How to Do Hunter Braids

If you and your horse are showing at rated equitation or hunter shows, beautiful hunter braids are a must. Years ago, rules were so specific that odd- or even-numbered braids were required, based on a horse's gender. These rules are outdated, but a neatly braided mane is still expected to maintain a professional look. Save yourself the money of hiring a groomer by mastering this technique yourself.

Things You'll Need

  • Spray bottle of water
  • Mane comb
  • Large hair clip
  • 12-inch strips of yarn the color of your horse's mane
  • Latch hook or rug hook
  • Scissors
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Instructions

    • 1

      Dampen the mane with the spray bottle. Use the comb to separate a section of hair about 1 inch wide. Keep nearby hair out of your way with the hair clip.

    • 2

      Braid the section, pulling down instead of toward you. Halfway through the braid, insert the middle of a single folded piece of yarn directly where you paused your braiding. Continue to braid, incorporating one half of that yarn strand with one section of the braid and the other half with another section.

    • 3

      Wrap and knot the yarn around the end of the braid to secure it.

    • 4

      Braid the rest of the mane, using the same process. Keep the width of the sections and tension consistent to create identical braids.

    • 5

      Insert the latch or rug hook through the top of a single braid at the crest. Thread the loose ends of yarn through the end of the hook and pull the yarn through the top of the braid. Don't pull so hard that the end of the braid comes through the top; it should just meet the crest. Repeat this for all the braids.

    • 6

      Separate the strands of yarn with each braid, bringing one piece down on either side of the braid. Cross underneath the braid and bring to the top. Tie a double knot and trim the excess yarn.