Braiding Horse Manes: Top 5 Tips For A Winning Style
Braiding horse manes doesn't require a professional hairstylist.
You just need a horse, a few simple tools, and a little patience.
In no time at all your horse will look like a million bucks and all heads will turn as he dances through the gate.
Here are 5 tips for braiding horse manes to help you achieve that winning style.
Gather All Your Tools Together Within Easy Reach It's much easier if you have all the tools you'll need together, where you can easily reach them.
Remember, you're going to have one hand on your horse's mane at all times so you're not going to be able to walk to the other side of the stall to pick up a brush or some rubber bands.
You'll need a brush and comb, some rubber bands that match the color of your horse's hair, some hair gel, a needle, some scissors, and some sturdy plaiting thread that also matches your horse's hair color.
An apron with plenty of pocket-space is a great way to keep all your tools handy.
When To Use Conditioner Conditioner helps eliminate tangles and improves the condition of your horse's hair.
However, it can also make the mane slippery when it comes time for braiding, especially when you start working in the gel.
If you must use conditioner, make sure you use it at least 1 to 2 days before braiding and only use it sparingly.
Allow Plenty Of Time Braiding your horse's mane and tail can take upwards of 2 hours, if you're still learning the ropes.
It's best to do this first thing in the morning while you and your horse are still feeling energetic and it's also best to do your braiding the day before the show.
That way you won't feel rushed to get the job done and you'll be able to give it your full attention.
Wash The Mane The Day Before For the best results, wash your horse's mane a day or two before you're ready to braid and it will be easier for you to handle.
Use conditioner sparingly and make sure it's thoroughly rinsed.
Use a mane trainer after washing to help keep the mane from getting tangled while it's drying.
Help Your Horse Be Patient When you first begin braiding horse manes it's important to remember that your horse is going to be just as stressed and impatient as you are.
After all, he has no idea what you're doing or why you're doing it.
All he knows is that you're making him stand very still for a very long time.
Make sure he's tied securely so you don't have to chase him all over the barn and provide a hay net or basket of oats to help keep him entertained.
You just need a horse, a few simple tools, and a little patience.
In no time at all your horse will look like a million bucks and all heads will turn as he dances through the gate.
Here are 5 tips for braiding horse manes to help you achieve that winning style.
Gather All Your Tools Together Within Easy Reach It's much easier if you have all the tools you'll need together, where you can easily reach them.
Remember, you're going to have one hand on your horse's mane at all times so you're not going to be able to walk to the other side of the stall to pick up a brush or some rubber bands.
You'll need a brush and comb, some rubber bands that match the color of your horse's hair, some hair gel, a needle, some scissors, and some sturdy plaiting thread that also matches your horse's hair color.
An apron with plenty of pocket-space is a great way to keep all your tools handy.
When To Use Conditioner Conditioner helps eliminate tangles and improves the condition of your horse's hair.
However, it can also make the mane slippery when it comes time for braiding, especially when you start working in the gel.
If you must use conditioner, make sure you use it at least 1 to 2 days before braiding and only use it sparingly.
Allow Plenty Of Time Braiding your horse's mane and tail can take upwards of 2 hours, if you're still learning the ropes.
It's best to do this first thing in the morning while you and your horse are still feeling energetic and it's also best to do your braiding the day before the show.
That way you won't feel rushed to get the job done and you'll be able to give it your full attention.
Wash The Mane The Day Before For the best results, wash your horse's mane a day or two before you're ready to braid and it will be easier for you to handle.
Use conditioner sparingly and make sure it's thoroughly rinsed.
Use a mane trainer after washing to help keep the mane from getting tangled while it's drying.
Help Your Horse Be Patient When you first begin braiding horse manes it's important to remember that your horse is going to be just as stressed and impatient as you are.
After all, he has no idea what you're doing or why you're doing it.
All he knows is that you're making him stand very still for a very long time.
Make sure he's tied securely so you don't have to chase him all over the barn and provide a hay net or basket of oats to help keep him entertained.
