Working Hunter Plaiting Dilemma......

[Imozarabelle]

Daughter has a 13hh section c which is registered M&M. We have entered WH classes for the first time however she is not competing in the M&M class as section c comes under the large breed class and the jumps are a bit too high. So have entered Nursery Stakes and Working Hunter under 133cms. The question is to plait or not to plait? We don't normally plait and the pony is fully feathered, etc. but we will not be in an actual M&M class. Anyone know what is correct? Not plaiting would suit me better!
Thank you!

 

[Merrymoles]

I am no showing expert but I think not plaiting is acceptable for native ponies if they are untrimmed.

I am sure others will be able to advise on exactly what the rules are but given the nature of some natives' manes, there would be some pretty lumpy plaits out there otherwise!

I used to show a Dales X for his owner and he was never plaited for any class.

 

[Shay]

This might help http://www.horseandhound.co.uk/archives/what-to-wear-for-working-hunter-classes/#

Like the above poster I'm not an expert in showing - but I would presume a working hunter should be turned out as a hunter. M&Ms don't plait.

You could try asking the show sec. They are usually quite helpful.

 

[Bobbly]

Depends if you are competing affiliated or not, if not then you should be fine, check the schedule wording but if affiliated then generally I would imagine the classes are designed for plaited ponies if they are in height sections, trimmed accordingly though some may be open to all ponies, again check the wording carefully.

 

[soulfull]

I went to a WH clinic last week and asked the same question to the judge. He said if not entering M&M WH you need to plait. So I asked about a running plait. He said NO properly plaited

He added It's a myth that M&M's never need plaiting

 

[Merrymoles]

Oh heck! Better get practicing on my very hairy one too then! I think I'll be doing about 45 plaits!

 

[conniegirl]

If it is affiliated then you need to plait however normaly affiliated is split in jumping height. The large m&m a jump in 2 sections normaly the under 14hh and the over 14hh then are combined for the flat section. For unaffiliated turn out as an m&m but don't be surprised if plaited a do better

 

[Imozarabelle]

Thanks for all the info. Disappointed a WH clinic said to plait as if I pull the mane & tail it will look odd for all the other times when we don't plait up. There is a WH clinic at Stafford Riding Club this Saturday which I have booked daughter and pony into so I will let you know what they suggest. Xx

 

[soulfull]

Thanks for all the info. Disappointed a WH clinic said to plait as if I pull the mane & tail it will look odd for all the other times when we don't plait up. There is a WH clinic at Stafford Riding Club this Saturday which I have booked daughter and pony into so I will let you know what they suggest. Xx

That is with the same judge who told me to plait lol

 

[The wife]

I've been to county shows before and seen it done, pony in question was placed in both M&M and plaited class and looked equally as smart and suitable in both classes. Mane was carefully shortened (as section c's generally are) and plaited up for plaited class with it's tail also plaited and feathers again minimally trimmed. So long as the mane isn't ridiculously long with practice it's as easy to plait with a slightly longer mane than a super short one . Yes the tail and feathers were not as neat and as a trimmed as a pulled pony but I guess if the pony was as good as the rest in every other way - which IMO it was, it deserved the placing

 

[Pearlsasinger]

I have stewarded for BSPS classes where M&Ms have been entered in 'normal' classes. The judges have always said that they cannot allow unplaited ponies into the ring but that a running plait is fine. Of course if you are entering unaffiliated classes, it will be down to the individual judge.

 

[Imozarabelle]

Thank you for your info, would you still plait the tail with a running plait in the mane?

 

[Honey08]

My stepson's section A used to do very well in WHP classes at local level. I used to do a running plait, normal forelock plait (tight so not too big!) and plait her tail, leaving the feather on her leg. We only did the first ridden/lead rein with her, not the M&M classes. She quite often won like that.

 

[WelshD]

A bit of hair gel (patch test first) or quarter park spray can tone down the top of the tail and the leg feathers a bit

 

[The Fuzzy Furry]

OP, for any class that is not an m&m, you will need to be properly plaited for.
Local level non affiliated you might be sble to go in un plaited, but you will be marked down.

I've shown a C (and also a, b, nf and connemara) in non m&m whp, each time fully plaited (no running plait but individual ones) with either pulled tails or gelled down ones. This is at county level with some success.

You just need to practice putting in and taking out plaits in a hurry

Good luck for the season