Types of Braided Manes

The mane of a horse is a defining characteristic that is beautifully displayed in a braid. Each braid technique showcases the mane in a different manner. It is best to practice the braiding techniques on a piece of rope or twine before attempting them on a horse. As with your own hair, the healthier the mane, the prettier the braid.

  1. Pre-Braiding

    • Proper care should be taken before braiding a mane to be sure that the hair is clean and tangle free. Gently brush out the mane to remove burrs, sticks, tangles or other items that can get caught in the mane. Do not use a comb to brush the mane, this will pull the hairs out and will cause damage to the hair. Wash and condition right before braiding because you want to have the mane damp while braiding. Another important thing to do before braiding is to practice braiding on scrap rope or twine. This will improve your overall braiding skills and prepare you for working with a mane.

    Hunter Braids

    • Hunter braids are the traditional style of braids for English riding events. Braiding the horse's mane in hunter braids is not difficult; however, it does require quite a bit of time. Hunter braids can be done on a horse with almost any length of mane. The braiding for this style is simply narrow braids banded up into small loops. The braids give the horse an elegant look, allowing the neck line to be clearly visible. Do not leave this braid in for longer than a day. The braids may cause the horse to itch and scratch off the mane.

    Running Braid

    • The running braid is a long French braid that runs down the neck at an angle. It requires a fairly long mane for the look to be complete. Creating a running braid takes remarkably little time yet still gives the horse a beautiful look. The running braid slips out fairly easily, so consider using some gel or hair spray to encourage the braid to stay in place. Leaving the running braid in a horse's mane for a long time is OK. Because the braid is loose, the horse will not rub it as much as other braids.

    Continental Braid

    • Traditionally seen on the beautiful manes of Arabian horses, this braid will look lovely on any horse with a long mane. The braid forms by separating small sections of the mane into dainty diamond shapes, then connecting them with bands. This gives the horse's mane a netted look. This is a great braid for those who are afraid a normal braid might come loose. When done properly the braid will not come undone unless pulled. Do not leave this braid in for extended periods of time.