making an effort is all part of the fun for me!

 

[Starbucks]

Ok. well I may have only been hunting for 18 seasons (at the grand old age of 26) but, after 18 years - I know how a hunter should be turned out. As does Rosiie_pimms and Joe!

After 53 seasons.. maybe it's you that is a bit out of date!

 

[MrWoof]

No - just normal, fit TBs almost ready to race who were not happy having tight plaits in their necks as they could not stretch out.
So just how would you suggest getting racehorses fit - if not feeding oats?
I don't particularly like the "smirk" as it really does you no favours - and just confirms that you have no idea whatsoever how to feed, get a racehorse fit and, far more importantly, treat the quirky ones.
Forget being pretty and Best Turned Out - winning races is what matters - with a happy horse.

 

[Starbucks]

Wow, here's a well turned out horse... that I'm thinking is a bit better than anything you've had anything to do with!

http://www.bbc.co.uk/herefordandworcester/content/images/2005/11/01/best_mate_comeback_420x284.jpg

but his trainers probably don't know what they were on about.. maybe he might have won a PTP if they did *extra huge big smirk*

 

[Starbucks]

http://www.virginmedia.com/images/desert-orchid-400x300.jpg

http://img.thesun.co.uk/multimedia/archive/00092/ed_imgSNN0923B_92452a.jpg

How did these horses ever manage to stretch! Sorry but it's you that is talking shite!

 

[MrWoof]

Actually, I used to work for the late, great Major (WR) Dick Hern CVO; Kim Brassey; Duncan Sasse, David Murray-Smith (another Ascot Winner - unplaited) and also rode out for Jenny Pitman and various other Trainers.
I doubt if anything you have sat on could beat what WRH trained - if so, please do let me know.
Major Hern often used to send out runners (even at Royal Ascot) because they hated being plaited and ran more freely without plaits. Just look at HIS training record.
I look forward to hearing from you.

 

[MrWoof]

Just wondered how many of you plaited up when hunting? I hunt with the Bicester and am really disappointed with how many plait their horses. I always make the effort to turn out smart for the meet and really think that others should too. Some of the masters are letting the standards slip by not plaiting and looking scruffy to, which I think gives a bad example you newbies and vistitors.
Sorry to rant but why are others not bothering?

Are your Masters at The Bicester aware of your comments?
However, they will be within 48 hours - and I don't think they will be very happy bunnies, being described as "scruffy".

 

[MrWoof]

Simply because there is absolutely no need whatsoever to plait if one's ned has a very well pulled and laid mane.
High Days and Holidays - yes - but not otherwise.
This is a "modern" thing - and is totally unnecessary.
My late (great) father never plaited apart from OM, BD and NYD. Most of his generation did likewise.

I like this attitude Mr Woof

Yes turn out is very important and I personally take a lot of pride in having my horse looking the best I can however for me its just part of the day not the be all and end all and yes its nice to see others making an effort but I would never look down on somone who's turnout was smart but not 100% by the book. After all its Hunting not Showing.

Old school all the way!

Yes, totally. Unfortunately youngsters who know sweet FA about hunting such as YR just have to argue the toss.

 

[AmyMay]

Are your Masters at The Bicester aware of your comments?
However, they will be within 48 hours - and I don't think they will be very happy bunnies, being described as "scruffy".

I think that everyone is entitled to an opinion - and I'm not quite sure why you feel the need to take it upon yourself to become the forum police, or be quite so high handed. And as for the Masters of Bicester, well if they are looking a tad scruffy, I'm sure your nod to them of this thread will enlighten them.

As for YR's not knowing what they're talking about - well the few YR's who've responded to this post are staunch hunt supporters. So whilst their attitudes or opinions may not be 'old school' their opinions still count. And whether plaiting up should be done at every meet is almost irrelevant. What they are saying is have the self respect to ensure that you are turned out well. And I for one applaud them.

For what it's worth - I have never plaited a horse for hunting, simply because I make such a god awful job of it. However, a friend has plaited for me on the days it's necessary. However, my horse has always been immaculately turned out, as have I. The mane is always pulled short - even when hunting my native.