Braiding for the Adults help start a new trend - Don't Braid

[YA/AinVA]

Is anyone else over paying to braid for the A/A divisions? We aren't "A" rated and at most shows we don't get any prize money and our parents aren't paying the bills anymore. As a horse poor A/A I propose we start a movement to not braid. I'll start at Culpeper any others willing to join me?

[YA/AinVA]

Is anyone else over paying to braid for the A/A divisions? We aren't "A" rated and at most shows we don't get any prize money and our parents aren't paying the bills anymore. As a horse poor A/A I propose we start a movement to not braid. I'll start at Culpeper any others willing to join me?

[ESG]

Gee, here's a thought; why don't YOU learn how to braid and then you won't have to pay someone?

[Clever Clover]

Count me in! I'm sick of it. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif

Let's roach their manes! I'll bring the clippers. But you get to go first on your horse. http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/winkgrin.gif

My one question... what I am gonna hold on to? http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

**********
Not all who wander are lost. -J. R. R. Tolkien

member of:
I miss my pony clique, College clique, Klutz clique, and founder of the Child of the 80's clique!

[equestnow]

If you don't want to braid, don't show at the rated shows.
We have several circuits here in TX where braiding is completely optional.... as are hunt coats, and very often even formal show shirts!

I think braids are very elegant.
I can do a fair job myself, and if I don't have time or really really want it to look super snazzy, I'll fork over the dough. It saves me on lots and lots of time, stress, and possible embarassment when the braids go wonky on me!

If you don't want to get up that early in the morning, or have other priorities..... you pretty much have to pay the braiders.
KD

AR Clique Member... and proud of it!
www.starpointequestrian.com (http://www.starpointequestrian.com)
"Seasons will change, you must move on, follow your dreams!"

[YA/AinVA]

I like the roaching the mane idea. From the offside it would look just like it was braided anyway.

[LoriO]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by ESG:
Gee, here's a thought; why don't YOU learn how to braid and then you won't have to pay someone?<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Ditto, learn to do it yourself! It's not hard, just takes a little practice.

"Member of the Western clique"

All gave some...And some gave all...God bless the USA

[LTLFLDF]

I do braid for myself. But I would be just as happy not to. I agree with YA/Ain VA. We pay almost as much as the "A" rated divsions but most shows do not pay back hardly anything to the adults, which is almost always one of the largest divisions.

I remember when I was young that you braided for every division at every "A" show and at all of the local shows. We were not "allowed" to go unbraided. Over time the norm has started to go towards not braiding.

There are certain shows where all of the divisions go unbraided. The winter Raliegh Show. James River when it was still at the Airfield 4-H Center.

I can see doing away with braiding for the adults. Roaching manes would save me a lot of time pulling Mr. French's mane.

[OLD A/O]

Hi- I am sorry but if your a going to show at the A level I think you should know how to braid you mount. If you are too lazy to braid then you should show lower levels. The A shows needs every horse braided and braided correctly!!! That what it is all about!!!!

[Janet]

Switch to jumpers.

Janet
chief feeder and mucker for Music, Spy, Belle, and Brain

[LTLFLDF]

OLD A/O Have you been to any "A" shows lately? There are a ton of unrated divisions that go unbraided. Do you think those should be braided too?

[Bro]

Learn how to braid it's not that hard. I am actually quite shocked on how nice my braids turn out without being rushed of course! Braiding actually brings out the elegance of our sport. It's actually dependant on the horse. Some horses actually look quite nice without braiding and others do.

[the eleven]

shave your horse completely

-------------
I am guilty of a dreadful selfish crime
I have robbed myself of all my precious time

[Black Market Radio]

I agree with Janet! Switch to jumpers!

And be nice to poor Y/A... this person is new! Let's not scare him/her off just yet!

Here are the Devilpups!!
http://community.webshots.com/user/angelgregory87

"Did you know Dream was pregnant?" "No, why?" "We have a Pinto foal..." http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_eek.gif

[LTLFLDF]

YA/AinVA - get a few more in the YA/A at Culpeper and I'll join the not braiding maybe even the roach the mane group.

[MellowM]

Move up to the A/O's and win some money back!

[LTLFLDF]

I would love to move up but two things are stopping me.

#1 I lease my horse.

more importantly
#2 my eye. I just started back into showing and I need to be a little more accurate before I go after Betty & Tina.

[OLD A/O]

Dear LTLFLDF: Yes I have been to some A show's . I have even have two horses of the ASHA year awards, and I am sorry, but I think any horse shown at the A level should be braided, mane and tail!! However,if I show at the local, or B and C level I still braid manes but may show in chaps and a sweater and etc. I guess because I am of the old school I will always braid the mane no matter what the level of the show. This is out of respect for the show and the judge.

[Serenade]

And people say the A circuit is snobby... http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif

Some of us are trying to work or go to school full time in addition to maintaining our horse addiction. Maybe I should learn to braid my own horse, but until someone is going to pay me $10/hr or give me credits toward graduation, it ain't going to happen.

[OLD A/O]

I am sorry but I read about the snobs who show A shows. Well, I have shown A shows all my life and I learned how to braid my horse at age 12. This is mane and tail with a pin wheel or not. I learned to pull manes and etc. I also know how to clean my tack, make white socks white and etc. To put it bluntly, I love horses and I love showing so I tried to learn everything I could!!! I am not a snob and I can show on my own no matter what level!!!

[OLD A/O]

I am sorry but I read about the snobs who show A shows. Well, I have shown A shows all my life and I learned how to braid my horse at age 12. This is mane and tail with a pin wheel or not. I learned to pull manes and etc. I also know how to clean my tack, make white socks white and etc. To put it bluntly, I love horses and I love showing so I tried to learn everything I could!!! I am not a snob and I can show on my own no matter what level!!!

[OLD A/O]

I have read all about A show snobs on this board. Well, I have shown at the A level for ever. I learned to braid my own horses at the age of 12, mane and tail pin wheel or not. This is because I wanted to learn how to do this not because money was involed!!! I know how to pull a mane , clean my tack, train and school my own horses. Frankly, I am tired of reading how the A people have it made. Well, we have learn how to have it made and it took a lot of work and time. Yes some people on the A circut slide thru but most of us have had to work very hard and long hours with horses that have not been the greatest to ride. So please give us all a brake!!!!

[Thorne]

Umm Serenade, the going rate for a mane right now is about thirty five to forty dollars, and they take ohh about an hour! Tails are typically twenty to twenty five, for ohh maybe thirty minutes if your real slow! Point is, that savings is either worth it to you or not. I know plenty of people who choose to go groomless too! And if your smart and practice a bit, keep your prices low, you can probably braid most or all the horses at your barn attending the show. BTW mane pulls are ten bucks baby. I'm tired of people complaining that the braiders stick um, when you are also paying for grooming, and yes I know it helps keep you clean, but I'm with OlD A/O and I think a skilled horse person should atleast able to do a passable job on anything, whether braiding, grooming, clipping, mane pulling ect. Point is paying for anything at a show should be a convienence, not a chore. But I don't know, it would be nice for to see someone attempt to braid their own horse if they left it off the list the night before, instead of running around finding a grumpy tired braider. But thats horsemanship and unfortunately the judge doesnt see that either.

[Serenade]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Hi- I am sorry but if your a going to show at the A level I think you should know how to braid you mount. If you are too lazy to braid then you should show lower levels. The A shows needs every horse braided and braided correctly!!! That what it is all about!!!! <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

This is the comment my post was intended to address. I made the snob comment because it seems to me that there are an awful lot of holier-than-thou judgemental types out there who could stand a few lessons in diplomacy.

I really didn't mean to enter this debate, but now that I'm here, how many other sports are there where a hairstyle is so critical for success? Seriously, if anyone knows of another amateur-oriented sport where something as frivolous as braiding is "what it's all about," I'd be interested to hear about it.

Thorne- I pull my own horse's mane and I pay for braiding at all the A shows I go to, baby. I'm really not trying to suggest that braiding is stupid, or should be waived, or anything else along those lines. I just think braiding is one more reason showing horses is so hard for the average amateur, and the original poster had a valid suggestion. This is supposed to be *fun* for us, yes hard work is an important part of it, but to claim braiding is the hallmark of a good horseman seems a little silly.

