ridecamp@endurance.net: Re: shortened manes

Re: shortened manes

Cyndi Farson (cyndi.farson@chron.com)
Thu, 15 May 1997 12:41:30 -0500

----------------
>
> In a message dated 97-05-15 10:11:16 EDT, you write:
>
> << Sorry to wander so far off of the subject, but can any of you Arabian
> owners answer my stupid question? I've had no luck elsewhere. What is
> the appropriate mane turnout for Dressage/Hunter classes? I have just
> purchased a registered Gai Marquis mare who I will be trailing and
> showing in primarily open shows. Is a pulled short mane acceptable? I
> have been told to pull it, but others have told me it is frowned upon to
> shorten the Arab mane. Help! Any advice would be appreciated.
> Thank You,
> Becky A. >>

Becky,

I encourage you to shorten your Arab's mane for hunter and dressage.
Since the increased popularity of the hunter classes, you see most top
hunter horses with pulled manes. The IAHA even changed the rule book to
reflect this popularity, allowing a shortened mane for purebreds showing
in hunter/show hack/dressage in Arab shows. I am always of the opinion
that you need to 'look the part' and a shortened, braided mane shows you
are a 'serious' competitor, IMHO. I shocked my 'Arab' friends when i
pulled BOTH of my Arabs' manes ;-) -- I showed exclusively in open (all
breed) dressage competition, winning local/regional and even national
championships. If you do not know how to do professional-looking
braids, and don't have someone to do it for you, or show you how, get
Susan Harris' book on braids and braiding and practice at home before
you go to a show. I liked the 'button' sew-in type of braids. It always
took me about an hour, but the braids I used stayed looking nice for
the course of a 2-day show.

Feel free to e-mail me if you'd like any more info..

cyndi craig farson
cyndi.farson@chron.com
donerail farm
alvin, tx

Home Events Groups Rider Directory Market RideCamp Stuff