Ask The Experts
Plaiting a short mane
Q I’m growing out my new horse’s mane as he was hogged by his previous owner.I want to take him out to some competitions, but it’s not long enough to plait. Help!
Emily Wright, Fife
Tabby says: Don’t worry, you can still compete your horse, even if his mane is short.
For showjumping, you don’t need to plait at all; the mane just has to look tidy.
If you are heading fora dressage competition, you are encouraged to plait, but at the lower levels you don’t have to.
For certain showing classes it is a requirement, but there are a few things you can try…
Equine extensions
When a horse’s mane isn’t long or it doesn’t grow, you can use false hair in place of all the mane, or in areas where it is missing.
Start by sectioning the mane into plaits. Then, when you split the plait into three strands, clamp each section and add
