Hogging

Question
Hello. I have a question about hogging a horse's mane. My Hunter/Jumper is an Oldenburg/Arabian Cross (although he looks more thoroughbred, but more oldenburg then arab). He's a chestnut. He wripped out large sections of his mane and now they stick up like a mohawk. I am doing a hunter/jumper show at the end of October. We will be doing 2'0 and 2'3 hunter and 2'6 jumper. I tried to plait it today and it looked terrible! My trainer said that i should hog it. Is hogging a good idea if we will be competing in Hunter and Jumper classes? What would i do with his forelock? How long will it take to grow back to a length that i will be able to plait? Do hunter judge's dock marks for a hogged mane? Any suggestions?

Answer
to be completely honest I dont know how long a horses mane has to be so it can be plait. I do not ride english and I dont do the fancy western stuff either so I never have to put my horses mane up....(we barrel race, pole bend, and reining)....well anyways If you have the money there are extenstions for your horse's mane and forelock....you'll have to look around and every now and then you might beable to find a used one on this website (www.tacktrader.com). But if you do not have the money then just cut his mane so that it is even and do NOT cut his forelock as these never grow back. If you do decide to cut his mane try to protect and keep it healthy. I hope this helps and good luck.