We have our opening meet next Saturday, woo hoo!!! I am definitely braiding mane and tail and am hoping to get my hunt boots pulled on by then. 
Count me in the minority of those who likes to braid… :eek:
So folks ever braid other than opening meet? In the old days, when I was a wee one, we braided through the fall and into the very cold weather. I think that this is no longer a practice… 
WD:
I think it depends on the hunt, but some still braid for holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas.
If the staff doesn’t braid then the field is expected not to braid either. I usually ask the master.
Have FUN!!!
Growing up we braided for: Opening, Thanksgiving, Christmas and Closing hunts. Presently we only braid for Opening though a few folks do braid for Closing hunt which I think is nice. If we don’t keep some traditions going we become just another group of trail riders.
We braid for Opening Meet, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Parade.
I usually also braid the mane when I hunt aside during formal season, as it really is more correct. But for that I only do hunt or button braids, rather than more show-type braids.
We braid for Opening and Thanksgiving, staff braids for a few other things as well, example: blessing of the hounds. We don’t braid tails, but I have seen mudknots. I do know of hunts in my area that braid tails though.
Sidesaddlerider- when you do the hunt or button braids, how many do you typically do? I always admire your turnout, and your braids especially look wonderful!
Not like I have much experience, but I’ve been invited to an opening meet. I’ll be definitely be braiding my mount, as well as whatever other ones in the barn i can offer to do, as a way to show my thanks to my gracious hosts! 
We braid manes and tails and most members dress in Shads; all the staff do for the opening meet and Blessing of the Hounds. I totally agree that that’s what sets us apart from “just a group of trail riders.” Last week our huntsman was injured so the hounds didn’t go out. Dress was “informal” although most wore cubbing attire (ties and tweeds). It was truly just a trail ride. My horse is passionate about hunting, but not without hounds! He kept looking back at me thinking, “What’s the point?” --I felt his pain. Kind of off the subject --huh, but hunting is vastly different than trial riding.
Foxglove
A plaited (braided) horse on the hunt field is a rarity here!
Foxglove:
I love meticulous turnout and grand occasions as much as anyone - more than most, but I am with your horse. He really doesn’t care what you’re wearing, he figures it’s sport that differentiates a hunt from a trail ride. (In the right circumstances, I love a good trail ride, too!)
[QUOTE=BCGirl;7804844]
Sidesaddlerider- when you do the hunt or button braids, how many do you typically do? I always admire your turnout, and your braids especially look wonderful![/QUOTE]
Hmmm, usually 12-14, I think. Sometimes a few less, sometimes a few more - it depends on how thick and long the mane is! 
I usually do 30+/- braids when doing “show hunter” ones.
Well I just finished plaiting my big grey boy and ran another round of blue shampoo through his tail. Clipped him a week ago. So he is looking oh so spiffy.
I got 27 braids in, and I will braid his tail tomorrow morning. Once tomorrow is over, I will pull his tail (hate shaggy tops) but I have held off from doing that for this occasion.
Call me crazy, LOL
I would sooner not go to an opening then to go un-braided. To me its an absolute must, although I don’t usually do tails I admit that. The other regular meets I don’t braid and I would not have the time nor patience to braid. High-holy days I do my best to braid though in a pinch I would go unbraided if I simply couldn’t pull it off.
Opening, closing, holidays and joint meets away. It’s never wrong to braid. I do tails whenever manes are done unless it’s pulled. I usually use the pulling comb width as a guide for braids.
Our opening is this weekend. Braiding is strongly preferred I think. A friend told me “hunter” braids aren’t necessary and meatballs will be fine. ; ) Thank god because I cant braid.
Sparky Boy - those plaits (braids) are the stock standard style of plaiting manes here in New Zealand. Anything else is considered “different”. =)
By submitting your email, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. You may also receive promotional emails from The Chronicle of the Horse. You can opt out at any time.
For Customers
Company
Terms of Use
