On the racetrack, braiding or weaving not only shows the curve of the horse's neck, but also keeps the mane away from your face as the horse jumps. You can make a simple braid design, using an elastic band, but if the horse is competing in a fashionable category such as matching horseback riding or obstacle jumping, we recommend making a loop or button braid.
Step
Method 1 of 5: Preparing the Horse and the Mane
Step 1. Pull and trim the mane if necessary
If the horse's mane is thick, "pulling" it with a horse comb will make it much tidier and easier to handle. On the other hand, if the mane is already thin, you can trim it with a knife so that the length is even. The mane is usually trimmed to no more than a hand's length (about 10 cm), although in button braids this is not so important.
- If the horse's mane is dirty, wash it first with shampoo, but without conditioner. Conditioner makes the mane slippery and difficult to braid.
- Ideally, washing and pulling should be done at least a day before braiding.
Step 2. Tie the horse
Moor the horse in a quiet place free from distractions. Braiding is quite time consuming, so you can provide hay to keep the horse still. However, some horses do not want to stay still while eating. Use your discretion.
Leave room for braiding the horse on the right side, which has become a tradition for hopping and horse riding competitions. For a jumping race, you can braid the mane on whichever side it falls naturally
Step 3. Set the place
Before getting started, there are a few steps to consider to make the process easier. Follow these suggestions if they are appropriate for where to braid and the equipment you are using:
- Sweep hay and other ground cover away from the horse so you can find fallen objects, especially if you're using a needle.
- Place a bench near the horse if you can't reach the horse's neck easily. Working the mane at waist height is probably the easiest.
Step 4. Put down the toolbox, or wear an apron or overalls with large pockets
Step 5. Brush the mane with a wet body brush
Take a soft body brush and dip it in water, egg white or horse hair gel, to keep the mane flat and easy to work with. Gently brush to untangle any creases.
There are several ways to separate egg whites. Try cracking the egg in the middle, then moving the yolk back and forth between the two halves of the shell, spilling the egg white into the bowl below
Step 6. Choose a braiding method
Continue through the sections below, or use these suggestions to decide which one to try:
- The ribbon braiding method is easy to do, and depicts a simple, dangling braid. Best used on a short mane.
- The yarn used to hold the braid is sturdier and looks more professional, but is a bit more difficult and time consuming. The method pictured here produces an attractive twist braid along the neck.
- Sewing produces a "button braid" which is often used on matching studs. You will need to use string or thread first before you sew it.
- The "running braid" type of braid is quick and easy, but it is not suitable for racing.
Method 2 of 5: Braiding with Elastic Rubber Straps
Step 1. Divide the mane into equal parts
Using a mane comb, comb the mane into narrow sections. Start at the top and work your way down. As you go further down the mane, the hair becomes thinner, so the sections will gradually widen to ensure a braid that is the same size. Tie each piece together with a loosely rolled elastic cord.
- For practice braids, choose a striking color of string. For the race, choose a rope color that matches the horse's mane.
- According to tradition, an odd number of parts is used. Use more sections for horses with short and broad necks, and less for horses with long and narrow necks.
Step 2. Braid the first section tightly
Remove the rope before braiding, and start at the top. You can use a basic braid or a French braid. For a basic braid, divide the sections into three strands and alternately weave the left and right sections through the middle.
- Pull the hair down as you work, not toward you, so the braid is in the right direction.
- Moisturize the area again with a body brush if this is difficult.
Step 3. Fold the ends of the braid and secure with an elastic cord
Fold back the ends of the braid underneath at close range. For a long mane, fold the new end of the braid a second time in the same way. Tie the end of the braid with a tightly wound plastic string.
Alternatively, if you want a sleeker, more beautiful mane, read the section on button braids
Step 4. Repeat down the length of the neck
Repeat for each section, trying to make it as neat as possible. Optionally, apply a small amount of egg white or horse hair gel to each braid to help hold it in place.
Never leave the braid overnight (see suggestions/tips). After removing it, brush the mane with water
Method 3 of 5: Making a Twist of Braids with Yarn
Step 1. Separate one part of the mane at the top
You'll be working with sections one at a time, securing the entire mane using alligator bobby pins. Start at the top of the mane, 2.5 cm wide, or 1.25 cm if the mane is thick.
This method requires a latch hook and thread, unless you're making a button braid. You can buy both at a craft store
Step 2. Moisturize the mane
This way, you'll be braiding the yarn into the mane to keep the braid looking nice and strong. This will be easier to do if you keep the horse wet. Use water, egg whites, or hair gel specifically made for horses. Work with your fingers or a comb until the entire area you're working with is damp.
