What should I do with the mane for showmanship? Any AQHA judges here?

[beau159]

This year I decided I am finally going to go to some AQHA shows for the first time. My main goal is to do the ranch horse classes, but I’m the type of person that might as well enter in “everything” if I am taking the time to go to a show!

Okay, of course, I won’t do “everything” at a breed show, but I do plan on doing the English classes (Hunter Under Saddle, and Hunt Seat Equit), the Showmanship classes, (maybe the halter class too - we’ll see), the ranch classes, and the speed events. Maybeeeeee the reining class, if we can get our flying lead changes more accurate. Of course, I am showing as an Amateur.

My horse has a natural mane. I know that’s not “fashionable” in Showmanship. I will do a running braid for English so that’s no issue … but if you were an AQHA judge (or are one), what would you prefer to see in Showmanship:

1. running braid
2. banded long mane
3. “natural” long mane

Thoughts?

[sandsarita]

Either natural or banded for showmanship. The horse that won the youth world lvl 2 and was top 10 lvl 3 showmanship last year did it this way. And he’s a Reiner and ranch rider

[CHT]

The rules allow for natural, braided or banded, but I like the look of banded. Some of what you decide to do may depend on the class schedule (how much time you have before a class where you have to braid or be unbraided)

[Spotless]

This article might be helpful for you:
http://www.equinechronicle.com/long-manes-in-all-around-events-a-do-or-dont/

She’s the daughter of a good friend of my instructor’s. This is a very talented pair who always place exceptionally well.

[mypaintwattie]

For showmanship I would band the mane. Unless you can get it to stay down and in place I think natural could be distracting.

[beau159]

@Spotless

This article might be helpful for you:
http://www.equinechronicle.com/long-manes-in-all-around-events-a-do-or-dont/

She’s the daughter of a good friend of my instructor’s. This is a very talented pair who always place exceptionally well.

Love it! Thanks for sharing.

I also remember reading an article a few years ago about a long-locked horse who was doing great in the WP and showmanship pen, but I can’t remember the gals name.