I like the look of a well braided mane, but I honestly can say that I really don’t notice the mane while they are jumping those massive fences (chicken dressage rider here).
There was a short piece on Fibonacci’s groom and the impeccable braids in his mane (which I can’t find now). The geek in me wants to see is mane done in some sort of Fibonacci series braids, although I haven’t figured out how that would work.
I was surprised that Brazil didn’t braid, given that GM is the coach, and has the reputation of being such a stickler.
I’ll take Quabri’s flowing red mane any day of the week!
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I have come to think that simple banding would look nice on showjumpers. Mane to grab, but stays on neck.
Anonymoose, I’m not sure how long it’s been there but just now I noticed your tagline. Hahahahahahahaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!![/QUOTE]
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The riposte (I’m echoing DMK): braiding may be the utmost in turnout in one country, but not in another. Each country has its own standards and expectations. Wouldn’t we consider the orange coats worn by the Dutch a bit untraditional in the US?
And no matter how great a rider you are, there may come a situation where you need to grab mane. :)[/QUOTE]
Personally, I think that since it is the Olympics, and millions are watching, combined with the fact that you are representing your country, your horse should definitely be braided during all show jumping rounds.
It would be like Miss USA competing in Miss Universe and going, ah, I’m just not going to do my hair today during the evening gown portion.
I was horrified that the majority of the Brazilians’ horses weren’t braided. Double standards, Mr. Morris? Pedro Venis’ horse looked like a hooligan with his forelock flopping about. (And I’ve seen the man ride at WEF and LGCT as media/photographer, and his horses were better turned out.)
The critical difference there is that Miss Universe is a contest largely judged on looks, not performance. The women (and men) who compete in, say, track and field don’t have to worry about their hairstyles. Why should the horses?
And again show jumpers aren’t hunters or dressage horses and lots don’t braid and FROM ACTUAL EXPERIENCE it can change the way a horse goes. Also none of these people care what you think.
And regardless of his love affair in the press right now doda also doesn’t care what George Morris thinks. At all.
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