[This message was edited by Serenade on Sep. 12, 2003 at 01:21 AM.]

[This message was edited by Serenade on Sep. 12, 2003 at 01:25 AM.]

[OLD A/O]

Sorry to be the bug in the works but horse showing is a sport with a long history and braiding a horse is something that goes along with the sport. I have been showing since 1961 and would never go to any show with out at least braiding the mane. I also show sidesaddle and they are really steeped in history and correctness. I also remember appointment classes when they checked to see if you had a chicken sadwhich cut correctly. So some of us still live in that world.

[sprack]

LTLFLDF
you better not roach my horses mane!! you already let him rip a braid out and left him a bald spot!!!
Which by the way other BBers she mailed the braid to me in New Zealand!! Ha Ha. Atleast i have a momento while im gone.

[Serenade]

Sorry if I've come off as disrespectful to my elders. I really do admire someone who appreciates the value of a properly cut chicken sandwich in equestrian sports. (I am a very sarcastic person, but in a weird way I mean this) I guess what it all boils down to is that sometimes it's really hard to live up to the standards of "that world" while trying to live in this one. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

[OLD A/O]

Dear Serenade: No problem with queation at hand but you must understand us older folks really put up with a lot. With a appointment class we had to had to have a bridle with special sewned in bits and three fold girths and then there was the rain gloves under the girth with the thumbs pointed forward and the butter and chicken sandwhichs cut into thirds and the tea in our flasks etc. They checked everything which took forever. So braiding to us seem very small. I as always wish every horse person the best!!!



111

[bumoyu]

I have to agree with Old A/O. We braid because it is tradition same as wearing hunt coat and breeches rather than t-shirts and chaps. My horse did a schooling division yesterday and I paid to have her braided. This weekend when I'm at the show I'll do her myself. If you think that braiding is too expensive stand on a ladder all night long in the heat and cold with horses that don't stand still or rub the moment you are finished and you'll be willing to pay anything to not do it yourself.

[ponyjumper4]

If you don't want to pay for braiding or don't want your horse braided, then don't do it. There's no rule in the rulebook that says your horse has to be braided. You'll stick out, and some wacko judge may be political enough to not pin you if you deserve it, but it's your horse and money.

Adult Pony Rider Clique http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[rileyt]

If I ever start showing in the A's (not likely) I am going to make it my mission in life to bring button braids back into style. They look cool, and you can do a bang-up job in 1/2 hour.

Half of Riding is 30% mental ... no wonder there are so many bad riders http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif

[Madison]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by OLD A/O:
Hi- I am sorry but if your a going to show at the A level I think you should know how to braid you mount. If you are too lazy to braid then you should show lower levels. The A shows needs every horse braided and braided correctly!!! That what it is all about!!!!<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Old A/O, isn't there a better way to get your point across than what you said above? For the record, I agree with you that braiding is appropriate for "A" shows (though I don't have a problem with some people choosing not to braid for some of the unrated divisions), and I always braided my own horses as a junior. As a working adult, however, I and many others I know simply don't have the time (or any interesting in making the time) to practice enough that the braids would be good enough to be appropriate for an "A" show (or any show for that matter, lol!).

Simply because someone chooses not to braid for themselves does not make them "too lazy" or not worthy of showing at an "A" - there are plenty of reasons other than just being "too lazy" that people might not want to braid for themselves. I also don't agree if you are showing at the "A" level you HAVE to know how to do it yourself. That's a choice everyone has to make for themselves. Personally, I'm not sure my braids would ever look as good as what my braider does, so I'm sticking with the braider http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/winkgrin.gif!

As far as on the original topic, sorry, my horse is one of those that looks MUCH better braided so when we hit the A/A's next year, I'll be sticking with braids. Otherwise her mane is all over the place!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
http://community.webshots.com/user/madisonav

[LTLFLDF]

Off the topic but related. It was my understanding that you needed something other than tea in your flask. For medicinal (sp?) purposes only, of course. I vagley remember even in the junior classes this was expected but I could be wrong.

[Canterbury]

If you are showing in the adults you are probably spending quite a bit of money anyway between entries, daycare, training, shipping, stall, etc. If another $80 for braiding is braking the bank you should probably not be showing anyway.

www.canterburyfarm.net (http://www.canterburyfarm.net)

[Serenade]

I agree with Madison. And just for the record, I actually like braids, my horse isn't very fancy and they make her look a lot nicer! http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif I also have a copy of a braiding video a friend loaned me, I have no time to watch it and no horse here at school to practice on even if I did, but I like to think just having the video counts as some sort of effort. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

[Duffy]

As a junior, I was good enough to be paid to braid for others. I couldn't have afforded to show (and not my own horse - didn't have my own - showed schoolies and mis-behaving boarder horses) if I hadn't braided well.

That said, as a working adult, with a child who also shows, the time needed for these out of practice fingers to braid (obviously no time to braid multiple steeds so that my braids look acceptable to myself and my trainer) is not there. My horse does not get braided for the schooling divisions. Howevever, I think my trainer would disown me if my horse wasn't braided for the Adults, (not that I've shown in the Adults for awhile http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif ). The pony is braided for even the short stirrup for my daughter.

The Adults ARE rated for Zone and State - just not National. If you don't want to braid, then don't. No one is going to arrest and throw you in jail for not braiding. Some judges may not "like" you and given "equal" rounds, would probably put you lower. But, I have to believe, that if your round is superior, you will be rewarded, regardless of having more mane to grab. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

I do not believe one should have to braid for the totally unrated/schooling divisions. Most in Virginia are NOT braided for those. The ones who ARE braided for those divisions are usually doing a rated division later in the day and are using those classes as a warm-up.

"B***h in training"

[Greenbrier]

Way to Go OLD A/O!!

I am of the same school and I bet you win a lot because of the horseman that you are!

At the unrated shows I'll put in less braids - still do it nicely- but it will take a lot less time but still worth it to show off my horse properly to the judge http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[LTLFLDF]

What are button braids? Please do not tell me they are those horrid braids with rubber bands that foxhunters do.

[Owley]

The bonus of being a "returning" adult to the show ring - grabbing as much unbraided mane as possible http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/winkgrin.gif

Lots of BNT in our are haven't braided all season. And although it goes against my horse show morals to go unbraided, I'm thankful that my horse has a good looking mane unbraided & long neck (just in case I need it).

[Ketch]

Question: how does one learn to braid? Do you just have to find someone patient enough to teach you?

I would love to braid my own horse, as I show on the A circuit frequently and look at it as time to spend with my horse (if I have free time). I have never had the opportunity to learn how, though.

[Greenbrier]

I would like to say that it's not everyone's craft to be able to braid. I realize that some people have problems with their hands and joints and no matter how hard they attempt to learn how to braid, it just doesn't work.
Therefore, I do sympathize with them and feel fortunate that I am able to braid my own and save lots of money.

However, if you're going to be in the horse showing end of things, whether your fingers work or not, turning out your horse to it's best is key. And, braiding is part of that at the rated shows. And, everyone knows that going in.

[Monarch]

As Silly Ponies said there is no rule that you have to braid.
It is tradition but it is also a courtesy to the Judge. Braiding helps to present your horse at his best. We use hair nets on our heads to put on a neat appearence. Hunters is about the horse. Braiding helps to show off your horse. Personaly I love a good neck & braiding can really bring that feature out.
You are judged on the performance you give while in the ring. If two entries give an equal performance what in a Judges mind will tip the scale? One who is better presented will likely get the nod. It is just a thought.

[Greenbrier]

Betty Ford:
You can attend one of those Ruthanne "Lucky Braids" clinics. She has a website - you can use the search engine - sorry I don't have it.

You'd be surprised how many people you know in this business that probably know how to braid.

I'd be willing to teach you if you were in my area - I am in Central Fl.

[mellsmom]

I'm wiht you, bag the braiding. My poor horse looks like a dork when he's braided. We're going unbraided this fall.

