How to Do Dressage Braids with Rubber Bands

Dressage, a term that is derived from the French meaning "training," is a competitive equine sport that focuses on honing the athletic and training ability of a horse. Similar to ballet, dressage requires both horse and rider to perform specific tasks while looking as relaxed and effortless as possible. Part of a properly trained horse is a properly groomed one. Creating button braids along the crest of your horse's neck will allow judges to see the conformation and position of your horse as it responds to your aids. Create button braids with small rubber bands for a clean, well turned-out look.

Things You'll Need

  • Spray bottle
  • Wide-tooth comb or mane divider
  • Mane clips
  • Colored braid bands
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Instructions

    • 1

      Prepare the mane. Trim or pull your horse's mane to 4 to 5 inches in length. There should be a uniform and clean edge along the trimmed end of the horse's hair. Wet the hair with water from a spray bottle. The hair should be saturated but not dripping wet. Comb the hair with a wide tooth comb to make sure no snags, debris or knots tangle in the hair.

    • 2

      Begin at the poll. Separate the hair into 1-inch sections. Use a ruler to help guide you to make sure braids are evenly spaced. Keep locks separated with small clips.

    • 3

      Start at the poll again and separate the first section of hair into three even locks. Braid a vertical, three-strand braid until you get to the very edge of the hair. Leave as little of the "tail" as possible at the end of the braid. Fold the tail up and behind the braid.

    • 4

      Secure the end of the braid by wrapping a braiding band that matches the hue of your horse's mane several times around the braid. It should form a tiny knob at the end of the braid.

    • 5

      Fold one-third of the braid up and behind itself, and then fold it again so three layers of the braid are stacked against each other. Wrap a second braiding band around the base of the folded braid as close to the crest as possible. Wrap the band three to four times around the braid to make it secure. This creates a small knob or "button" on your horse's crest.

    • 6

      Repeat the process with the remaining sections of hair. Re-wet the hair as necessary, spraying each lock down with water before braiding.