Step 3. Braid it in half down
Braid the mane as you would human hair, dividing it into three strands and weaving the left and right sections through the middle. Stop when you are about half the length of the mane.
- Pull down along the side of the pony as you braid, not toward you, or the braid will be uneven.
- If you want the resulting braid to look as professional as possible, count the number of crosses in the braid before you stop, so you can use the same number for each section.
Step 4. Cut one piece of yarn
Usually, one foot (30 cm) of thread is used. Give this a try and you'll quickly know if a shorter or longer strand is needed for your horse.
Once you know what length to use, you can save time by threading the yarn back and forth at the correct length, and cutting it into strands at a time
Step 5. Thread the yarn in the braid
Fold the thread so the ends meet. Place the yarn midway over the braid, at the last cross you did before stopping. To keep the thread on hold while you work. You can toss one end of the thread over the outer edge of the horse, but make sure the center stays in place.
Step 6. Braid once over the yarn
Do the next cross as usual, but place it on top of the thread, and tuck it under the hair. By now you've probably lifted the yarn back from the outside of the pony, as it will be retained by the braid.
Step 7. Finish the braid with strands of yarn
Divide the yarn so that one strand is with the left of the mane, and the other with the right. Continue to cross the braid on top as usual, pulling it down tight to tighten the thread and mane.
Step 8. Close the webbing at the ends
There may still be a length of thread dangling under the braid. Grab the two strands of yarn and wrap them around the ends of the braid. Pinch the ends of the braids together, then attach the ends of the yarn and pull them into a tight knot. Let the rest of the yarn dangle under the braid; preferably from each end at least 10 cm of it is left hanging.
Alternatively, you can trim strands of hair below the knot. Be careful not to cut the thread, and trim at an angle with sharp scissors to create clean hair points
Step 9. Repeat along the mane
Repeat the steps above for the entire mane. Each braided section should use the same amount of hair, which should gradually increase the width of the mane held as the hair thins downwards. Continue after the mane is completely braided with strands of yarn.
Step 10. Resolve the problem of the braid style
You may like the current look of the braids. However, in most cases, a more elaborate style of braid is used, which looks neater and can keep the braid from falling apart. There are two well-known options:
- For the twist braid style, continue to the next step. You will need a deadbolt hook, which is available at craft stores.
- For button braids, which are commonly used in matching ponytails, make a loop of thread, cut off the excess thread, and skip to the section on sewing button braids.
Step 11. Use a latch hook to pull each braid up
Push the end of the latch hook through the top of the braid, around the neck. Hook the end of the dangling thread, and pull it up until the end of the braid touches the top, and the end of the thread is stretched through it. Repeat with each braid, so that you get a series of twisted braids along the length of the mane.
Don't pull anymore. The ends of the braid should not push through the top of the braid, just lean back
Step 12. Wrap the ends of the yarn around the braid
Release the latch and save. Take the two ends of the yarn in a single braid. Wrap one end of the thread under from the left and the other end from the right, so that it criss-crosses under the braid beside the pony's neck.
Step 13. Tie the end of the yarn in half under the braid
After crossing the yarn under the braid, change the hand you used to hold the braid. Bring the yarn back to half the length of the braid loop, and tie it at the top side of the braid. Tie a knot around your thumb, then slip the end of the thread through your thumb holder. Tighten the first knot, then tie a second over it to make a strong double knot. Repeat with each braid.
Each knot must be right in the middle of the braid, otherwise the braid will tilt
Step 14. Cut the ends of the thread
Cut the ends of the hanging threads with scissors, leaving about 6 millimeters. Repeat for each braid, and you're good to go.
- See the Tips section if you need to leave the braid overnight.
- To untie this braid, cut the knots of the yarn and slowly pull the yarn through the braid. When all the braids have been removed, brush the mane with a wet body brush.
Method 4 of 5: Making a Button Braid
Step 1. Braid the mane using string or twine
Follow the steps in the rope or yarn section to create a braid for the horse's mane. At the end of the braid, you'll have a line of braid running down the horse's neck. While there are no rules that set how many button braids should be used, different competitions follow different fashion trends:
- In Matched riding, where button braids are most popular, use 11, 13, 15, or 17 braids.
- In the hopping race, 40 or more small button braids are the preferred style.
