Quick dressage related query

[IrishCobsRule]

Do many of you guys plait tails for dressage competitions?
I have qualified for our National Winter Finals to be held next month with my heavyweight traditional cob.
Being a traditional chunky he has a huge (and Im not exaggerating when I say HUGE) tail that I sometimes plait but am never sure that it doesnt look a bit sissy on a HWT type. I plait his mane and his feathers are completely trimmed back and he looks smart (well at least to me he does).
So my question is do I plait the tail or not?

 

[PaddyMonty]

Not normally. Very few peeps Plait tails for dressage

 

[Dutch]

Hi

No I would never plait the tail for dressage....

 

[IrishCobsRule]

Thanks guys

 

[Ferdinase514]

I think i would leave him unpliated

Does he have a long mane? I'm guessing it's prob pulled to plait. Would look lovely hanging loose

 

[IrishCobsRule]

Yes his mane is pulled to plait - loose its like an explosion in a tobacco factory! He is the hairiest and heaviest horse we've ever had - while I dont want to turn him into something he's clearly not - its definately hair off and mane plaited for dressage here as about 1/4 of the judges I've ridden for really dont like what they see (fat hairy cob) - thankfully the other 3/4 see his rhythm, submission and accuracy

 

[Ferdinase514]

I have this vision of lots of mane and feathers, floating along.

Well done for qualifiying for Winter Champs though, good luck

 

[IrishCobsRule]

Thanks - Im very proud
If I thought it would float I'd risk it and leave it all on - but its like wire and very very thick - Im not exaggerating when I say that he had the thickest mane Ive ever seen in dreadlocks down both sides of his neck and a tail that dragged along the ground when I bought him. My friends all thought I was mad.

 

[Ferdinase514]

Lol! I'd love to see some pictures of him

 

[IrishCobsRule]

Cant get photos to work

Tried to change the image I used as my avatar to one of him to no avail
Am a complete tech dunce

 

[IrishCobsRule]

did it

 

[Tempi]

i use a tail rake thingy on both mines tails........but id just leave your horses tail as it is tbh. x

 

[dressager]

On this subject... I am going to compete in some local unaffiliated prelim next weekend and my horse has rubbed the top of his tail and it looks awful! Only plaiting will hide the bald bit at the top. Is this a valid reason to plait? (I hate plaiting and have never plaited his tail for anything!)