to plait or not to plait for unaffiliated dressage

I always plait. It's also good for babies to learn that plaiting doesn't always mean things like hunting, and that it's nothing to get stressed about
 
I always plait whether affiliated or unaffiliated.

Like others have said it shows respect to the judge (whether they are bothered or not) and its always nice to receive a "well turned out" comment on the bottom of your test sheet :-)
 
Personally I prefer my horse to be plaited - simply because he reckons if it wasn't worth the effort to put hte lippy on, it simply isn't a party (and can't be bothered to perform)
 
I'm in the minority, but no I don't usually plait for unaffiliated or affiliated dressage. I always do for eventing, but I'm afraid unless I have the spare time to do it (it takes me 20mins) I see that time as getting another bit of yard work done, eg a box mucked out, before I leave!
 
I always plait and only compete unaff I feel it's a mark of respect to the judge and also it's nice to see her all plaited up looking pretty :D
 
This is like an age old debate on here.... the great to plait or not to plait discussion! :D :rolleyes: :p

Honestly..I am a BD listed judge and I couldnt care less if horses are plaited or not. I really dont notice. so long as you look smart, I dont care. I certainly wont mark you down for not plaiting and wont take it as a sign of disrespect.

:eek: :D

Flappy reins and not riding in to the corners, on the other hand are a different matter ;)
 
JFTD said:
I running plait, normal plaiting isn't really an option with a long maned highland :D
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Same here for the haffalump - despite people that hadn't bothered plaiting (or evening grooming :rolleyes:) telling me I 'shouldn't' do it as he should be au naturel. Yes, technically they are correct, but it gets in the way!!

Personal preference I guess - Sometimes I would rather see a very clean, shiny and neat horse/rider with a short well kept mane and unplaited to a scruffy, mucky horse/rider with plaits in :o
 
FinnMcCoul said:
This is like an age old debate on here.... the great to plait or not to plait discussion! :D :rolleyes: :p

Honestly..I am a BD listed judge and I couldnt care less if horses are plaited or not. I really dont notice. so long as you look smart, I dont care. I certainly wont mark you down for not plaiting and wont take it as a sign of disrespect.

:eek: :D

Flappy reins and not riding in to the corners, on the other hand are a different matter ;)
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Thank you, FinnMcC! *blows a kiss*

I'm competing next Thursday evening - trying N28 at a local event - but I have a meeting in London during the day, so to try to bring him in, bath him (he's a grey who thinks he's a warthog), get me ready, him into the trailer (although he's an angel) is enough stress!

This is his 2nd competition as a show-shy horse, so I don't want to make him wait; washed, plaited and stressing because of that, in his box from 5am until 6pm - it's not fair.

I really, really don't mean to disrespect the judges as I really appreciate what they do, but if it's a case of stressing him and me and being late, I won't be plaiting.

Of course, I also hope to remember the test...:o
(And I'll remember not to have flappy reins and ride into the corners!)
 
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