- In hurdling competitions and other situations where style doesn't matter, braid in any style, or don't braid at all.
Step 2. Thread the thread with the cotton thread
Look for a strong cotton thread that matches the color of your horse's mane, or use a light colored thread to make training sessions easier. Thread the needle, then tie a knot to keep the thread from coming loose.
You can purchase "woven yarn" for this purpose, but any strong cotton yarn will do
Step 3. Sew the ends of the braid
Insert the needle through the end of the braid and pull. Do this two or three times in the same direction, until the yarn is securely attached to the braid.
Step 4. Fold the ends of the braid and sew to the bottom
Fold the end of the braid under the rest of the braid, so that it rests on the horse's neck. Secure the end of the braid under the braid by inserting a needle and thread.
Step 5. Fold the braid again
If the braid is still hanging on the line, roll the center under the braid so that it forms a ball. This is the "key braid" look we want, which is also called a "rosette braid" or "matched riding braid".
Step 6. Sew back and forth through the bottom
Insert the needle through the left side of the button braid, as close to the neck as possible without risking stabbing the horse. Pull the needle back through the right side of the bottom of the braid, then insert it through the middle.
Step 7. Repeat until the braid is strong
Return the needle to the side of the braid near you. Repeat the last step at least two more times, sticking it through the left side, pulling it through the right side, then sticking it through the middle again. If the braid is tight and secure, and there are no loose threads, it's done.
These rounded braids can rest above the neck (better for a long, thin neck) or hang slightly to the right side (better for a short, broad neck). You can control the position by how tightly you braid it, but don't make this a big deal if you're still learning
Step 8. Wrap the thread around the seam
Wrap the thread in one of your previous stitches, but don't pull it too tight. Leave a small twist.
Step 9. Make a knot on the braid
Thread the thread on the needle through the loop and tighten it to make a knot close to the bottom of the braid. Cut the thread with scissors, as close to the knot as possible.
Step 10. Repeat for the other sections
Repeat for each section of the mane, checking to make sure that each section has the same amount of hair.
See our section on tips on how to protect your braids overnight. When it's time to remove the braid, cut the stitches on the left and right sides, carefully avoiding the braid itself. Brush the mane in a downward direction using a wet brush after all the braids have been removed
Method 5 of 5: Making Quick "Running Braid" Braids
Step 1. Divide the top of the mane into three parts
This is a quick and easy way to keep a horse's mane neat for practice and everyday riding, but don't use it for races where style counts. Take three pins of any size, at the top of the mane.
Step 2. Start braiding
Start making a regular braid or French braid as you normally would, by weaving strands of hair into each other. Stop after the first or second weave, and use the steps below to braid the entire mane in a quick and easy way.
Step 3. Take more mane while braiding
Each time you take the side that is closest to the rest of the mane (the left side, if your horse's mane is hanging to the right), add another chunk of the rest of the mane.
Step 4. Wrap an elastic string around the end of the braid
Continue braiding until you reach the end of the mane. You need to make a diagonal braid from the top to the bottom of the mane; it doesn't matter if there is loose hair at the bottom of the braid. Finish by tying the plastic string tightly around the end of the braid.
Suggestions
- For hunting and hiking, leave the topknot unbraided before the leash is attached and then attach the braid to the main part of the leash. This will help stop the bridle so it doesn't come loose if you fall.
- If you braid your mane the day before the show, protect it by putting nylon socks or a "mane cover" product on your mane. Put the head cover on the top. If you are not preparing the horse for the show, remove the braid the same day to prevent the horse from rubbing against it and damaging the mane.
- The topknot can be braided in any technique, but the French braid is the most common style. If the topknot is wide and thin, gather a little more hair from the sides each time you weave a piece of braid. If using a button braid, divide the topknot into an even number of sections and braid each section separately.
Warning
- Make sure that the long braid is not too close to the neck. If that happens, the braid will tighten even more when the horse arches its neck and cause discomfort. (The button braid can be sewn tightly to the neck, as long as the hair at the base is not pulled tight.)
- Some horses are allergic to human hair gel. Use egg whites only, or buy a hair gel product made especially for horses.
Materials needed
- Mane comb
- Soft body brush
- Water
- Seat
- Egg white (optional)
- Small elastic cord or strong thread (which is the color of the horse's mane, or light colored for practice braids)
The method of braiding with threads also requires:
- Alligator hair clip
- latch latch
Button braids will also require:
- Woven threads that match the color of the mane
- Needle
- Scissors
