Any ideas on plaiting manes for eventing...?

Question

****PLEASE! Serious answers only!

I am starting combined training with my mare (lower level shows) and I would like to plaite her mane. I know it is not necessary but I think it gives a better look. My question is does it matter which side of the mane the braids are on? Most of the braiding i have seen is all on the right...that would seem awkward since her mane falls on the left. Does it mattter?

Answer 1

Right is right for the mane, train it to lie that side by dampening it down and plaiting it but not rolling them up just leave the plaits hanging, leave them in for a few days and it will stay that side as long as you brush it down that side each time. as long as your mares mane is pulled nicely you should get about 10 plaits down her neck, i use the width of the mane comb to get even bunches that i then plait and roll under themselves to make nice tight balls. Happy showing :)

Answer 2

It matters. Train her mane to fall on the right. It's been a while since I plaited a mane for event - but I used between 12 and 15 buttons - not loops - depending on the length of the mount's neck - using yarn/twine that matched the mane/tail. No red/white/blue or other silly colors.

I also plaited the tail in a standard french braid. If it was muddy, I added a mud-knot that was stitched in place with matching yarn/twine.

Finally, for all 3 days, I would give the horse checkered haunches - combed a little checkerboard on his haunch using hair styling gel to hold it in place - looks good in the ring.

Answer 3

It doesn't matter what side you braid your horse's mane on. This is the owner's preference. As for what type of braiding...my best suggestion is to go to the shows in your area and see what looks the best and is most popular, it changes from region to region. Good luck, and have fun.

Answer 4

It depends on what style of riding you do. If in western then it doesn't matter but in classical then top eventers are allways on the left. But it really doesnt matter that much! by the way i think that running plaits look the best!
http://www.raspberryridge.com/runningbraid.jpg
but that is just my thoughts! another INTERESTING one is a fishnet plait ( i thins thts what they are called!)
i couldnt find a pic but they are bunches attacked together at the ends so that they almost look like a lace curtain!
have fun!

Answer 5

the braids go on the side the mane naturally falls- in your horse's case, the left.(you aren't penalized any for this) for eventing, button braids are normally used.

Answer 6

Hhm. suitable be careful then. I truly have not heard of this earlier, and thankfully have not got a horse to agonize approximately (might truly like one, yet too sick and inadequate funds) yet despite if that's what everybody is doing, it is going to pay to be vigilent and in spite of the fact that horses are creatures of habit - so everybody staring on the backyard will many times understand whilst there is no person approximately, it may be solid to pass and examine at peculiar situations - ideally no longer on my own however. i replace into on a backyard on my own as quickly as and located human beings doing issues to farm equipment and that they gave the interest away by skill of scarpering. Boy, that replace into scarey. I phoned the police from down the line (no cellular telephones in those days! I reckon each and every rider would desire to have one!) there replace into additionally a time whilst somebody replace into slashing horses and their riders in our area and that i had to pass as much as the barn late one nighttime - and have been given a police escort. Micro-chipping and passport administration could be a faff, yet must be truly worth it sometime.