How to Braid for an English Show

Horses that are shown in English-style shows always have their hair braided. The type of braid varies, depending on the class, but it is always neat in appearance. Start braiding your horse's mane only when it is clean, brushed and 4 inches to 5 inches long. Use wool to tie the braids that match your horse's mane or that is slightly darker. Braiding manes and tails is tricky but with practice your braids will look professional.

Things You'll Need

  • 30 feet of wool (for the mane)
  • 2 feet of wool (for the tail)
  • Rug hook
  • Comb
  • Brush
  • Hair clip
  • Gel
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Instructions

  1. Mane

    • 1

      Cut 30 pieces of wool that are about 1-foot long.

    • 2

      Wet a brush and brush the horse's mane so it is damp.

    • 3

      Separate 1 inch of mane at the top of the neck and keep the rest aside using a hair clip.

    • 4

      Fold the wool in half and keep it handy.

    • 5

      Divide the 1 inch section into three pieces and lift up the center piece.

    • 6

      Lay the wool so it is under the center piece and over the two side pieces.

    • 7

      Braid the mane tightly by pushing it down toward the horse's neck as you work instead of pulling it out.

    • 8

      Wrap the wool around the braid at the end of the knot. Take one strand of wool and wrap it in one direction around the end. Pull the end of the wool through the loop you just created. Repeat with the other strand of wool but wrap it in the opposite direction. Repeat this again, going in both directions as before.

    • 9

      Braid the remaining mane in the same fashion. Leaving the end of the wool to dangle until you are finished the entire mane.

    • 10

      Feed a small rug hook through the top of each braid as close to the center as possible. Use it to grab the wrapped wool at the bottom of the braid and close the door in the hook. Pull the wool end through the braid. Do this on all the braids.

    • 11

      Tie the braids by crossing the wool over and under the braid. Tie a single overhand knot. Wrap the wool back around the braid and secure it at the top one-third of the braid with a double overhand knot. Make sure the braid is smooth, straight and lies flat on the horse's neck. Repeat with all the braids. Cut the wool so it is 1/2 inch away from the knot.

    • 12

      Smooth any stray hairs with gel.

    Tail

    • 13

      Cut a 2-foot length of wool.

    • 14

      Divide the tail so you have one small section on the left and two small sections on the right.

    • 15

      Braid the tail using a French braid until you are 4 inches from the end of the dock (tail bone). This is where you stop French braiding.

    • 16

      Continue braiding the tail for 4 inches, then lay the wool so it is under the middle section and over the other two. Braid for another 6 inches. Tie the braid like you did with the mane.

    • 17

      Pull the braid through the bottom of the French section so it lies flat and even. Secure it with the wool. Use gel to smooth any excess hair.