I am going to start showing my 18 year old Morgan. But I can cut or pull his mane were doing a hunt seat class at the county fair. Any ideas on what I can do with has mane other than cut and pull it. Anything will be helpful.:sadsmile:
Running braids work great! It’s just a french braid all the way down the neck. I ride hunter/jumper and that’s what we do with the Friesian/Morgan cross at our barn. You can either leave the forelock unbraided like this picture, or french braid it and tuck it under like a normal hunter forelock.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3495/3898505549_fda20b749e_b.jpg
Thanks I was thinking of doing this just wanted someone else to say it to:).
I was so excited when I bought a morgan with a long mane and got to stop doing button braids. Running braids are lovely! When you do them correctly they look like button braids from a distance.
When doing a running braid, it helps to use lots of hair gel and tie it with yarn at three to four inch intervals. Otherwise, the braid will start to pull out/fall down at the faster gaits.
If you do it well, a running braid can look very nice.
Thanks everyone this is all so helpful! I can wait to try it on him on Friday after finals!:winkgrin:
They take a little practice, so make sure his neck is relaxed and extended when you do the braid. Otherwise it will start to pull out when you ride and he stretches down into the contact.
Like with regular hunter braids, it also helps if the hair is a bit dirty - obviously he needs to be clean for the show, but don’t make his mane too squeaky clean or it may be too slippery to stay in the braid :yes:
[QUOTE=cuse;7967470]
Like with regular hunter braids, it also helps if the hair is a bit dirty - obviously he needs to be clean for the show, but don’t make his mane too squeaky clean or it may be too slippery to stay in the braid :yes:[/QUOTE]
I respectfully disagree, and have braided more than enough manes to feel it’s a valid opinion. 
While you absolutely don’t want anything like ShowSheen in the mane, it absolutely should be as clean as you can get it. Dirty manes make for itchy horses and rubbed braids, and also look awful when you get close. The grunge at the roots between the braids ruins the impression of good turnout, not to mention gets on gloves and tack. It’s also really tough on your braider’s hands - there’s no better way to blister your hands while braiding than to twist dirty hair for a while.
Wash the mane really well (scrub right to the roots), rinse completely, and braid it while it’s wet (rewet it if you’re not braiding immediately post bath). If need be, a little squirt of something like QuickBraid will help give a bit of grip without making the horse itchy or dirty, but often isn’t necessary.
How long is his mane? Agree that a running braid is the best option, but I have done button braids on a pony with a 10-12" long mane. He was pretty cresty and tucked up nicely though so he pulled it off very well.
Also agree that the mane should be clean with no show sheen. I braid dry. If you got the mane too slippery clean You could probably spritz section by section with hairspray for a better grip. Braid as CLOSE to the crest as possible!!!
His mane is some where around a foot long. But he got super impatience when I make him stand for braiding.
Good point, Small Change. Should have been more clear - wash your horse’s mane before the show! Just don’t put Show Sheen in it 