"I've got a holiday, a paid holiday, I've got a holiday in my head"

[SillyHorse]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Canterbury:
If another $80 for braiding is braking the bank you should probably not be showing anyway.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE> Very nice, Canterbury. You're absolutely right - those who don't have big bucks to throw around have no place in the show ring. Forget that - they have no place on the show grounds! http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif

SillyHorse
~ I'm probably on John Ashcroft's enemies list. At any rate, he's on mine. ~

[Ketch]

Yeah, I thought that was a pretty obnoxious comment. So showing on a budget should be prohibited??? Guess I better cancel those reservations at the Super 8! http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

[eclipse]

I'm all for roaching!! http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

"My head's not empty, it's just full of crap"

[Sandy M]

Gee, I braid for schooling shows. Takes me aboug 45 min on my own cooperative horse, maybe an hour on a less cooperative one or one that needs to have its mane pulled first. To me, it's just a routine part of show prep, like having a clean horse and oiling the hooves. No biggie. My original trainer (an eventer!) was the one who insisted on braiding even for schooling shows on the basis that it was "good practice" and she was right - now it's second nature and actually a relaxing part of show prep for me. Sort of puts me in mind of a trainer's recent comment in a PH article: That his BEST students were not the ones "in training" who had everything done for them, but those who kept their horses at home, trailered in for lessons, and met him at shows. They knew their horses better, cared for them themselves, did their own braiding to save money, etc. Works for me.

[lms]

This sounds and awful lot like the big hoopla about started by Don Stewart last year about bagging braiding for the juniors.

As an adult, I enjoy having my horse braided on the adults days. It's your time to shine and both you and your horse should look good. Well turned out. Seriously if the money to braid is too much for you to deal with, then maybe you shouldn't be doing the A-shows. That braiding money really isn't that much when you look at the big picture. I'm sure that comment will upset a few, but I'm also one of those folks that believes you should have more than one or two "show" outfits.

Hey if say you have a course that isn't great...you may not look good, but at least you and your braided horse "look good". http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

"Some people need to buy the winners, others make them."

[J. Turner]

Betty I can teach you if you if you come down to buy my saddle!

I think the roached mane is an excellent idea though. If I had the money to show I would do it. I encourage you to do it.

Nigel: http://community.webshots.com/album/68326373whlDAm
Lorenzo: http://community.webshots.com/album/74700172fvoxFq
Teddy Boy: http://community.webshots.com/album/74981587sGtSKT

"When I bestride him, I soar, I am a hawk: he trots the air; the earth sings when he touches it; the basest horn of his hoof is more musical than the pipe of Hermes."
-- Shakespeare, Henry V

Member Sighthound Clique

[Madison]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by lms:
As an adult, I enjoy having my horse braided on the adults days. It's your time to shine and both you and your horse should look good. Well turned out.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I agree completely lms -- it's fun to see my girl all decked out! Not to mention I like how the pictures come out when she's braided http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/winkgrin.gif

And of course I must confess to having more than two show outfits . . . I loff show shirts unfortunately . . .

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
http://community.webshots.com/user/madisonav

[lms]

Madison-
Perhaps you should join show shirts anonymous like i have http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

"Some people need to buy the winners, others make them."

[HN73]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR> Off the topic but related. It was my understanding that you needed something other than tea in your flask. For medicinal (sp?) purposes only, of course. I vagley remember even in the junior classes this was expected but I could be wrong. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Tea or sherry. I believe either is acceptable.

I say keep braiding. I need the money.

**Before you can be old and wise, you must first be young and stupid.**

[Catalina]

I love the look of a roached mane, especially on a cresty horse. I am seriously thing about roaching my ISH's because it is so thick and wirey (he is grey) that it is very difficult to pull.

[SydneyS]

I have to say that I do prefer the look of a braided horse. However, I think that "having" to braid is ridiculous. It's not about being able to do it yourself - it's about time and energy. If you work 40 to 70 hours a week in the city, the last thing you are physically capable of doing is getting up at 4 am to go braid your horse at Culpeper!!!!!!!

[Merry]

I receive a lot of prize lists for non-USAEq-rated shows that say on the cover, "Braiding optional". If it IS a rated show, there's an unspoken sentiment that horses in non-rated sections aren't braided.

I just wish I had the option of braiding when I wanted to. When I'm going to a show that's a special event, regardless of its rating, I'd like to be able to spiff up my mare that extra bit without appearing that I'm breaking with the status quo. Oh, the horrors of committing that faux pas!

My guess? Eventually the non-rated ammy sections won't be braided at USAEq shows. That just seems to be the way we're headed. It does make it convenient and less expensive. However, as a member of that Older Generation, I think it's rather sad to see the tradition of braiding hunters fading away.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Amateur Adult Tip #14: If you tighten the chinstrap on your helmet just enough, you achieve a temporary facelift!

[eclipse]

Roachers unite.....stand up & be counted. Just think, no more pulling manes, no more early mornings, standing in the freezing cold getting your fingers blistered & sore from braiding. Plus, from the offside, it looks braided anyway!! http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/winkgrin.gif

"My head's not empty, it's just full of crap"

[bumoyu]

You know, you can complain all you want about braiding and push to have it be "optional" at the A shows but it just isn't going to happen. Too deep in tradition, too many can either do it themselves or are willing to pay for it. Don S tried this a few years ago and nobody jumped on his band wagon.

[reefy!]

I'd go for roaching any day http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/yes.gif

My horse has a thick, wide crest and pulling and braiding is the pits. I hate it and so does he. So it isn't the expense of it but the agony of it http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/dead.gif

If I thought I wouldn't stand out so much, I'd roach it all!

[Weatherford]

Do you know in Ireland, a roached mane is the NORM for the Cob classes (a cob is a tough, sturdy ISH between 14.2 and 15.2) - mine is a grey Connemara X ID, and has a PERFECT mane - so I haven't roached it YET!!

Meanwhile, how about considering doing FEWER braids?? 18 or 20 rather than 50 or 60?? (here you should not do more than 13 - preferably around 7 or 8....of course, I do around 19 - they said do an ODD number as it doesn't break the neck in half...)

Look at the pictures of the hunter winners in the big shows over here that are in the Horse and Hound! THey do look pretty nice with fewer braids...!!!

http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

It's OUT! Linda Allen's 101 Exercises for Jumping co-authored by MOI!!! http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[reefy!]

Maybe I should move to Ireland (love visiting not sure about living - ha,ha)!!

http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/lol.gif

I'm dreaming of a trip there next summer to catch the Dublin horse show. So I can witness all this roaching myself, yeah, that's why!

[Duffy]

I wouldn't dream of roaching - nuffin to grab! http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

"B***h in training"

[Ash]

I show in the younger adults and always have my horse's mane and tail braided (unless it is a local A and then I just do his mane). Growing up we were taught that braiding was as much as a part of proper turnout as clean tack and a freshly trimmed horse. To me, there is something sloppy looking about a horse that is unbraided while his rider is decked out in show clothes. (not a judgment, just an opinion!)

That being said, I do not braid my own horse. Trust me, I have tried and the result was rather pathetic! I would much rather sleep in a little longer and have a lot less stress by letting a professional braid my horse.

So count me as one of the adults who will be showing at Culpeper braided!

******************************
Momma Mia, here I go again....

[o2binca]

Not everyone can learn how to braid. I spent a whole year trying to braid and the results were something a BNT would not allow in the ring representing his/her barn.

That being said, I don't mind paying a braider because I think it's important to show off your horse in the hunter ring, and I think braiding is an important part of the turnout. If I was serious about an unrated division I would still braid; if I were in it simply to school and braiding was optional I might opt out of braiding.

Back in the '70s Jimmy Williams took a stand against braiding prices and roached all his horses' manes...it looked like it would cure you of ever running up the neck.

My trainer had a different approach. He told the braiders that for what they charged they had to finish the job - which meant unbraiding as well. He had enough clout that I remember it happening for a while, but am not quite sure how it all ended up.

[Michelle Mc]

I love braids! Two years ago our farm's office sent out an IRS 1099-miscellaneous form to our braider - as required by law. She promptly quit http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_frown.gif

[Greenbrier]

The idea of a roached mane in show hunters is rather disgusting!

