Ideas for Braiding a Horse's Mane

A horse's mane is its crowning glory. While some breeds don shorter manes, and others sport long and loose hair, a common theme in many English classes is braiding. Braiding a mane can make the horse look tidy, as well as allow a judge a clean view of the neck. Braiding can also help protect the mane hairs and keep them from tangling and breaking.

  1. Hunter Braid

    • Hunter braids are the most common type of braid used in the English riding ring. The mane is washed, conditioned lightly and left slightly damp. It is then divided into sections, roughly two inches apart, which are neatly and tightly braided from top to tip. The end of the braid is then doubled underneath and sewn into place with matching thread. When done properly, the braids will be identical and form a neat row down the horse's neck.

    Running Braid

    • The Running braid is often used for protecting long manes when they are not being shown. The braid starts at the top of the neck right behind the ears. Small sections of the mane are added, as the braid is wound along the neckline, until there is a running braid from the poll to the withers, incorporating the entire mane in one long braid.

    Continental Braid

    • This Continental Braid is used in breeds that have very long manes, such as the Arabian. The mane is banded the mane into small sections by separating the hair and placing a rubber band around the section about one inch from the neckline. Each of the sections is split in half and banded to the adjacent split sections about three inches further down. The process is repeated in another row the same distance as the first. At least half of the mane is braided, resulting in a look that resembles a beautiful net with dangling tips.

    Stable Braid

    • The Stable braid is used strictly for maintaining the length, health and cleanliness of the horse's hair and is not to be used for the show ring. The horse is usually freshly washed with a mane that is still damp. The mane is combed free of tangles, then divided into even sections. These sections are braided from the neckline to tip, then sealed with rubber bands at the ends. The braids are left hanging loose and can be redone once or twice a week to maintain their tightness.