HELP - Job Trial Coming Up!

Hi All,

I have recently been called up for a job trial at a top dressage yard to be the main competition groom. I have a degree in equine and have began my BHS stages. I also have a 6 year sport horse competing at BSJA and about to start at BE level. I can turn out to high standard although lack certain skills, if any one has any tips or sites I could go to would love to hear from you:

I don't plait manes with thread, HELP??
I am not very good at plaiting tails, any tips?
Pulling tails isnt a great point of mine either
Any overall tips when turning out so I can impress this lady??

I am so nervous and I know obviously I have it in me to become what this lady wants but on the phone she even said I have a very strong and high role to follow as her previous groom was "fantastic"!!! :O

Look forward to your replies.

Thanks :) xx

First of all, welcome to the forum :)

When using thread to plait, I like to have a few needles threaded before I start, because its just too much of a hassle to be constantly threading them when you run out. Remember to use a matching thread colour to the mane.

When braiding tails, just take it slow. Start at the top, and slowly work in the hair. Braid all the way down to the bottom of the dock bone, then continue to just plait the rest of the hair in your hand. Then you can either, sew that up, use a ribbon or band it.

As far as pulling tails go, I wouldn't know. I've never had the need to.


That's a really good example of a braided tail. See you've got the main plait and then the hair worked in.
Braiding A Horses Mane And Tail
Q&A: Perfect pulled tails - Horses for sale, Equestrian news - Horse & Hound
That's a fairly good article on tail pulling.

Good luck with the job trial :) Be confident, be happy and remember to have fun.

One of my favorite tricks to make a horse look good especially if need to do it quickly is take a very damp body sponge and wipe the horses whole body with it. Picks up all dirt that can't get off with a brush or rag and leaves a beautiful shine. And wont damage or dry out the coat like the sprays do. I once used this trick for a purchaser for a very high priced Thoroughbred back in KY at the farm I worked at. The buyer showed up about an hour early and had rained that night so she had come in covered in dry mud. Within about 10 min I had her gleaming like she was going to the sale ring. Works like a charm every time and is fast, cheap, works great, and everyone always has a sponge and a little bit of water.

Will you actually need to plait tails though? Or does she do more than just Dressage?