How to Braid the Western Pleasure Horses Mane

It is common for horseback riders in English riding events to braid their horses' manes prior to competitions. Western events such as western pleasure are slightly more laid back about mane styles, but some riders still opt to braid or band their pleasure horses' manes. Braiding horse manes requires practice and skill to create a neat and orderly appearance. If you are unsure about your ability to produce a professional looking braiding job, you should not attempt to braid your horse's mane for a show, as a bad braid job can cost you in terms of appearance.

Things You'll Need

  • Pulling comb
  • Banding comb
  • Rubber bands (color of horse's mane)
  • Scissors
  • Shampoo
  • Conditioner
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Instructions

    • 1

      Use the pulling comb to pull the horse's mane. The pulling comb is used to brush the mane down, then wrap around the longest hairs and pull them out. The pulling comb thins and shortens the mane. Manes should be a length of four to four and a half inches.

    • 2

      Wash, condition and brush out the mane.

    • 3

      Use the banding comb to separate the pieces of hair to be braided. Each braid should be approximately one centimeter wide. Divide each section into three strands and braid them normally. Get as close to the end of the mane as possible. Wrap a rubber band around the bottom of the braid. Repeat with entire mane. Try to keep braid length and rubber band placement as consistent as possible.