Running Plaits

[M'n'M]

I've been practicing doing a running plait/french braid on my horse's mane for a show but if she moves her head up it gets all bunchy.

If I plait her with her head level to her withers, when she goes in a frame when I ride will it bunch or lay flat?

Any suggestions for making it lie flat when you finally get on?

Thanks!

P.S. Her mane is not incredubly long but too long for button braids so maybe this plays a role in the bunching, I don't know...

 

[M'n'M]

bump!

 

[rema]

This might help.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r5v905sJeu0

 

[HowenEdward]

Hehe I have the same problem, I have a native who has a mane about 10" but I show him M&M so I haven't pulled it but we also do Dressage so I use a running plait for that and then a button plait for the forlock.

What I do is have a person stand by his head and get them to keep it level but slightly pulled out and that way it looks good when standing normally and stretches out a bit when on the bit. If you don't have a helper then just tie up a bit shorter and give the horse a salt lick which naturally makes them stretch out their necks like on a free rein so works for that but also loosen easily on the bit.

Hope it helps!! Just out interest what are you doing this plait for??

 

[tallyho!]

Are you doing them too tightly?

 

[Cortez]

It helps to do them on TOP of the neck, not hanging down a bit on the side, if you know what I mean.