Should I braid?

I'm taking my green mare to a local county fair show this weekend. I was wondering if you thought I should braid, or leave it pulled. We went last year, but I was just worried about keeping calm, and didn't look if any one else was braided. Im doing a model mare class, then have a long break before a trail class, a in0hand class, and then english eqand pleasure classes, and an over fence (eighteen inches). Should I worry over braiding her, like after the model class, and if show what should I do. She has a naturally thick mane, and its about 6 inches long now.

I would braid. It ads that extra finishing touch and shows respect for the judge.

I try to always take the time to braid, even for a local show. Like Azale said it just shows respect to the judges, and even on a not-so-great looking horse it gives a nice polished effect.

This!

Presenting yourself at your best is never a bad idea. Always a good idea.

Every show is a show. So your horse and you should be your best at every show.

I totally agree about the showing respect for the judge.


It also gives you the bonus of more practice. Never a bad thing to be able to practice braiding a mane.

Should I do jumper braids then? Would you have them in for the halter classes?

I probably would do jumper braids. If you have them on for your halter class then make sure to where your english outfit so that you will match your horse.

Would a running braid be ok to use? She has a longer mane which makes a jumper braid look huge even if you only braid a little at a time. Plus, the running braid would take less time (Since she's green she has trouble standing still for too long) Should I do this, or would you recomend I give her mane a big trim and do the jumber braids?

What breed is she?

Quarterhorse

Then I say go with the more traditional shorter mane.


If your horse was an Arabian I would say a running braid is some what OK.