How to English Braid a Mane

English braiding is a basic part of proper show turnout for many middle to upper level equestrian events. Neat and orderly braids show the judges and audience that a competitor has spent time and effort working to make her horse look its best. Learning to braid well can be a challenge but is worth the effort because you will always be able to make sure your show horse has a nice turnout in the ring. Some riders even make money at horse shows braiding the manes of their fellow competitors' horses. The most common braid is the Hunter braid.

Things You'll Need

  • Yarn the color of your horse's mane (cut into 12-inch long sections)
  • Latch hook
  • Mane comb
  • Scissors
  • Spray bottle of water
  • Hairspray
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Pull your horse's mane to a length of approximately four inches using the mane comb. Do not cut the mane with scissors, as it will not have a natural appearance. Pulling the mane both shortens and thins the mane. Wash the mane after pulling it and allow it to dry without putting any kind of conditioner or hair products on it.

    • 2

      Separate out a section of mane that is approximately half an inch to 1 inch wide, depending on the thickness of your horse's mane (some manes, even after pulling, are just naturally bulkier than others) and your braiding preference. Spray the section down lightly with water in spray bottle to make it easier to work with.

    • 3

      Braid the section of mane you have separated out, applying downward pressure as you braid. Halfway down the braid, lay a piece of yarn folded in half on the center strand parallel with it. Finish the braid with the yarn interwoven and then knot the yarn to tie off the end of the braid. You will still have several inches of yarn dangling below the end of the braid. Repeat this process with the rest of the mane.

    • 4

      Use the latch hook to pull the yarn tails back up under the braid and through the top of the braid at the horse's neck, making a loop out of the braid. Grasp one yarn tail in each hand and then pull them back under the braid and cross them. Bring the ends of the yarn tails back around to the front of the braid and tie them in a double knot in the approximate middle of the braid. Cut away excess yarn. Repeat this process with rest of mane. Spray the finished mane down with hairspray.