On the same note, Duffy made a valid practical point against it!

[rileyt]

I wish I had "premier" membership...

I have a great picture of Elliot with his button braids... done with *gasp* ELASTICS! If anyone wants to post it for me, let me know.

Heaven forbid you show hunters should actually DO what they do in the hunt field!

Half of Riding is 30% mental ... no wonder there are so many bad riders http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif

[Skybox]

As someone who can and does braid her own when necessary, I would like to weigh in for our silent partners. How do the HORSES feel about being braided? Is it beneficial to an athlete to be pulled out of bed at 3 a.m. to be styled? Are they happier with the top doors of their stalls closed for hours so that they don't rub? And would they try to rub if the braiding felt good to them?

As you can probably tell, my preference lies with the "no braiding" camp - except maybe for special occasions, but I love to hear all of the different points of view presented (usually) so articulately on this forum!

Heads up, Hearts up

[OneonOne]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Greenbrier:
The idea of a roached mane in show hunters is rather disgusting!<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>I think "disgusting" is an awfully strong word. I think a horse with a nice neck can look quite beautiful with a roached mane - but maybe that's my 2 years of polo kicking in.
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Posted by SandyM:
Sort of puts me in mind of a trainer's recent comment in a PH article: That his BEST students were not the ones "in training" who had everything done for them, but those who kept their horses at home, trailered in for lessons, and met him at shows. They knew their horses better, cared for them themselves, did their own braiding to save money, etc. Works for me.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>I also resent the implication that people who choose not to braid their horses themselves are poor horsemen. I do not get to show often due to my finances, but when I do show, I do my own care, schooling, etc (to save money). Yes, I pay someone to braid for me (or &lt;gasp&gt; I go unbraided). I do not board at a full care barn - I clean my own stall and do my own turnout on a daily basis. And somehow paying someone to braid for me once a year makes me a poor horseman?

Perhaps I've missed the logic there. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_confused.gif

__________________________________
Formerly mmclough

[BelladonnaLily]

I think roaching is a wonderful idea. Count me in!

[eclipse]

My friend is thinking she's discovered the best of both worlds: roached mane with velcro stick on braids applied to the neck for showing. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif I'm not really sure what products she uses, but they never come off!!!! http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/winkgrin.gif

"My head's not empty, it's just full of crap"

[Lazy Palomino Hunter]

http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/yes.gif ROACH IT OFF! ROACH IT ALL OFF!! http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/winkgrin.gif

Alison

*Never underestimate the power of stupid people in large groups*

[findeight]

Roaching? Jimmy Williams did that, like, 40 years ago...not a new idea and not any kind of solution.

This poster did state she was at NON rated shows. I've shown at non rateds and even non rated classes at the big rateds, even some USAEQ single A's where there was an unspoken agreement that nobody would braid, and I never have felt it affected the way I was pinned. I either had a good trip and was well placed or I stunk and didn't.

I do feel more comfortable braided even in the warm ups..but have plenty of good ribbons in big classes unbraided that say it doesn't matter.

If it's unrated..pull the mane neatly and show away...I doubt any judge will care in the least.
Just be sure you put in the good trip .

The Horse World. 2 people, 3 opinions. That's the way it is.

[slp]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Serenade:
I agree with Madison. And just for the record, I actually like braids, my horse isn't very fancy and they make her look a lot nicer! http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif I also have a copy of a braiding video a friend loaned me, I have no time to watch it and no horse here at school to practice on even if I did, but I like to think just having the video counts as some sort of effort. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Serenade, you do realize that the same video sat at my house for months, and I never watched it once before I had to return it? If you want to send it on vacation I would be willing to house it for awhile again, maybe this time I'll actually watch it. http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/winkgrin.gif
I'll braid for you next year, as long as your classes are in the afternoon. I don't work well under morning time constrictions. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif
Susan

[Midge]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by SydneyS: It's not about being able to do it yourself - it's about time and energy. If you work 40 to 70 hours a week in the city, the last thing you are physically capable of doing is getting up at 4 am to go braid your horse at Culpeper!!!!!!!<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

It is certianly not the last thing you are physically capable of doing. I am a braider and I show and care for my own horse. My most memorable couple of days recently were at Kentucky. I arrived to braid ten horses at one a.m., about a ten hour day. I braided my own as well, mucked, bathed, schooled my horse that morning then became an exhibitor and showed at seven p.m., 16 hours after arriving at the show. Afterward, I cooled out, unbraided, wrapped and went to bed, getting up three hours later to do it all again.

I am continually amazed at the exhibitors who talk to me about how hard it is to do their own care. Oh, please! I would like to have someone at the ring to towel me off, brush my tail and paint my feet. Sometimes I get lucky enough to be schooling with a full care person and my trainer's groom gives me a dash over, as well. Other times I get off and do it myself. Other times, well my feet aren't painted and my tail isn't freshly brushed.

But please, please don't tell the grooms, braiders and other folks who work at the horse show you aren't physically capable. Braiding is not rocket surgery or ditch digging. It's a simple skill that's just a bit time consuming. I'll be happy to teach you and if your good, I'll give you a job.

[Simply Christie]

I have been following this thread and I feel I must force my opinion on all of you!! I own several horses that I show on the A circuit--two horses in the A/A's and one in the A/O's. (In Zone 8, you can do both at the same show) I do not really "love" paying $40 a mane and $30 a tail but this is part of the "deal". It is not called a Horse "Show" for nothing. It is out of respect for the industry and tradition that we observe this unwritten rule IF we are going to show in rated divisions, whether they are "A" rated or "C" rated. I know that there are people in every financial bracket that want to be able to complete on a level playing field when it comes to costs at the Rated shows. In my opinion, this is simply not a place to cut corners.

[Black Market Radio]

LOL!!! "rocket surgery" THAT'S a new one! http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/lol.gif

Here are the Devilpups!!
http://community.webshots.com/user/angelgregory87

"Did you know Dream was pregnant?" "No, why?" "We have a Pinto foal..." http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_eek.gif

[dogchushu]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Skybox:
As someone who can and does braid her own when necessary, I would like to weigh in for our silent partners. How do the HORSES feel about being braided? Is it beneficial to an athlete to be pulled out of bed at 3 a.m. to be styled? Are they happier with the top doors of their stalls closed for hours so that they don't rub? And would they try to rub if the braiding felt good to them?

As you can probably tell, my preference lies with the "no braiding" camp - except maybe for special occasions, but I love to hear all of the different points of view presented (usually) so articulately on this forum!

Heads up, Hearts up<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

While I don't think my mare would choose to have braids in, she absolutely loves being braided. She stands and drops her head, her eyes get half closed, her ears are in that loppy relaxed position, and her lower lip starts hanging down! http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif She just adores having someone scritch her neck and play with her mane--it's her favorite massage! Of course, this is the same mare who loves to have her mane pulled, so go figure.

I've had her braided for some of the non rated stuff she's done (2'6") and a lot of the other horses in her classes were also braided. But some were non braided. I don't think it affected placings in any way. And no one reallyp paid much attention to who was braided and who wasn't.

I don't have a strong opinion one way or the other. I just love to see her braided. I get such a thrill out of dressing her up and showing her off! http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

Hey Midge, I know normal people may not have any trouble braiding, but I cannot. First of all, I have mild carpal tunnel, and braiding an entire mane would make my hand spasm up. Plus, I am an absolute clutz anyway--my braids turn out somewhat like my handwriting: atrocious! http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif So I will continue to be a patron of braiders!

[findeight]

Got to add that, as far as the cost of braiding versus the cost of showing?
Drop in the bucket.

Again, this poster shows unrated and I have no idea what she pays for stalls or if she hauls in..that may make a difference.
But the AA level shows I do? the stall fee for one week is more then the braider's bill for 3 manes and 1 tail.

Hats off to all of you who prowl the aisles at 3 am.

The Horse World. 2 people, 3 opinions. That's the way it is.

[equestnow]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Duffy:
I wouldn't dream of roaching - nuffin to grab! http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

"_B***h in training_"<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
Well, there ain't much to grab when braided, either!!

