Guide:
How to Braid Your Horse's Mane
Want to create stunning braids that make your horse stand out on show day? Get expert tips from Maya Delorez for symmetrical, long-lasting button braids.
Lovisa
Tue 30 May - 23
Guide:
How to Braid Your Horse's Mane
Want to create stunning braids that make your horse stand out on show day? Get expert tips from Maya Delorez for symmetrical, long-lasting button braids.
Lovisa
Tue 30 May - 23
On show 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 you 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
This Is How You Do It:
Prep
Before you start, it's a good idea to trim or cut the mane. 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.