The Fell Pony Societys literature says that Fells should not be clipped, trimmed or braided. Does this mean “not ever”, or just not for showing?
Definitely, if you’re going to a show, don’t braid or “plait” in the few days beforehand. The mane and tail hair is supposed to be straight, and shown in its natural state, but clean and brushed out. Physically challenging competitions such as cross country riding or driving may mean that the pony needs to be body clipped for effective cooling. You might also braid the mane to allow air to circulate over the neck for the same reason, or plait up the tail to keep it from getting muddy. The pony’s comfort is the main consideration. It’s possible to compete without compromising the normal look of the pony on its non-competitive days. You wouldn’t show a pony that is clipped in summer time if you were in the UK, but for competitive events or for farm work in a hot area it may be a necessary choice.
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