Truthfully, if you're on the left side of the horse, a roached mane would look pretty much like a braided mane. It's just the right side of the neck that would look "funny".
A roached mane on a nice neck does look great. It looks like the horse is braided.
There is a horse here locally that shows in the pre-green who has a roached mane. However, this one is roached and 2-inches long. Sort of the Trojan Horse look. Not good. Not good at all.
Roached means a forehead-to-wither bridle path, not a mohawk hairdo!
KD

AR Clique Member... and proud of it!
www.starpointequestrian.com (http://www.starpointequestrian.com)
"Seasons will change, you must move on, follow your dreams!"

[findeight]

Well maybe they are growing out that Trojan do. I had one with a skin condition we had to roach and endure 8 months of the Mowhawk...but that too did NOT effect any placings in shows.

It really is about performance and a healthy, well turned out animal, even if the mane is a mess.

The Horse World. 2 people, 3 opinions. That's the way it is.

[LMH]

learn to braid, pay to braid, don't braid---let's talk about REAL issues...like fining for wearing a brown belt with black show boots. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_eek.gif

Way way more important issue http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/yes.gif

"I don't mind where people make 'whoopie', so long as they don't do it in the street and frighten the horses. --Mrs. Patrick Campbell (quote modified for young eyes)

[dkcbr]

My braids are just this side of humiliatingly awful. I've never been dextrous, so although I appreciate the braided look, I am voting for roaching becoming more accepted. http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/yes.gif

I've never learned to braid a tail, so how 'bout we go with the docked look there, too?

http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_eek.gif (!!Kidding!!) http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_razz.gif

[equestnow]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by LMH:
learn to braid, pay to braid, don't braid---let's talk about REAL issues...like fining for wearing a brown belt with black show boots. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_eek.gif

Way way more important issue http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/yes.gif<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
Call the fashion police!!! http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_eek.gif
What can some people be thinking? http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif
KD http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/winkgrin.gif

AR Clique Member... and proud of it!
www.starpointequestrian.com (http://www.starpointequestrian.com)
"Seasons will change, you must move on, follow your dreams!"

[Madison]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by LMH:
learn to braid, pay to braid, don't braid---let's talk about REAL issues...like fining for wearing a brown belt with black show boots. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_eek.gif

Way way more important issue http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/yes.gif<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Leave it to LMH to jolt us back into reality and focus our attention back on the more serious issues facing the show community . . . those people need help. Imagine the horror they will feel when they realize the error of their ways . . . . http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/lol.gif

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
http://community.webshots.com/user/madisonav

[Catalina]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by equestnow:
Well, there ain't much to grab when braided, either!!

Truthfully, if you're on the left side of the horse, a roached mane would look pretty much like a braided mane. It's just the right side of the neck that would look "funny".
A roached mane on a nice neck does look great. It looks like the horse is braided.
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Good point! Is a judge really going to be able to tell if a mane is braided or properly roached?

[Merry]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>...let's talk about REAL issues...like fining for wearing a brown belt with black show boots...Imagine the horror they will feel when they realize the error of their ways . . . <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Hey, I have addressed the lack of feng shui in my show attire and now ONLY wear a black leather belt with my black boots. I mean, to not do so just screams that one is a "leaky roofer".
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Amateur Adult Tip #14: If you tighten the chinstrap on your helmet just enough, you achieve a temporary facelift!

[farfel]

But but but...my brown belt matches my bridle. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_frown.gif

[Thorne]

What about plaits? They are fifteen braids or so, that are much larger and rolled into balls, tied in with yarn. On a well pulled mane it looks really good. Its not like the foxhunuting braids, they dont stick up or out, but lay on the horses neck flat. Many show jumpers are using them. They usually take half the time and the bigger braid means just about anyone can do them. I know most braiders charge less for them too. And I dont believe any of this no one will teach me stuff, its just no one wants to be up all night at a horse show cause thats where you find the teachers!

[JinxyFish313]

showing in hunters or eq without braids to me is like suggesting that the Miss America pagent participants wear sweats and pajammas because it takes too much work to get all 'dolled' up for the evening wear part. Suck it up and pay for it, learn to do it yourself, or find a friend that will do it for a couple bucks or something like that.

'Saanb ke rakh ni ey jovan butri
Hun mur ke na aauni bahaar' -punjabi mc

[hedgehog]

If you don't want to braid then don't braid. There is nothing really traditional in the hunters anyway as evidence by this comment.

"What are button braids? Please do not tell me they are those horrid braids with rubber bands that foxhunters do."

If you were going to braid based upon tradition, then you would have 9, 11 or 13 braids.

[Weatherford]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Thorne:
What about plaits? They are fifteen braids or so, that are much larger and rolled into balls, tied in with yarn. On a well pulled mane it looks really good. Its not like the foxhunuting braids, they dont stick up or out, but lay on the horses neck flat... teachers!<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

This is Purcey at Dublin Horse Show in the Working Hunters (no, he didn't get pinned - the catch rider (I was hurt) went off course...)

I think I had 19 braids or so - mostly because he is a VERY big horse with a VERY long neck. They were done with elastics, as were those of the Grand Working Hunter Champion - who only had about 9 or 11 in her mane!!! Ditto the Grand Ridden Hunter.

As I said before, look at Horse and Hound!

By the way, my horses informed me that the first time I did a French braided forelock, it gave the headaches!! Now I do VERY loose ones, and they are much happier!

It's OUT! Linda Allen's 101 Exercises for Jumping co-authored by MOI!!! http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[ESG]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Sandy M:
Gee, I braid for schooling shows. Takes me aboug 45 min on my own cooperative horse, maybe an hour on a less cooperative one or one that needs to have its mane pulled first. To me, it's just a routine part of show prep, like having a clean horse and oiling the hooves. No biggie. My original trainer (an eventer!) was the one who insisted on braiding even for schooling shows on the basis that it was "good practice" and she was right - now it's second nature and actually a relaxing part of show prep for me. Sort of puts me in mind of a trainer's recent comment in a PH article: That his BEST students were not the ones "in training" who had everything done for them, but those who kept their horses at home, trailered in for lessons, and met him at shows. They knew their horses better, cared for them themselves, did their own braiding to save money, etc. Works for me.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Bravo Sandy! And I completely agree with the PH article's trainer; my adults who can take care of themselves do far, far better in the show ring. It's part of an "I can!" mindset, as opposed to those who espouse the "I can't make a move without my trainer wiping my....." philosophy. Makes me very, very happy to hear of and be associated with those wonderful clients who don't have to be treated like nine year olds! http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/winkgrin.gif

[katiemae]

Personally i think that braiding looks very professional and neat, you are showing your horse they are supposed to look the best they can, and messy manes that are everywhere do not fit into this category!
If you are going to show on the "A" curciut, there is already alot of money invested and I know braiding is just adding to it, bui that is tradition, and as you can see many people don't want to change that!

"Quitting is a shortcut to loosing!"

[SaudiHunter]

i thought that everyone grew up at the barn and spent rainy days practicing braiding. i guess not.

"And now my life is better than an Abba song"
-Muriel's Wedding

[BelladonnaLily]

LTLLFDF...sooooo...are you going to join the roaching club and give your horse a new haircut? Just curious as I saw several pages back you were thinking about.

[FrittSkritt]

Apparently people began braiding back in the ol' foxhunting days http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif so their horses' manes would not get hung up on briars, branches, and other stuff. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif Yet another tradition that got confused on its way to the hunter ring... http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

Here's my $0.02:

I think braiding makes a lot of horses look much more polished and nice. I agree that button braids (which are true to foxhunting- the origin of the "hunter division, no less!) still look good and show effort on the rider's part.


However, I feel that braiding for schooling shows (especially those honest-to-goodness schooling shows with kids on their lesson horses) is *not* necessary... the whole point of schooling shows is for people who don't have the time or the money to show that often, or for the lesson kids to show their stuff on their favorite schoolies. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif


It drives me nuts when people roll in with their quality horses dolled up to the nines and show in the same divisions as said lesson kids. Honestly, if there's a judge who can't see the true meaning of the show, do you think the kid on the schoolie with borrowed clothes and an unbraided mane is going to look as good? I think not.

