Plaits like these should be everyone’s aim in our opinion.
I never could understand why my plaits looked rubbish and then I did a bit of plaiting for a pro friend whose plaits always looked good even after being done by me! I came to the conclusion its all down to the mane. It needs to be short and thin (I appreciate that this is not always possible on a lot of horses – just ask Katie!) . I now pull my horses mane much shorter during the eventing season and pull it thinner. I also now start at the poll rather than at the withers. Do not ask me why but they always look neater.
A friend once commented that for a truly professional look you can never get enough plaits in, she once had 20 plaits for 4*. I am not quite at that level of obsession with a paltry 12 in comparison for a one day but who knows if I ever make it to a trot up I might double my efforts!
So true also by starting at the poll when they start fidgeting its easier to finish as I can reach the lower section from the ground and can move with him. I also get 12 in although if going to a bigger event would probably go for 14. Its harder on my boy as the first section of his mane is black and fine then the rest is white and coarser
I have a superstition to always have an uneven number of plaits (including the forelock)so I have to have 11 or 15 – 13 is a BIG NO-NO. Always start at the poll and use a cloth/sponge/wet brush to dampen a wirey mane, keep the plaits evenly spaced using a small mane comb and always use needle and thread – plaiting bands are horrible! 🙂
Cheap hair gel spray is also great and doesn’t cost as much as horse plaiting products! I often have 15/16 plaits for a one day, clearly I have too much time on my hands!!! 😀