How to Do Jumper Braids

Jumper braids, also called hunter braids, are done on horse manes when they compete in horse shows. Some horse shows are casual and don't require braids, but many rated competitions require jumper/hunter braids. They're also a decorative way to keep your horse's mane tangle-free. The prep work that goes into jumper braids can be time consuming, especially if your horse has a thick mane, but with a little patience and a freshly pulled mane, you can learn to make your own jumper braids.

Things You'll Need

  • Mane comb
  • Pulling comb (humane or regular)
  • Spray bottle
  • Water
  • Yarn
  • Rug hook
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Instructions

    • 1

      Comb the mane with a mane comb to get rid of any knots and tangles. Comb both the underside and the top of the mane.

    • 2

      "Pull" the mane with a regular or humane pulling comb. A regular pulling comb is used to pull out hair by the root, while a humane pulling comb has a built-in razor that cuts the hair with the push of a button. Don't use scissors to trim a mane; the finish will be too blunt and unnatural.

    • 3

      Grasp a small amount of hair in your left hand and use a pulling comb in your right to backcomb the hair toward the root two or three times. When only a few strands remain in your left hand, wrap them around the comb and pull down sharply to pull the hair out from the root. Or, wrap the hair and press the button on the humane pulling comb and the hair will be trimmed.

    • 4

      Continue pulling until the entire mane is uniform in length, usually 6 to 8 inches depending on the horse. This process takes two or more weeks. Don't attempt to pull the entire mane in one day; it could be painful for the horse.

    • 5

      Wet the mane down with water in a spray bottle. You're ready to start jumper braids.

    • 6

      Section off a small amount of the mane, anywhere from half and inch to an inch depending on the thickness of the hair.

    • 7

      Divide the section into three parts and tightly weave the right strand over the middle one, then the left strand over the middle one. Continue tightly braiding this way until you get about halfway down the hair.

    • 8

      Take a foot-length piece of yarn and put half with the left strand and half with the right strand. As you continue braiding, the yarn will be tightly bound in with the braid.

    • 9

      Hold the three strands together at the end and loop the yarn around the braid to secure it. Tie a knot to keep the yarn and braid in place.

    • 10

      Push a rug hook into the top of the braid, careful not to loosen it. Hook the yarn with the hook and pull it up through the top of the braid. Hold the braid flat against the horse while you pull the yarn through so the looped braid will lie flat when you're finished.

    • 11

      Use the yarn to tie a half knot under the braid, then bring the ends of the yarn to the front and tie a firm knot on the top side of the braid.

    • 12

      Trim the loose ends of yarn and continue the process across the whole mane until you have a row of hunter/jumper braids.