working hunter class

[wench]

thinking of doing a local level WH class. However, my horse is impossible to plait up. He hates it being done, and even if you twitch him, I dont have much experience at plating. His mane is so think it looks like a birds nest, and plaiting bands get everywhere. It is fairly neat, although its not all that short. (he is tb x). would i get away with him as he is or not?

secondly, do you have to put a show on? and what does that involve?

 

[LouHardwick]

IMO you must plait for this class not only to make your horse true to type but to show respect for the judges.you plait to show good confirmation and muslce development.so I am afraid plaits it is.
it depends on whether the judge is going to ride on the format of the show itself.
what does the schedule say?

 

[FMM]

Local level or not, you would HAVE to plait. Just try a bit each day and he will gradually get used to it. One of ours used to be funny to plait, but was perfect if you plaited him in the lorry at the show. Just keep persevering.

Local level you may do a show or you may have the judge ride. It would depend on the judge on the day as to what they want to do. If you do an individual show, then do part of a figure of eight, on the first change of rein establish canter, finish the figure of eight in canter, and on the next long side extend. Finish NOT coming back towards the judge, but trotting for maybe 20 strides parallel to her, then halting. NOthing worse than a horse that has just galloped trotting like a mad thing straight for a judge with legs flying everywhere!

 

[wench]

I have been trying to get him used to having his maned touched, let alone plaited, he hates it. I can spray mane+tail onto him, and groom him with plastic curry comb, but as soon as you try and comb it with a proper mane comb he goes ballistic. You try and plait it, the instant you even pull slightly on it he goes crazy.

Might have to give it a miss then

 

[Gingernags]

How big is he, and TB x what?

 

[vicm2509]

Could you not use a sedative the day before and plait it then? Once done just pop one of those lycra hoods on and it should be ok for the following day.

 

[wench]

he is 16.3 tb x id just looks like a thickset tb

and

 

[amage]

i wouldn't dope him...he'll fail a dope test and though not common to be tested at local level it can happen!!!

 

[conniegirl]

ok im taking a guess you woudnt be able to pull it, if not then your best bet may be a solo comb to make it shorter.

Where abouts are you? can you get someone who is fast at plaiting to try and have a go?

 

[juliebrewer]

What the hell, i'd go and show WH class at local level and if you cant plait then dont worry. Its all suppose to be fun. You will be marked down for it, but does it matter. If you are the only clear then you will win... I'v taken my Xbred unplaited and had a good day bringing back the rossetts...