Tail plaiting

[yawning801]

So I'm v. shit at plaiting tails, does anyone have any tips to make it as painless as possible? She's only 12hh and I have a bad back so I don't want to be down there too long lest I get the hoof!

[maxelly]

I'm pretty useless at plaiting too and avoid it wherever possible (especially tails), but I do think you are still required to plait both mane and tail for BHS Stage 2??

For what it's worth (!) my best tips are to make sure the tail is nicely pulled/shaped before you start (as you say she's 12hh I wonder if she's got a lovely native-style bushy tail, which are a nightmare to plait, should always be au naturelle IMO!), and you've brushed out any tangles. Dampen the hair slightly with a sponge to keep things neat. Make sure you pull the hairs tightly at each 'stage' of the plait and keep the amounts of hair you are bringing in even to avoid lumps.

Practice makes perfect .... or makes you abandon ever plaiting again!

[Butkin1]

Why would anybody plait tails unless being done for polo?

I'm guessing Pony Club but so old fashioned now. Thank goodness nobody has to plait for showing - in fact would be frowned upon..

[yawning801]

YouTube is indeed my friend frosty... thank you! Wish me luck!

[frostyfingers]

You Tube is your friend! I taught myself to plait with it, there are loads of videos.