How to Braid a Horse's Mane for Dressage

For most show events, it is a matter of simply grooming a horse. The proper presentation of a horse for a dressage event is to braid his mane. If you can do a simple three-way braid, you can easily master the task of braiding your horse's mane for dressage.

Things You'll Need

  • Comb
  • Water
  • Rubber bands
  • Yarn
  • Yarn needle
  • Hair gel
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Clean the horse the day before the event. Comb out and trim his mane as part of this day's grooming activity.

    • 2

      Collect the supplies you need to braid your horse's mane. Allow yourself plenty of time to braid his mane of the day of the event. With a bit of practice you should be able to finish the task in less than an hour.

    • 3

      Tie the horse in his stall. Work on his right side. Use a step stool if necessary.

    • 4

      Start at the top of his head. Section off a four-inch part. Dampen the mane. Divide that section into three parts. Bring the right clump of hair over the middle. Bring the left clump over the middle. Repeat this process to the end of that section of hair. Tie it off with a rubber band that matches the horse's mane.

    • 5

      Continue braiding the remaining sections of horse's mane as you started in Step 4. Braid his forelock when you finish.

    • 6

      Pull the end of the braid up to the top of the mane. This forms a loop or a "button." Use another rubber band to attach it in place. Continue this process with the other braids. Or you can use a needle and yarn that matches the horse's mane to sew each loop in place.

    • 7

      Apply hair gel to keep the stray hairs in place. Or use a commercial horse hair product.