When judging a hunter style class in a field derby which do u prefer: Sloppy braids v. no braids?

Braiding for huntseat riding is an age old tradition that dates back to early Fox Hunting when riders were in need of a solution to keeping their horses' mane from catching on trees and brush. Braids kept the mane nice and tidy from bramble while on the hunt and even helped to signal other hunt riders if a horse kicked or not depending on what side the braids laid on the neck.




While braiding has become a necessity for success in many hunter show rings today, some local shows do not require braids in order to place. When showing locally and at "B" rated shows which do you think judges prefer: sloppy braids or no braids and a pulled mane? We vote for a neatly pulled, appropriate length, mane. By "rocking" a nice pulled mane you can still show off your horse's crest without any distracting loose braids or annoying string.



However, it is still important to remember when braiding is essential. At local and lower rated horse shows if you compete in a prize or special class, such as any of our Hunter Derbies, neat and tight braiding woul be considered essential in order to compete. In our prize classes our judges will be judging not only on horse and rider performance but also efforts of embracing the traditional roots of hunting, including formal attire, appropriate tack, and neat braiding.