How to Braid Your Horse's Mane: Hunter Under Saddle

If you are showing in the Hunter Under Saddle class at a small local show, you might not be required to braid your horse's mane. But if you plan to show at breed shows, or at more competitive open shows, those braids are a part of your overall grooming and turnout. Even when they are not required, braids in a Hunter Under Saddle horse's mane make the turnout look more polished and professional. Learning to braid your horse's mane properly can give you a competitive edge and help your horse stand out from the crowd.

Things You'll Need

  • 4-ply yarn
  • Latch hook
  • Alligator hair clip
  • Mane comb
  • Scissors
  • Spray bottle
  • Gel or braiding solution
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Instructions

    • 1

      Cut the 4-ply strips of yarn into 12-inch long pieces. Set those strips, along with your other assembled tools, on a table that is easy to reach from where you will be working. Tie your horse to a secure post.

    • 2

      Shampoo and condition your horse's mane. Brush the mane with the mane comb until it is approximately 4 inches long.

    • 3

      Spray the first third of the mane with the braiding solution or gel. The mane should be thoroughly damp before you start braiding.

    • 4

      Make a 1-inch wide part in the hair with the mane comb. Hold the rest of the mane apart with the alligator clip from the 1-inch section.

    • 5

      Separate the 1-inch section into three pieces, then braid those three pieces together. Add the yarn when you are halfway through the braid. The yarn should be folded in half.

    • 6

      Separate the yarn tails so each one goes to a separate section of the braid. Continue braiding until you reach the end of the section of hair. Keep the hair taut as you work, and pull the hair toward you. When you are finished, the braid should stand away from the horse's neck.

    • 7

      Wrap the yarn tails around the braid, and tie a single knot. Pinch the end of the braid with one hand while tying the knot with the other to secure the braid.

    • 8

      Remove the alligator clip, and section off another 1-inch piece of mane. Put the alligator clip back on the remaining mane to keep it out of your way as you work. Continue to braid each 1-inch section of mane until the entire mane is braided.

    • 9

      Insert the end of the latch hook through the top of the braid. Grab the yarn tails with the latch hook, and gently pull on the end of the braid until it is against the horse's crest. Secure the rest of the braids with the latch hook in the same manner.