[honeydoozy]

Okay, I have a question for y'all:

I've noticed (both in Texas and Cali.) that a *lot* of peole do not braid for English (hunter/jumper) shows. I understand (but don't agree) why they might not do it for schooling shows, but I have noticed the lack of braiding at B and C rated shows as well.

I mean, an *overall* resistance to braiding. I don't understand.

I asked a few trainers (here *and* there) and the answer that I routinely get, is along the lines of:

"well, it's not really necessary" or
"this is not an *A* rated show", or
"the others don't do it, so we don't bother".

Huh. Puzzling to me still. The way I was trained from day one (way back in the olden days ), was that *any* show was an opportunity to "dress to impress", and that applied to me *and* Mr. Ed. Shiny hooves, fluffy white saddle pads, spit-shined boots, and BRAIDS!

Didn't matter if it was a schooling show, or the Medal Finals. The idea was that if you are going in front of a JUDGE, then you had better bring everything you've got. It's a sign of pride and a sign of respect.

Some of the things that I've seen at local rated shows has really surprised me. Am I just getting old and cranky, or have times really changed? (or both? )

Do you find that braiding is common or uncommon at your local shows - and if they don't braid regularly...why not?


Erin

[ladida]

The shows I used to go to didn't braid. Most of the time they were not the biggest show. A couple people would though. I think it was because people would show english and western and if you band it is "acceptable" for both.

[equineluver14]

no the local shows around here don't usually require braiding, although you can if you want to. I sometimes did just because I liked to I was usually one of the very few people who braided..

I dunno why.

[Kiwi Pony]

I don't even live in the same country, but I see the same thing frequently too. Maybe its that people are busier (are they? I guess I haven't lived long enough to really know, but it's what I'm told :-P) and don't have time and/or can't see an advantage to it so don't bother. I like to braid when I can and be turned out well, because it reflects well on me, but I have to say I don't have time sometimes or am just too plain lazy if its a very low key local event! I suppose then times have changed, I know my grandparents (who are very horsey, my parents aren't or I would use them! Sorry!) like spit-shined riders too ;-)

[-_Belle_-]

At schooling shows no one bothers but if its anything bigger everyone braids!!!

[PressForTime]

I am a big advocate of whether its a A, B, C or unrated schooling show you should look in top professional form AT ALL TIMES. Don't dress down or slack off just because of a letter on a show. No matter what it's rated you STILL show your horse off and you STILL show always look professional.

Personally I have only one exception to that rule. I show in the Marshall and Sterling. I won't wear my Marshall and Sterling show clothes if the show is less than a big "A-Rated" show. The only reason is because they were expensive and I'd like them to last a LONG time lol. However, I still ride with a show coat etc.

As for my horse... I do the jumpers, so therefore I don't braid. Personally, since you aren't being judged persay.. its not worth it. When I go to the finals I probably won't braid, but, I still keep my mare's manes in a neat condition (short, about palm length) and they're ALWAYS neatly groomed/bathed and prepped before a show.

As for the Hunters and Equitation classes.. I personally think you should have your horse braided. Like a said... don't "de-class" yourself because a Show isn't "A" or "AA".. you still should take pride in how you AND your horse looks when you walk into the ring.

Showing isn't just about going out there and jumping fences, or chasing cows, or running barrels or even showing how well your horse can rein... it's also about how you understand, work hard and overall LOVE the discipline you do. And Again IMO, if you honestly don't feel like making your horse look properly or yourself all because a show isn't top rated.. then I don't think you're ready for a show until you take pride and put the hardword and effort everyone else does. It Pays Off. Remember Just my opinion. No Offense to anyone.

-Chris

[MyY0Y0]

I just had an open 4-H show Sunday, and the majority of the people braided! I was the ONLY person from my stable to take the time to braid! The mane took 2 and 1/2 hours! Well, I think I definately gained some points, just for the turnout. Do judges do that? Will they add points for braiding (I was the only person in my class to braid mane and tail).

[-_Belle_-]

Originally Posted by MyY0Y0

I just had an open 4-H show Sunday, and the majority of the people braided! I was the ONLY person from my stable to take the time to braid! The mane took 2 and 1/2 hours! Well, I think I definately gained some points, just for the turnout. Do judges do that? Will they add points for braiding (I was the only person in my class to braid mane and tail).

I know at my barn they give points for best turnout...so yea its all the way your horse looks and you

[PressForTime]

Originally Posted by MyY0Y0

I Do judges do that? Will they add points for braiding (I was the only person in my class to braid mane and tail).

You better believe they do. I think I can count on one hand how many HONEST judges I've ever seen. A lot of times (you see this more at the big shows) they have three judges.. just to try to keep things fair.

If a judge notices that you actually took time to make your horse more desirable and appealing to the eye (and it helps when you were the only one lol), then you've gained big brownie points.

I remember one time, I was watching an Equitation class. There was this BIG, absolutely STUNNING, DROP DEAD GORGEOUS TB gelding. When I tell you this horse was "the cat's pajama's".. I mean it. Well He refused a fence, pulled a rail and all around was not the greatest jumper on the face of the earth (in addition to chipping, going early and not getting correct numbers). Another gelding.. not AS appealing as the other gelding, yet still beautiful.. laid down a drop-dead PERFECT round. Got all the numbers.. hit every fence dead perfect.

The First Gelding= 1st
Second Gelding= 4th

So you tell me.. opinionated? Prejudice? Well... maybe just a little bit..

-Chris

[MyY0Y0]

Lol, well I must say...YoYo and I looked pretty spiffy!