Does plaiting really help a horses mane grow?

Wow... i am soo sorry! That would absolutely suck! Well, to answer your question, no, plaiting doesn't really help! While i was in 4H, I rode this amazing black Canadian/Mustang cross gelding and his mane was WAYY past his shoulders!! I asked the owner how she keeps it this long and untangled and she said she uses Nexxus shampoo and conditioner! Its kind of expensive but it works great!! Also Keeping it braided is a good way to keep it clean and healthy! We used an oil stuff like they use in hair salons after they wash you hair and before they style it. His mane was in great shape and it looked amazing after taking the braids out before a show. We took the braids out at least once a week and brushed his mane and tail, washed them, put the oil stuff on then braided the main and tail and put the tail into a tail bag; and there are little bags for their forelocks as well! You do the same thing with that and put it in a bag. It keeps it healthy and clean! Hope this helps! =D Good Luck!