speaking of traditional?

[What'szat]

So what does everyone think of the braiding boycot at Brawley's? As far as traditionalism goes not braiding is definitely breaking all of the rules. Although it has gotten very expensive!!!! What do we do? How many of you that don't braid now would like to learn in order to save on expenses? Also think of all the people that had wonderful pictures at Brawley's and then there horse wasn't braided. I truly beleive that hunters should be braided. So what do we do?

[minime1]

I am a braider I would gladly teach anyone who wants to learn how to do it. Anyone interested maybe this fall we could schedule some clinics in Oregon and Washington, so those wanting to do it can learn how. It is very expensive I agree, but it is also how we supprt ourselves it is my only job and I am on the road from late January through October, for me to be able to do that and be on the road with the barns I work for I have to make enough during the 8 or 9 months to live for the 3 1/2 months that I don't work. It is also one of the few things that exhibitors have a choice in. If the farrier raises his hates we have to pay them, when stall rates go up we have to pay them to be able to go, Braiding is one of the few things in the horse show world that is optional if rates get too high or are unaffordable it IS something that can be done by yourself. Most braiders I work with would be willing to give a braiding clinic. Would this be something people are interested in I don't know, but the opportunity is there to learn yourself.

[Fortune]

I am interested in learning how to braid tails and getting tips/help to continue to improve w/ braiding manes. I think knowing how to braid is a good skill to have even if you decide not to braid at shows.

[ProvidenceJRhtr]

I would love to learn how to braid manes and tails, I think that I would make it so I could go to more shows in a year and that would be great, I have a feeling that my trainer would be all over having a clinic at our barn www.collinswoodfarm.com. I will talk to her about that, but clinics would be a great idea, I know a great amount of people that would love the learn how to braid!
I am a strong beleiver that hunters should almost always be braided!

[GloryBoundhj]

I think its very nice to be braided for shows, you look nicer and it just feels more important. I kinda know how to braid, but usually we just hire someone to braid or my trainer does it.

[countercanter]

I pretty much missed Brawleys this year so I hadn't heard about a braiding boycott. I have always been a firm believer in braiding at the A shows though, even in unrecognized divisions where it isn't necessarily required. To me, having your horse unbraided says, "hey judge! I really don't think we have a shot here so I didn't even bother to braid my horse!"

[kathryn_rose<3]

I pretty much missed Brawleys this year so I hadn't heard about a braiding boycott. I have always been a firm believer in braiding at the A shows though, even in unrecognized divisions where it isn't necessarily required. To me, having your horse unbraided says, "hey judge! I really don't think we have a shot here so I didn't even bother to braid my horse!"
i DEFINITLEY AGREE! i dont show hunter \ jumpers too much but even if im doing hunter hack at a paint show i get my horse braided

[Savanna]

I missed Brawley this year, what all happened?

[RMSS492]

I agree that braiding has gotten expensive,but I feel that it was handled a little harsh. Our braiders work very hard to make sure our horses look their best for us to show.Often times when I get to the show at 6:30 they are still there working hard.
There have been so many times when I have been braiding my horse and ran into to trouble, and even if they are in the middle of doing other horses they will always take the time to come and help me, even if it 7:30 and they are finshed and ready to leave for the day!!I support our braiders 100%.
:):):)

[AidEE]

omg i had mo idea!!!! yeah i also believe that hunters should ALWAYS have their manes braided. I braid my own horse's mane and tail. And i would be happy to teach anyone :D

[Pinnacle]

hunters should definately be braided! I braid my own horse and other horses when I have time.. it's not like it's hard to do and it definately completes that classic hunter look!

[minime1]

coming from all the braiders thanks so much for the support. The thing at Brawleys was a little funny in that while so many people were in an uproar their were just as many (while maybe not as vocal) that supported their braider I know myself that I got more happy grams more tips and more thank you notes than ever. My co-workers also said that their barns had been great. By the way we really appreciate the thank you's in a pretty thankless job. So those of you who do it know that we do notice the thank you in the memo line :)

[What'szat]

Braid On! With many thanks!

[SevdaTVF]

:D If you think braiding is too expensive...you should learn how to do it yourself. Seems like there are a LOT of people who are willing to teach you. Instead of boycotting the braiders just do it yourself! Waking up before the sun comes up to braid for the USET isnt always fun but it gives you time to bond with your horse!

[live2ride2live]

i luv braiding, it looks so pretty. its very formal! i dont know how to braid tails and kinda suck at manes but would absolutly luv to learn! :D

[Honeyloupe]

I pretty much missed Brawleys this year so I hadn't heard about a braiding boycott. I have always been a firm believer in braiding at the A shows though, even in unrecognized divisions where it isn't necessarily required. To me, having your horse unbraided says, "hey judge! I really don't think we have a shot here so I didn't even bother to braid my horse!"

I absolutely agree!

[gloryrider]

I'm trying to learn how to braid so I can save money at shows. My barn ALWAYS has our horses braided. At "B" shows and above, I think braiding manes should be a given. We only get our horses tails braided for the bigger, end-of-the-year shows (like Pony Finals). Gotta save those tail hairs!