Different Braiding Styles for a Horse's Mane

Braiding a horse's mane is primarily done when preparing for a show or special event, though some horse owners choose to keep their horse's mane braided while in the barn. While hunter and dressage braids are used for specific competitions, other braids, such as the running braid or continental braid, are commonly used for horses with a longer mane, regardless of the event.

  1. Continental Braid

    • The continental braid is commonly seen on horses with long manes, such as Frisians or Arabians. This braid involves banding the mane, or placing a small rubber band around each small section of hair, near the horse's neck. After the whole mane has been banded, each section is split into two with each half being banded to a half from the section next to it, several inches down from the first band. This process of dividing and banding is continued until you are at least halfway down your horse's neck. The braid should look like a net when you are finished.

    Everyday Braid

    • Everyday braids are used while your horse is at home to give its mane a chance to grow longer and help prevent hairs from breaking. Divide your horse's mane into chunks, typically about 3 inches wide. A horse with a thicker mane might require smaller sections. Begin braiding each section loosely, pulling the braid tighter as you work down. When you near the bottom of your horse's mane, wrap a small braiding rubber band around the braid. Though not required, some owners choose to fold the braid up under itself and band it together for a neater appearance.

    Dressage and Hunter Braids

    • Dressage and hunter braids involve dividing the mane into 1 to 3-inch sections and tightly braiding each section. Hunters typically add a folded yarn to the braid halfway down. Dressage riders band the braid at the bottom and attach a string. After all the braids are finished, a large needle is used to bring the braid and yarn up to the top of the horse's neck. At this point, hunter riders tie the yarn around the middle of each braid, finishing them off, while dressage riders typically wrap the braid two more times, making it look more like a button before tying off the string.

    Running Braid

    • A running braid, like a continental braid, is used for horses with long manes and looks like a sideways French braid when finished. Running braids start at the top of the horse's mane. Use a small section of mane to start and continue down the neck, adding small sections as you go like you would in a French braid. At the end of the horse's mane, the remaining hair is braided and banded at the end. Depending on the length of the braid, the end is often folded under itself and hidden under the rest of the mane.