pull it or plait it?

[texansunrise]

I would really appreciate some advice, i am starting to compete my youngster as much as i can in the evenings and weekends, however i have noticed most horses have their tails pulled..pls can you advise me what is correct ? I mainly compete sj and dressage but would also like to do some showing..just be scared that theres no going back if i pull it !!

Also he has a very long tail bone - if you were to pull it , whgere would you take it down to ? thank you x

 

[ThePony]

I don't pull, they grow it for a reason and since I like them to live out as much as poss I reckon then could use the protection from the wind! I know there are combs and rakes etc to 'painlessly' pull, but tbh I think the results look fairly bad! If we are competing then I plait it. Tbh though if it is an early start and a small comp then I leave the tail. Their manes I use a solo comb type thing on and then plait. Prob not totally correct but it means we are smart and well presented.

 

[immoralorchid]

for showing a pulled tail gives a more professional apperance just make sure you turnout rugs have a tail flap. for dressage snd show jumping it doesnt really matter.

personally i love the look of a properly pulled tail i think it improves the look of a horses hind quarters

 

[Honey08]

Either are correct really. As the other poster said, tail pulling is a never ending job, and a lot of them that are shaved etc look awful! I'd start off plaitting, and see how you go on.

One of mine has a pulled tail. She came with it pulled, and has the most fantastic backside, so it suits her! I tend to let it grow out a lot over winter, for protection, and then get someone to do it once for me in Spring, I then keep on top of it over the summer (I'm rubbish at pulling tails, and feely admit it!) I plait the other horses' tails as its generally much easier!

Personally I think a well plaitted tail is just as smart for showing, if not more so.

 

[stencilface]

I don't pull mine, and only plait it for odes - wouldn't bother doing it for SJ, mind you mine only has a thinnish tail anyway.

I think a well plaited tail looks far smarter (although mine don't always make the grade! )

 

[appylass]

A pulled tail is correct for showing, at local level it doesn't really matter but any higher than that and a plaited tail is 'frowned upon'.

 

[Sessle]

I'd leave it full (so plaited) over the winter and pull it in the spring when the shows are starting, then he's got some extra protection over the rainy months!