plaiting... help!?!?!

[barbie666]

not sure which part of forum to put tis in...

urm, does anyone know a way to plait so the plaits on the mane stand up a bit more sop theyre visible both sides, like the showjumpers have them...
i cant stop mine from flopping (most probably all through fault of my own.. im useless at plaiting), and my plait all ways look rubbish :(
and my fellers coming t see me ride first time ever and want murohs to look perfect :)

[Trixie]

If your plaits are quite loose and floppy they won't stand up. You have to make sure that at every crossover the portions of mane are pulled tight and don't slacken when you do the next crossover. You can put your thumb in the middle, pressing on the end of the plaited section to hold it all in place as you bring the outside hair in.

I must admit, I know how to do it, but I struggle to keep mine tight enough. Also, my hands get very tired and the first few plaits are always better than the rest.

I'm now struggling to plait a tail which has hairs at the top about a quarter of an inch long! Total nightmare!

[*Sez*]

Stand as high as you can so you plait upwards. A stool or upturned bucket would do. You need your plaits to be central alone the neck. Most people (myself included) plait across to the right hand side of the neck and this causes the plaits to flop as well. As noted, the plaits need to be tight. When you've rolled/folded your plaits, wrap some contrasting thread/tape around them to hold them upright.

[holiday]

These wouldnt be the best plaits in the world but do show you a little!! I have folded his mane rather than rolling as i would do for showing plaits - which would obviously be stitched in.

I have plaited really tightly down to the bottom, banded the bottom and folded the loose bit and included it with the band. Then folded up the bottom and folded again and banded with a white band to show them off a little. i could have put tape round which would have been better but didnt feel the need!!!!!!!!!!!1

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e321/Caroneno/harrykeyhead.jpg

I have folded my plaits on this picture although i havent plaited upwards as i have a bad shoulder due to ride and leading hunters for so long!!!!! I stand above the neck so it does lift them a little. Harry has a really thick mane as he is section b and it doesnt pull very well it just breaks so i have quite a lot to go at!! I personally cant plait really short manes but its everyones perference.

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e321/Caroneno/harrykeys.jpg

When viewed from a distance it does make the plaits appear to be stood up!! Hope that helps a little!!!!!!!!!!

[Nookster]

To make plaits stand up more, plait from the wrong side to which the mane lies. So if manes lies to the right - stand round to the left and plait tightly. Rollup on either side. Also use a mane tamer product which will set the plait and help to keep its volume.

[Holly B]

Also I think smaller plaits tend to stand up better so try doing lots of little ones. :D

[Love In A Mist]

HI, Like everyone else says keep the plait tight, i no it hard, try using some plaiting gel, to get a grip on them also i find it helps not plaiting streight after you have bathed and shampooed the main, i shampoo my horses main a day before the show then plait on the day.
talking of plaiting its hard at first but once you find a good way stick to it, i seem to be plaiting my horses all the time :S

[Siogfinsceal]

Stand as high as you can so you plait upwards. A stool or upturned bucket would do. You need your plaits to be central alone the neck. Most people (myself included) plait across to the right hand side of the neck and this causes the plaits to flop as well. As noted, the plaits need to be tight. When you've rolled/folded your plaits, wrap some contrasting thread/tape around them to hold them upright.

yup shes right!. Divide your mane (use a mane comb , make sure each section is equal and make sure you have an uneven numberon the mane), and stand on something so you are up taller than the horse (i always have to stand lol im tiny). When you are plaiting hold the hair up (I find it helps to put a little gel in first) and make sure you pull the plait tight each time and upwards. Stay standing on the block and lift the plait when you roll/fold it and make sure to secure with a couple of bands

Holiday - yours are a lovely example