BRAIDING GUIDE

How to Braid Your Horse’s Mane

On competition day, a well-braided mane is one of the best ways to create a polished, elegant look. But how do you make sure the braids look symmetrical and stay in place all day long? There are a lot of different techniques out there, and you have to find one that works best for your and your horse. If you’re looking for some extra tips and tricks, check out the following Maya Delorez braiding guide!

What do you need to braid a horse’s mane?

  • A comb
  • Braiding gel
  • Rubber bands or silicone bands

Before you start, it’s a good idea to trim or cut the mane for the best results.
A general rule of thumb is that the length of the mane should be about the width of a hand.

Step 1

Use the comb to spread braiding gel evenly throughout the mane.

Step 2

Use rubber bands to divide the mane into sections. To create braids of even thickness and size, it’s best to split the mane into tufts of equal size.

Step 3

Braid one tuft at a time, making it as tight as possible. This will help the braid stay put when you roll it up. Make sure to braid all the way down to the end so that no strands stick out.

Step 4

Now it’s time to roll up the braids! Put a rubber band at the end of each braid, fold it in, and roll it up. Finally, secure the rubber band around the button braid.

Step 5

Now you’re ready to hit the show ring – let’s go! 🥇

Four tips & tricks

  • While braiding one tuft, keep the rest of the mane out of the way by using a hair clip.
     
  • To create evenly sized button braids, consider the thickness and length of the mane before starting. For a thick mane, more buds may be needed to prevent them from looking too large and wobbly. You can also adjust the number of braids according to the length of the horse’s neck: Fewer braids can give the impression of a shorter neck, while more braids can make the neck look longer.
  • Don’t wash your horse’s mane right before you braid it, as this can make it bushy and harder to work with. Instead, wash the mane a day before so it has time to dry and settle.
  • Avoid using coat gloss on your horse’s mane before competition, as it can make the hair slippery and more difficult to braid.

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