Directions for Braiding Manes

Unlike other sports competitions, horse shows have as much to do with looks as with performance. Judges examine the competing horses very closely, and a clean and well-groomed horse can make the difference between a medal and a “nice try.” One method that some horse trainers and showers use is to braid the horse's mane; this braiding shows a level of care and concern that can skyrocket some trainers past the competition. With patience and practice, most people can learn to braid manes to help create a beautiful style for the show.

Things You'll Need

  • Shampoo Brush or comb Grooming product Yarn
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Instructions

    • 1

      Wash the horse's mane as you normally would to remove all dirt, dust and other contaminants. The braid will not look as good if you braid dirt into it.

    • 2

      Comb or brush the mane to remove all tangles. The hair will be much easier to braid if it is untangled. Keep the brush or comb with you as you proceed to help remove any tangles you find along the way.

    • 3

      Start the braid just behind the bridle path of the horse's mane, or at the first area of the mane that does not belong in the horse's forelock. This area will be different for every horse.

    • 4

      Spray QuicBraid or another horse grooming product onto the top three to four inches of the horse's main. These products reduce stray hairs and help you get a better grip on the hair while you braid.

    • 5

      Separate the hair into three sections, each about ½-inch wide. Cross the left strand over the center strand, and then the right strand over the (now new) center strand, like a normal braid.

    • 6

      Grasp the left strand and add about ½-inch of extra hair from that side of the mane. Adding more hair to the left strand helps you ensure that the braid will include almost all of the hair from the mane. Continue to braid, adding about ½-inch of hair each time you use the left strand to cross over into the center.

    • 7

      Apply steady pressure to the braid as you go, gently pulling each crossover to keep it tight and secure. Do not tug violently on the hair, or else you may hurt or scare the horse. Spray more grooming product or comb out tangles as needed.

    • 8

      Continue braiding until you reach the horse's withers, near where the saddle goes. Depending on your horse, the hair at this stage may be very short. If necessary, leave these hairs out of the braid so that they do not fall out later.

    • 9

      Tie off the braid with a piece of yarn to hold it securely in place. If you like you can tuck the end of the braid up under the main body of the braid so that it does not hang over the horse's shoulder.

    • 10

      Cut off any loose pieces of string. Spray the mane with grooming product and press down on any loose hairs to secure them into place.