From personal experience, I think it's thoughtless to expect *everyone* to spend even more money at a schooling show to have their horses braided... the whole point is to have fun- not to break the bank. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif

-KC

**************
"They can make me do it, but they can't make me do it with dignity." -Calvin and Hobbes

Member of the "Vertically Gifted" clique and "I don't wear a GPA and proud of it!" clique.

Rainy's Page (http://shakti.trincoll.edu/~kchurch/rainy.htm)
Photos! (http://community.webshots.com/user/outatime257)

[Ishi]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by JinxyFish313:
showing in hunters or eq without braids to me is like suggesting that the Miss America pagent participants wear sweats and pajammas because it takes too much work to get all 'dolled' up for the evening wear part.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I completely agree. I wouldn't have ever thought of showing my junior horses or my A/O hunter unbraided. Just not me, but I wear hunt coats in the A/O jumpers too, and my Junior Jumper was always braided for the Junior Classics.

That said, I can not braid. I stink, I even spent all last winter, 3 days a week (my 3 days off) practicing on at least 1 sometimes 2 horses. Nope, not to be. My braids were embarassing, I have no skill, talent, or gift for it.

So what to do? Pay the braider, thank her 101 times, get her a cup of coffee, tip well, and be overjoyed I'm not doing it http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif Here's to you braiders making life better and easier for us bad braiding Ammies http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/winkgrin.gif

Love means attention, which means looking after the things we love. We call this stable management.
- George H. Morris
http://community.webshots.com/user/flycak

[OLD A/O]

Hi LTLFLDF- I have been laughing to myself for the last couple of days because I did ask myself: Why would our trainer say NO BOOZE in the flasks!! Can you imagine 10 or 12 drunk little girls at a horse show. HA HA HA!! You made my week!!!

[*Pony Pro*]

I never braid and I still pin. My pony's mane just flops around in the wind. If I was a judge I could careless about braiding, its a watse of money, why bother? I think braiding is stupid unless your going to the Royal or Trillium Champs or Big Classics and stuff don't bother.

...*Christie Beattie*...
Tanner Rein Farms
Alliston, Ont

[RRB]

I'm a little late to this party, but the roaching idea is something I've tossed around, especially since my horse rubs out his mane in turnout trying to get the greener grass on the other side. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif

Then, when he is braided he either has about 6" of mohawk too short to braid, or these pathetic little "braid toupees" which are basically yarn braids attached to the 12 remaining hairs in the area. Last show I just chopped the mohawk off so it was just a little stretch of roached mane, and it looked fine -- we even won one of our classes! http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

So I'm voting roach, especially for a horse that's going to rub his mane anyway.

--R

"I'm like, 'I'm just a sausage, guys. It's not a big deal. I'm fine'." --Mandy Block

[Molly99]

The rule of thumb my mother always taught me was that I braided for shows I planned to "compete" at, I did not braid for the shows that I was going to as a school.

I have kept that frame of reference always. I always braid for the rated divisions, period, doesn't matter if it is a one day C rated show, or Wellington. Either I do it or I pay someone to do it.

The little kids are taught the same way, the shows they are going to to "compete", even in the pleasure and short stirrup are braided, but if they are going to the schooling show to move up to the next level and "practice" they were not required to have the crittered braided. What my mom found out is that was the shows when the kids or their parents were drafted to attempt braids.

I will also add, that if the braid job they did was HORRIBLE, they were asked to take it out. My mother always explained that an unbraided mane looked better than a poorly braided one and we are after all in a sport that is judged on appearance.

I would never be for removing braiding, but that isn't to say that my horse is braided for the low hunters if that is only a schooling class.

To me, presentation is what separates 2 equal trips. I will always be prepared and polished when I go into the ring, if I would like to be considered for a ribbon.

[Merry]

All I can say about the mane roaching subject is that I was around during the Jimmy Williams era when he roached his horses' manes. (Hey, I was a youngster!) http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_razz.gif

Later, I had a TB mare I showed ammy hunters that had the thickest mane I've ever seen, plus she detested having it pulled. So, I roached it. My trainer at the time was so horrified he told me I should be horse whipped! http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/lol.gif

I haven't done it since.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Amateur Adult Tip #29: When hiring your own private groom, choose a strapping young lad, preferably one who speaks with a heavy foreign accent and sports a few tattoos. Not only will you be visually 'entertained' between classes, but it'll give rise to a scrumptious bevy of rumors!

[HunterUnderSaddle]

If we all stopped braiding, then why bath our horses as well? Isn't that the same thing? And then, we might as well stop clipping our horses to, because some people don't know how to properly clip a horse. Heck, lets just plop our pee-stained horses on the 2-horse and go to a show.

...Yeppers, I did exagerate, but I just wanted to get my point across. I think braiding is an important aspect of the sport. I think it is good that we keep the tradition. There are lots of different methodes to braid a horse, and some are alot easier than others. If you don't have the money to pay someone, try and learn it for yourself. And if you don't have the time before a show to try and braid a horse, PRACTICE braiding when you do have time. If you are serious enough about showing, it wouldn't matter to you to take 30 minutes each week to practice.

Personally, when I go to schooling shows, I braid my horse. Put yourself in the judge's seat: would you rather see a horse braided or a horse with a loose mane. A braided horse shows you are serious about showing and it tells the judge that it is worth his or her effort to look at you and your horse!

[Lord Helpus]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Merry:
All I can say about the mane roaching subject is that I was around during the Jimmy Williams era when he roached his horses' manes. (Hey, I was a youngster!) http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_razz.gif<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Liar, Liar, Pants on fire!!!!!! I was riding with Jimmy during that "era" and we were NOT youngsters back then. We were mid 20's ammies, and YOU know it... Unless the alzheimers has kicked in... http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
When life gives you crap, make crapenade.

[Madison]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by long and low:
If you are serious enough about showing, it wouldn't matter to you to take 30 minutes each week to practice.[QUOTE]

Oh, if only it were that easy. No offense but in some people's schedules an extra 30 minutes can be really hard to come by, particularly if the barn is a hike from home/work. Also, I don't think you can judge how serious someone is about showing by how they braid, or whether they braid for themselves. Our barn uses a great braider and no matter how much I practiced on my horse I doubt mine would look like hers, so I'll just continue to get out the checkbook, admire her work and spare my schedule the practice http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif !

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
http://community.webshots.com/user/madisonav

[LTLFLDF]

Look for the cute bay horse with the heart on his forehead and no mane in the Y A/A a Culpeper.

[This message was edited by LTLFLDF on Sep. 14, 2003 at 07:09 PM.]

[lilponygrl]

ya... paying for braiding is annoying, but somehow i dont think people are going to not braid their horses...I think they look much better braided

[YA/AinVA]

LTLFLDF- I'm with you. Look for a BIG Grey in the YA/A at Culpeper.

[2487lyf]

I wish it would be a trend in the childrens! My mom hates paying (and both of us are artisticlly challenged that way) so we have to pay a professional braider. I love showing on the A circuit, but braiding is a pain. I think it is snazzy and sharp, but don't you like the natrual look too? I can understand that it should be required in nationally reconized divisions, but not in zone divisions or local.

~*~Nattie~*~
*Maryland Clique*
*Non-GPA owners Clique!*
http://community.webshots.com/user/nattie2006

[Jumphigh83]

I personally think braiding is a rediculous notion.. and bad news all you warmblood ridres IF we never broke with "tradition" ALL your manes would be roached! Only TBs were allowed to have manes let alone braided manes back in the day. Knit and rip..knit and rip...I made alot of money braiding but I really dont see the point..a beutiful horse is a beautiful horse braids or no braids...so break with rediculous traditions and dont' braid! (PS Tea or Sherry, chicken sandwich crusts CUT OFF to be perfectly acceptabe AND loose the field boots with the shadbellies that too is a no no)

Betsy
www.threewindsfarmny.com (http://www.threewindsfarmny.com)

Lead, follow, or get out of the way...

[Giddy-up]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by LTLFLDF:
Look for the cute bay horse with the heart on his forehead and no mane in the Y A/A a Culpeper.

