Can I plait a M&M for non M&M show classes?

[Saggyoldclothcatpuss]

DDs lovely pony is an unregistered traditional Shetland. All of local shows round here have been hijacked by Ponies UK and the like, so she can't compete in any of the M&M classes. She would like to move into other things like riding club pony etc. Can she plait for these? DPony looks gorgeous plaited, but really needs her mane pulled. Should I or shan't I?

If you can't compete in m and m classes any more as there are none for unreg ponies, then yes I would pull and plait. Unless you are particularly attached to the long mane? Or have a look round, surely there must be some unreg classes near you, maybe at an rc you don't usually go to?

We have very few local shows, only about 3 a year.

That's unlucky, Go with pulling then, unless you think he would look nice with one long plait along his neck, if you have seen what I mean? Often looks good on long manes but maybe a shetland's would be too thick?