How to Braid a Hunter Jumper Horse

Hunter jumper is a type of horseback riding discipline, which stems from the old style of hunting while on horseback. This type of riding, which includes jumping a pattern of obstacles, is both exciting and challenging. There's also a very specific way to braid a horse's mane when you plan to show in this discipline. The hunter braided mane is very neat and tidy, and keeps the horse's mane out of the way of the rider. The hunter braiding technique can take several tries to master, but it can be done even by beginner riders.

Things You'll Need

  • Horse shampoo
  • Hair clip
  • Several pieces of yarn, 12 inches long
  • Braid pull
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Instructions

    • 1

      Shampoo the horse's mane with horse shampoo. Then, trim the mane until it's only about 4 inches long. Some riders prefer to "pull" the horse's mane as well; this thins a mane that's too thick to braid. Pulling the mane involves pulling out the longest hairs, which shortens and thins the mane at the same time. It's often easiest to braid a mane that's damp or has been sprayed with a styling solution or gel.

    • 2

      Start at the top of the neck, the poll, which is nearest the horse's head. Braid the mane on the side of the neck it naturally falls on. (Trying to flip the mane to the other side to braid will be uncomfortable for the horse, and may cause the braids to stick up.) Separate out a section of mane that's about 1 inch wide. Use a hair clip to hold the rest of the mane back while you work.

    • 3

      Separate this section of mane into three pieces and braid it.

    • 4

      Fold a 12-inch piece of yarn in half. When you're about half finished with the braid on this first section of mane, start weaving the yarn into the braid. Hold the yarn with one of the three clumps of the braid, and continue to braid it in with the rest. Ideally, the yarn you use should be the same color as your horse's mane.

    • 5

      Tie the finished braid off with the two ends of the yarn.

    • 6

      Use a braid pull to finish the braid. Insert the pull through the very top, front of the braid. Hook the end of the braid, including the yarn, in the hook part, then move the braid pull up to bring the end of the braid slightly through the top of the braid. Remove the braid pull.

    • 7

      Separate the two strands of yarn. Move one to the left of the braid, the other to the right. Bring the ends down, and cross them under the braid. Bring the yarn ends back up to the front of the braid, and tie them neatly in the exact front center of each braid. The finished braid should rest flat and look neat.

    • 8

      Trim off any excess yarn.

    • 9

      Repeat this process, working your way down the rest of the horse's neck. Each braid should be the same size as the previous one. The forelock of the horse can be braided in the same manner.