[This message was edited by LTLFLDF on Sep. 14, 2003 at 07:09 PM.]<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Hey now, didn't the owner of said horse chime in & say NO to the roaching of the mane?? Or was that another horse owner? Just checking before the clippers come out. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

[YourDesire]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by SillyHorse:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Canterbury:
If another $80 for braiding is braking the bank you should probably not be showing anyway.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE> Very nice, Canterbury. You're absolutely right - those who don't have big bucks to throw around have no place in the show ring. Forget that - they have no place on the show grounds! http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif

_SillyHorse
~ I'm probably on John Ashcroft's enemies list. At any rate, he's on mine. ~_
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

You are joking right?

*Gotta Love Those Chestnut Mares With Lots Of Chrome*

[diKecnadnuS]

I'm sorry...but, I could NEVER do that at an A show. Where would I put my ponies lucky "SK" initial beads if he wasnt braided??

[YourDesire]

But I am all for roaching! http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif I roached my horses mane back in 2001. She looked awesome! I guess they have to have a nice neck. Whenever you looked at her you just thought the mane was on the other side!

Growing back in was fun... Yup 4 inches of mane sticking straight in the air. Took FOREVER to flop over. Would I do it again? YEP!

*Gotta Love Those Chestnut Mares With Lots Of Chrome*

[LTLFLDF]

Giddy-up - owner of said horse did chime in. However said owner is in NZ. Her horse is going pretty darn good and is happy. While she is crazed about her horses hair either the trend will catch on or his mane will grow back by June when she returns.

Remember she is the person who carries one of his braids around with her ALL of the time. To the races, to the store, to foreign contries.

[eclipse]

LTLFLDF: Just remember my idea (stick on braids), then if the owner is really adamant about braids you can apply when necessary!!

"My head's not empty, it's just full of crap"

[sweetnlo]

ROACHING = NASTEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE

If you are taking the show "seriously", your horse will be braided, if you are schooling nice pulled and trained mane. Bottom line is presentation does count.

It is less painful if you practice doing a few braids at least once a week. In different parts of the mane since some are thicker/thinner.

[bumoyu]

This weekend at Md Horse and Pony everyone was braided on Sat and Sun (wasn't there the other two days). Quite a few tails as well especially for a non-2A show.

[BLBGP]

Wow....I don't know any of the parties involved, but having been a horse owner from afar, I would be pissed if I told my trainer (or leaser?) not to roach my horse's mane and they still did so behind my back figuring it would grow back before I returned so no harm done. For one, I would probably find out through pictures or show gossip (or a message board perhaps) and secondly, I would wonder what else is my trainer doing that I specifically asked him not to do!

That just sounds mean. You may consider her wackadoo, but obviously she's passionate about her horse having braids, so her horse should have braids.

[nnz]

Why hasn't anyone written about the comfort of the horse. Everyone says it's tradition and looks nice, but what about keeping your friend comfortable. Does anyone have a horse that loves to be braided? Most I know try to scratch out their braids and have to be tied up. Where's the horsemanship in that? Make your horse miserable so that you and the judge thinks he looks pretty. Glad I'm in jumperland!

[horsepop]

I just heard that our braider's prices are going up $5 this week. I don't know if this is just for Middleburg or for Middleburg and everything after that show. Whatever the outcome, I will still continue to pay our braider, it is work I can't do well and they are professionals. Besides, it certainly nice to see the results of what you pay for. Not a thing like taxes!

[horselesswonder]

Ohhh, I like the idea of going to the button braids. I think the horses look perfectly attractive in them, and yet the braids are sportier. They would go with the all the GPA's and snazzier colored shirts if you ask me. And as someone who tried to learn to braid but just couldn't get good at it (I can't style my own hair for pete's sake), maybe I would have an outside chance of accomplishing button braids.

I must say, I think it is unfair to characterize those who cannot or do not braid as lesser horsemen. I have a shelf loaded with books on horse care and can do most anything, but I suck at braiding. Big whoop. And to those who suggest that if people don't want to pay for braiding, they ought to skip showing, do you have any idea what your entries would skyrocket to without the "poor" folk who work hard to afford showing? I bet you'd be complaining at the in-gate an awful lot about that. Showing is expensive - from training, to board, to shipping to the $300 helmets and $3000 Butets that so many people favor. Adding - what $70? - for braiding does add up. Seventy dollars is a lot of money. I bet my neighbor who has three young children plus her and her husband and one income would be damn happy if someone handed her $70.

In truth, when I got to A shows these days, it makes me kind of sad that so many people choose not to braid. Showing is more elegant with the horses braided. But you know what? I'm also glad that I can put my young one in the pre-greens next year sans braids. I will pay enough for shipping, entries, and riding by his trainer that additional money spent on braids would hurt.

[TheGreatPious]

just curiuous....what are button braids? Are they hard to do?

~*Molly*~
~*Cowboy*~
Proud member of the Indiana Clique! Theres more than corn in Indiana...
http://community.webshots.com/user/nutnhoney55

[Merry]

Button braids: You sorta loop the braid around itself before tying off, so it's small and round vs. long. (That was about as clear as mud!) http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/lol.gif Yes, I think they're easier. You can use more hair, make fewer braids, and I think they're a tad more secure, too.

This thread, despite its lead-in sentiment, has caused me to want to braid my mare for the year-end county championship wing-ding. Even though I'll probably be about the only one braiding, I feel it will add to my experience. I'm even going to add a doo-dad button to her mane.

I'll let you know if I live to regret this. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Amateur Adult Tip #29: When hiring your own private groom, choose a strapping young lad, preferably one who speaks with a heavy foreign accent and sports a few tattoos. Not only will you be visually 'entertained' between classes, but it'll give rise to a scrumptious bevy of rumors!

[Va2Ga]

I finally have to say something... If you don't want to pay then learn to braid! I think if you do an A show then you need to braid for the adults. I do and i even have my tail braided at most shows. I learned how to braid in high school but i rather pay then do it my self. I would how ever not look down on someone for not braiding. I guess in the long run if you want to braid then do it, if not then don't, maybe you will start a new trend. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[LTLFLDF]

I figure by now sprack has just about stroked out. I AM NOT roaching Frenchie's mane. Not because sprack said no but because I only said it as a joke. This whole topic got started to harrass my friend, whom I adore. There are quite a few BB's in on the joke with me both for and against the topic. When sprack was here I got to joke with her on a regular basis. Now I need to get creative to make sure she knows she is not forgotten.

I will now chime in on my real feelings about braiding;

I braid my for myself. I do tails when appropriate. I have the time and the ability. I do however feel for those that are like me in the fact that they show because they love it. They love their horses. Work mulitilpe jobs and make personal sacrafices to be able to have, ride and show their animals. Braiding while traditional and elegant doesn't make a good trip better. If we were all about tradition and elegance GPA's would never been such a big hit.

I do think good turn out is important. I think it is an appropriate tie breaker for equal trips to pin the better turn out.

As far as the SNOBS that feel you shouldn't show if you are on a budget, GET A LIFE. You are the people who give horses and horseman a bad name. Case in point for those in central VA, the Style magazine article about Spring Valley. The SNOB who was featured made it seem as if everyone involved in horse were rich elitiest lushes who would rather die than get there hands dirt with a little manual labor or that if you couldn't pay at least 3 grand a month than you couldn't be a good rider or show successfully. That may be the case for a few 'elite' horse riders not horseman. You'll find far more of us who work hard at it on a budget than you will trust fund babies who spend mommy & daddy's money because mommy & daddy prefer to keep them busy than have to deal with them personally.

[Giddy-up]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Merry:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
_Amateur Adult Tip #29: When hiring your own private groom, choose a strapping young lad, preferably one who speaks with a heavy foreign accent and sports a few tattoos. Not only will you be visually 'entertained' between classes, but it'll give rise to a scrumptious bevy of rumors! _<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/lol.gif http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/lol.gif http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/lol.gif

[SCEqQueen]

For those of you who braid your own horses: I was just wondering at what age you learned? I am only fifteen but I would love to learn how and possibly be able to save my parents some money when we do the occasional "A" show. Do you need to learn from someone who knows how or are there like videos you can buy and learn? Sorry if I sound stupid but I really know nothing about it and would love to learn!

