Should I plait a section A?

[K.E.W]

Hi,
Just wondered what the proper etiquette is on plaiting a native pony?
My daughter wants to take her pony who is a Sec A but a fine one.
I don't mind plaiting but who would if we didn't have to!
Thanks

 

[SpringArising]

What class are you doing?

Natives don't need to be plaited so you could show him as he is, but if you're doing something like LR/FR/equitation I'd plait.

 

[Pinkvboots]

When they are shown in there native breed classes they won't be plaited and generally they shouldn't, but some use them for turnout and lead rein classes and then they are sometimes plaited so they look smarter. If he has a full mane I wouldn't plait as they will be massive and it's not worth pulling and trimming for one day.

 

[K.E.W]

Should have said this is for taking her hunting!

 

[SpringArising]

Should have said this is for taking her hunting!

Then plait, definitely

 

[frostyfingers]

You see I just don't get this obsession with plaiting everything..... In my youth nobody ever plaited, the hunt horses were all hogged, horses were with short pulled manes and ponies, particularly natives were left au natural as long as they were clean, neat and tidy. I plait for lawn meets & Saturdays but we have recently agreed amongst ourselves that for weekday and non lawn meets plaiting is not necessary - properly clean and pulled yes. My ponies were never plaited and my grandmother who was an MFH for years would never have considered plaiting. As long as you are neat it shouldn't be necessary - however I know some hunts frown if you don't plait so if you are unsure ask someone so that you "fit in".

 

[rara007]

If she has a full mane leave it be rather than golf balls! I think true to type small breeds look far smarter natural, I don't think anyone would question it even in the 'poshest' of hunts.

 

[Shay]

Probably best to ask the secretary if you are worried. My daughter hunted her sec A in a running plait - but his mane was so long that he would have risked getting caught up in thickets etc. Plaiting is generally considered polite at a lawn meet - but no-one will turn their back on you no matter what you look like!

 

[Bernster]

You see I just don't get this obsession with plaiting everything..... In my youth nobody ever plaited, the hunt horses were all hogged, horses were with short pulled manes and ponies, particularly natives were left au natural as long as they were clean, neat and tidy. I plait for lawn meets & Saturdays but we have recently agreed amongst ourselves that for weekday and non lawn meets plaiting is not necessary - properly clean and pulled yes. My ponies were never plaited and my grandmother who was an MFH for years would never have considered plaiting. As long as you are neat it shouldn't be necessary - however I know some hunts frown if you don't plait so if you are unsure ask someone so that you "fit in".

I'm terrible at plaiting and it takes me forever so have always been v pleased with those hunts that done require it, although am aware it still tends to be expected for lawn meets and special meets. Clean n tidy is best in my book.

 

[Crackerz]

When i was out hunting most seasons (only 22 years or so ago) everything was plaited and it was considered rude not to.

As a teen i spent all eve on Christmas days getting paid to plait up for Boxing day meet too, normally a good 10 or so ponies and horses!

If the mane is able to be plaited, plait imo