Banding a Horse Mane

In English horse shows, the horse's mane is often braided to show off the horse's neck and make it look slender and neat. Western riders band their horses' manes for the same reason. Banding is a time-consuming and challenging occupation for beginners, and it may take hours of practice to get it to look perfect. It is also important to practice on your horse as often as possible to familiarize it with the process. Band the mane the day before the show to save time and anxiety.

Things You'll Need

  • Braiding bands
  • Alligator clips
  • Comb
  • Mane-taming spritzer
  • Scissors
  • Step stool
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Instructions

    • 1

      Wash and condition the mane. Pull it ̵2; a method of trimming and thinning ̵2; to an even length of 3 inches. Comb it out and make certain there are no tangles. Spray the mane with a mane-taming spritzer.

    • 2

      Start at the top of the mane. Separate a 1/2-inch thick section of mane and clip the mane beside it up and out of the way with a crocodile clip. Pull the strand of hair through a rubber band. Wrap the band around the hair as many times as needed, twisting it each time until it is tight. Pull the section of hair apart beneath the rubber band to push the band to the top of the mane and make the mane lie flat.

    • 3

      Separate the next 1/2-inch thick piece of mane hair and repeat the process. Each banded piece should be the same size as the others and should lie flat against the horse's neck. Band or braid the forelock after you have completed the neck. Once all the bands are completed, go back and tighten them and make certain they have an even appearance. Cover your horse with "sleepwear" to keep the bands in place and prevent it from rubbing them loose overnight.

    • 4

      Trim any long pieces of mane after the banding is complete to make it as even as possible.