Unplaited tails for dressage

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MagicMelon

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I notice that its no longer the fashion to plait or pull tails for high level dressage nowadays. Is there a reason why its still the "norm" at lower levels?

And would I be frowned upon if I no longer plaited tails for BE dressage?
 
I wouldnt say its the norm anywhere in dressage I havent seen it for ages!

I cut the tails at the top - they look like they are pulled. I have a bit of a knack for it and ppl always want me to do their horses tails!
 
It's certainly the current fashion in BD to leave the tails unplaited, and very long and full. I wasn't aware there was any particular reason for it, until I read Hils post!

I just can't bring myself to do it though, I still like the look of a 'pulled' tail, although I do exactly what Holly Jane does, and cut it to look like it's pulled.

I get loads of comments about my nicely pulled tails, and once from a top dressage trainer, who then made a face when I said I actually do it with scissors. After she had said how nice it looked - ridiculous!
 
I use a tail rake to acheive a pulled look. Our event pony has such a huge tail that when I let it grow out a few years back it was so huge I couldn't get a tail guard on it and it took 3/4 hr to brush it.
 
I don't want a pulled effect though as I do a lot of show jumping etc. as well so much prefer the flowing look! It does look right for those who show etc. but personally I prefer the un-pulled look so its not really an option.
 
So long as it's not dragging on the floor and is tidy, I don't see why it should matter.
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Also someone quite well respected in Dressage could have been a rider or a trainer I can't remeber who is quote as sayign the hate plaited tails for dressage as it create tension along the back and spine which is the opposite of what you want.

Works for me
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I love wtching thso full tails making their swishy S shapes as the horses move there were a few nice ones at Olympia although there were also alot of tail swishes and mouth movers!
 
I do dressage, SJ, XC, Eventing and Showing and have always cut the tails like there pulled. Doesnt really matter which discipline your doing
 
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I do dressage, SJ, XC, Eventing and Showing and have always cut the tails like there pulled. Doesnt really matter which discipline your doing

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Yeah, but TBH you dont tend to see pulled (or look like pulled) tails in show jumping. I just prefer the natural look anyway
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Plus my boy is half Lusitano so I feel wrong doing it somehow, even though he has a shortened mane
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You lot are making me paranoid, as I always plait my pony's tail, & we've had lots of comments on how nice it looks. She's got a really full tail, & is a Welsh X so would look a bit weird pulled I think. I don't think I plait it tight enough to create tension in her back, but I can see that may be possible. To all of you with pulled tails, if done well they look lovely too!!
 
I can't wait until it is fashionable to not plait or pull at all.
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Like we don't spend enough time preparing our horses for competition without having to spend even more time plaiting and faffing. Yes, yes, I have a really crappy mane to plait which makes it even more depressing.
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Why are we meant to plait anyway for dressage ie. manes?! You can say its so the neck can be seen etc. but natives / arabs dont need to be and natives have thicker manes than any! Yes, it looks prettier but done badly it looks awful - I should know, we look terrible plaited!
 
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Also someone quite well respected in Dressage could have been a rider or a trainer I can't remeber who is quote as sayign the hate plaited tails for dressage as it create tension along the back and spine which is the opposite of what you want.

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I gotta say I never thought of this but whenever someone puts MY hair in a french plait I always get a headache and the tightness of it drives me nuts. Last thing I'd want is my arse hair plaited, if you get my drift!
 
LOL. Yes.
The thing is I think my horse looks fabulous with a long mane. His mane was one of those manes that was meant to be long BUT because his breeding is wrong he is meant to be all pulled and plaited. GRRRRR!! Damn those traditional stupid ideas.
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He has a mane as thick if not thicker than a native and he will not and I mean, will not allow it to be pulled!
I am now giving up and am letting his mane grow out, keeping it shortish and will just put in ten million plaits.
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It is not the fashion to plait the tail, I used to clip the very end of the tail to achieve a nice straight line, other than that it was trimmed each side of the dock at the top to ensure that it hung neatly. I always plaited including the forelock, the forelock is up to the individual and I only plaited it as that is what my trainer preferred!!!

I am not sure about BE dressage.
 
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