[HairOfTheDog]

I think the braids and ribbons are commonly put in all the draft breed manes for shows and parades and things... And you will note from this picture they often dock the tails. Now that part is practical, to keep their tails from getting tangled in the harness, but I don't know if the main ties had a practical origin.... pinging the draft horse guy, Inge_Cav!

[Inge_CAV]

Not an expert on draft breeds and mine have full tails. They need those tails to swat flying insects away with. The tail docking must be for show only as I have never heard of tails getting tangled in harness. Come to think of it, I can't remember seeing any Amish teams with docked tails either. : )