"Hows My Equitation? Call 1-800 Who Cares!?

[LTLFLDF]

I was a Senior in High School when I learned. I was taught by a person, videos were not popular then so I can not say if they work. Practice, Practice, Practice braiding down because that makes the braid. I will say there are those who can't because they do not have the hand coordination. But most people can with practice.

[AAHunter]

I have to say I agree completely with LTLFLDF about the style weekly article. My friends who don't ride saw it and I had to explain to them that 95% of horse people aren't like that. Most of us work extremely hard to have the opportunity to ride and love taking care of our horses, and I don't think it's a crime to not braid. I don't know how, but when my horse does need braiding, I do chores and help someone who does know how in exchange for it. I've tried many times and I just suck at it, but I can't afford $50 just so my horse can be braided.

[BelladonnaLily]

SCEqQueen...I think I was about 12 when I started braiding but never was very good at it http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif My daughter is almost 10 and WILL start learning this winter as momma is tired of braiding these ponies before shows.

[BelladonnaLily]

Is there a place online that has this Style article? Curious but probably shouldn't read it and get my panties all in a bunch. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[AAHunter]

Here's the article; I hope it's okay to post the link here.

http://www.styleweekly.com/article.asp?idarticle=6456

[YA/AinVA]

Please do not think that everyone associated with Spring Valley is like the ***** in this article. Those that know her, know she is a piece of work.

There are some very nice people who ride at Spring Valley. Sarah Sanford, the owner's daughter definately falls under this category.

Back to the orginal point of this thread. I still say roach the manes but I am not brave enough to due it alone. There is saftey in numbers. Let me know if your in.

[Giddy-up]

Ok, I just read the article. Golly, if only I had known at 14 to chase after a man so I could become a socialite who drops my tot at kiddie care & stops at Starbucks on my way to to my full service barn to ride my reduced in price $300K horse and then tinker around the barn before changing back into my driving clothes to head back home in the afternoon to pick up my tot and finish my excruitiating day despite having injuries that the doctors said I would never be able to ride again. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif

Sorry if people take this wrong, but that's the impression I got from the article. I don't know the person they reference, but that is how she came across whether she likes it or not. That article was a hoot! http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/lol.gif

[SillyHorse]

From the article:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR> At 6, Harpman won her first event at a show at Madison Square Garden. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

HAHAHAHAHAHA! I rode with Teddi when she was older than 6, and I really don't recall that she had her own horse, much less that she had ridden at the Garden. What a hoot! http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/lol.gif

p.s. YourDesire, yes I was joking!

SillyHorse
~ I'm probably on John Ashcroft's enemies list. At any rate, he's on mine. ~

[Remi and me]

I just read the article and all I can say is :
Holy Moley! Do I live wrong! http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/sigh.gif

Vermont - where winter riders are real riders.

[2ndyrgal]

Some of the non-rated shows here in KY (even ones at the Horse Park) request that you NOT braid.

[eclipse]

I have to admit, I was also in on the Joke!! http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

I also braid for shows (nope I've never roached a mane either!!) & think it gives a nice, polished, respect to the judges, look in the hunter ring. I DO NOT braid myself though, not because I am wealthy but because I'm too damn lazy & uncoordinated to do it myself. Plus, the few times I have braided they haven't even lasted through one class!! http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_eek.gif

But, if someone came to an A show and hadn't braided, it wouldn't bother me. I do not believe in looking down my nose at someone & until you've walked a mile in their shoes, you shouldn't judge them either.
Oh, and by the way, there's a BNT (think Spruce Meadows), that roaches ALL the manes off his own horses as he doesn't use grooms for his horses beloning to him & he doesn't braid. Looks fine, & it doesn't affect his placing either!! http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

"My head's not empty, it's just full of crap"

[budman]

You can get the technique from a book or video, but my braids never looked right until I got some helpful hints from a pro and watched for a while. That being said, I braid beautifully (albeit slowly) for breeding classes but need someone else to do it for the hunters, because my braids just aren't sturdy enough to hold up to my abuse...

[Sissy]

After this thread I'm going to start braiding every week to learn how. I did my mare last week and then did her in fat braids to get her mane together. She will look so beautiful. I think it is just a matter of time to practice. I don't really have much, but I'm going for it. Hopefully by the Dec 6th hunter show at my barn I will be able to show in braids http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif One of the girls at the barn did her horse's tail and 2 others at the last schooling show. I don't think it makes a difference in ribbons but admiration factor is high http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/yes.gif

Nothing could be finer than to be in Carolina!

[trailblazer]

How is it "disrespectful" to not braid your horse, but OK to pay someone else to do it for you? Both required the same amount of effort on your part. Shouldn't the judge be just as impressed with both scenarios? Maybe judges should reward bonus points to horses whose riders did the braiding themselves! Wouldn't that be a better way of rewarding "respect for the sport?"

[2ndyrgal]

I too have gotten show bills that not only say, braiding optional, but the sign AT THE KY HORSE PARK for these shows says, PLEASE DON'T BRAID. I believe that in the original post, the writer/rider said she goes to un-rated shows. Not the "you-cannot be given a ribbon no matter how good the ride unless you are braided, have a BNT standing at the rail and wearing puke green TS's shows. So is tradition and respect a big part of what we do? Of course it is. I wouldn't THINK of showing up in the hunt field without being properly turned out. If braiding is an option at a show, I don't. And I could easily afford to have it done. My horse is neat and tidy and he doesn't have to put up with standing still for an hour while I play my pretty pony. I cannot believe that in one short afternoon this was such a hot subject it took up 8 pages. Mind candy, and the Irish folks and old schoolers are right, you don't need 60 miniture braids. I personally would rather see an unbraided horse with a rider not wearing day glow pink, too much makeup on a child, and don't get me started about all the dangle jewelry. And cell phones. And foot stomping shrieking children whose $30,000 pony still requires someone to ride it well. But the braids were lovely.

[sprack]

Im responding a bit late to this thread but the only reason i carry my horses braid around with me is because LTLFLDF mailed it to me!! i certainly wasnt going to throw it away its my only keepsake i have of him while im in New Zealand fat and pregnant and missing him tons!!

by the way i wouldnt mind if his mane was roached as long as it grew back in time!! he would be the most handsome in any hairdo!

[LTLFLDF]

I stated in my post that in VA that the Adults are not 'A' rated. They are 'C' rated. I show local and rated show but I show in a 'C' rated divisions. Just to clear up the confusion.

All those who feel sprack is not being totally honest about being OK with roaching Frenchie's mane have a good chuckle now.

[Clever Clover]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by LTLFLDF:
I figure by now sprack has just about stroked out. I AM NOT roaching Frenchie's mane. Not because sprack said no but because I only said it as a joke. This whole topic got started to harrass my friend, whom I adore. There are quite a few BB's in on the joke with me both for and against the topic. When sprack was here I got to joke with her on a regular basis. Now I need to get creative to make sure she knows she is not forgotten.
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

As the one who initially suggested roaching manes, I would also like to chime in...

I (obviously) was also in on the joke. I happen to show at the local level currently where I only have to braid for the final show of season. I enjoy this tremendously. It takes away some of the additional prep I had to go through and allows me to get an additional hour of sleep on show mornings. http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/yes.gif

As a child, when I regularly showed at the A level, I was always braided, boots polished, etc. I learned to braid for myself in my early teens (14 maybe?). I also agree that it should not be a requirement, but that it is a nice feature of showing at the higher levels. JMHO. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

**********
Not all who wander are lost. -J. R. R. Tolkien

proud member of:
I love my "Hony", Back in the saddle after a 10+ yr break, College, Klutz, and Child of the 80's cliques!

[sprack]

LTLFLDF,
of course i would prefer him not raoched but he would still be very handsome you have to admit!!!
Although i have practically forgotten what he looks like because some people never send me pictures of them showing!

[razzledazzle]

Just want to bump this one up! I am SOOOOOOOOO for not braiding in the unrated divisions. I also LOVE the shows that offer braiding optional days or NO BRAIDING days! Wish more shows did it!