Difference between revisions of "Braid a Horse's Mane"
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| − | + | In the show ring, a good braiding or plaiting job not only shows off the curve of your horse's neck, but it also keeps the mane out of your face when jumping. You can make a simple braid design using elastic bands, but if your horse will be competing in a stylish category like dressage or show hunting, looped braids or button braids are recommended. | |
| − | [[Category:Mane Care]] | + | [[Category: Mane Care]] |
== Steps == | == Steps == | ||
===Preparing the Horse and Mane=== | ===Preparing the Horse and Mane=== | ||
#Wash the mane. If the horse's mane is dirty, wash it with horse shampoo. Do not use conditioner, which makes the mane slick and difficult to braid. | #Wash the mane. If the horse's mane is dirty, wash it with horse shampoo. Do not use conditioner, which makes the mane slick and difficult to braid. | ||
| − | #[[Pull a Horse's Mane|Pull and trim the mane if needed.]] If your horse's mane is thick, "pulling" it with a mane comb will make it much tidier and easier to handle. If the mane is already thin, you can instead trim it to an even length with a blade.<ref>http://www.proequinegrooms.com/index.php/tips/grooming/pulling-manes/</ref> Manes are typically cut to no longer than a hand (about 4 inches, or 10 cm), although this is less important for button braids. | + | #[[Pull a Horse's Mane|Pull and trim the mane if needed.]] If your horse's mane is thick, "pulling" it with a mane comb will make it much tidier and easier to handle. If the mane is already thin, you can instead trim it to an even length with a blade.<ref name="rf1">http://www.proequinegrooms.com/index.php/tips/grooming/pulling-manes/</ref> Manes are typically cut to no longer than a hand (about 4 inches, or 10 cm), although this is less important for button braids. |
#*Ideally, washing and pulling should be done at least a day before braiding. | #*Ideally, washing and pulling should be done at least a day before braiding. | ||
#[[Tie up a Horse|Tie the horse]]. Tie your horse in a quiet area free from distractions. [[Get Your Horse to Stand Still for Mounting|Encourage the horse to stand still]] with a hay net, unless your horse tends to move while eating. | #[[Tie up a Horse|Tie the horse]]. Tie your horse in a quiet area free from distractions. [[Get Your Horse to Stand Still for Mounting|Encourage the horse to stand still]] with a hay net, unless your horse tends to move while eating. | ||
| − | #*Leave standing room to braid the mane on the right side of the horse, which is traditional for hunter and dressage competitions. For jumper competitions, you may braid the mane on whichever side it falls naturally.<ref>http://www.chronofhorse.com/forum/showthread.php?336960-Mane-Does-it-really-matter-which-side</ref> | + | #*Leave standing room to braid the mane on the right side of the horse, which is traditional for hunter and dressage competitions. For jumper competitions, you may braid the mane on whichever side it falls naturally.<ref name="rf2">http://www.chronofhorse.com/forum/showthread.php?336960-Mane-Does-it-really-matter-which-side</ref> |
#Set up the area. Before you begin, there are a few steps that can make the process easier: | #Set up the area. Before you begin, there are a few steps that can make the process easier: | ||
| − | #*Sweep hay and other ground cover away from the horse so you can find dropped objects, especially if you are using a needle.<ref>http://www.videojug.com/film/how-to-plait-a-horses-mane-2</ref> | + | #*Sweep hay and other ground cover away from the horse so you can find dropped objects, especially if you are using a needle.<ref name="rf3">http://www.videojug.com/film/how-to-plait-a-horses-mane-2</ref> |
#*Place a stool next to the horse if you cannot reach the horse's neck easily. Working with the mane at waist level might be easiest. | #*Place a stool next to the horse if you cannot reach the horse's neck easily. Working with the mane at waist level might be easiest. | ||
#*Put down a container for your tools, or wear an apron or overalls with a large pocket. | #*Put down a container for your tools, or wear an apron or overalls with a large pocket. | ||
| − | #Brush the mane with a wet body brush. Take a soft body brush, and dip it in water, [[Separate | + | #Brush the mane with a wet body brush. Take a soft body brush, and dip it in water, [[Separate an Egg|egg white]], or hair gel for horses, to keep the mane flat and easy to work with.<ref name="rf3" /> Brush gently to remove all tangles. |
#Choose a braiding method. Continue on to any one of the sections below, or use these tips to decide which you want to try: | #Choose a braiding method. Continue on to any one of the sections below, or use these tips to decide which you want to try: | ||
#*The band method makes easy, dangling braids, best for short manes. | #*The band method makes easy, dangling braids, best for short manes. | ||
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#Divide the mane into equal sections. Using a mane comb, comb the mane into narrow sections. Start at the top and work your way down. As you get further down the mane, the hair gets thinner, so your sections will become gradually wider in order to ensure evenly sized braids. Secure each equal section with a loosely wound elastic band. | #Divide the mane into equal sections. Using a mane comb, comb the mane into narrow sections. Start at the top and work your way down. As you get further down the mane, the hair gets thinner, so your sections will become gradually wider in order to ensure evenly sized braids. Secure each equal section with a loosely wound elastic band. | ||
#*For practice braids, choose a band color that stands out. For competitions, choose a band color that matches your horse's mane. | #*For practice braids, choose a band color that stands out. For competitions, choose a band color that matches your horse's mane. | ||
| − | #*Traditionally, an odd number of sections are used. Use more sections for horse's with short, wide necks, and fewer sections for horses with long, thin necks.<ref | + | #*Traditionally, an odd number of sections are used. Use more sections for horse's with short, wide necks, and fewer sections for horses with long, thin necks.<ref name="rf3" /> |
| − | #[[Braid|Braid the first section tightly]]. Remove the band before braiding, and begin at the top. This can be a [[Braid|basic braid]] or a [[French | + | #[[Braid|Braid the first section tightly]]. Remove the band before braiding, and begin at the top. This can be a [[Braid|basic braid]] or a [[French Braid|French braid]]. For a basic braid, divide the section into three pieces and alternately weave the left and right section over the middle. |
| − | #*Pull the hair ''down'' as you work, not toward you, so the braid lies in the right direction.<ref>http://www.horsechannel.com/horse-exclusives/horse-mane-braiding.aspx</ref> | + | #*Pull the hair ''down'' as you work, not toward you, so the braid lies in the right direction.<ref name="rf4">http://www.horsechannel.com/horse-exclusives/horse-mane-braiding.aspx</ref> |
#*Dampen the section again with the body brush if it is difficult to work with. | #*Dampen the section again with the body brush if it is difficult to work with. | ||
#Fold the braid tip and secure tightly with an elastic band. Fold the tip of the braid back under itself a short distance. Secure the tip of the braid with a tightly wound elastic band. | #Fold the braid tip and secure tightly with an elastic band. Fold the tip of the braid back under itself a short distance. Secure the tip of the braid with a tightly wound elastic band. | ||
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#Gather supplies. This method requires a latch hook and yarn. You can buy both at a craft store. | #Gather supplies. This method requires a latch hook and yarn. You can buy both at a craft store. | ||
#*If you prefer button braids to dangling braids, you'll need yarn, strong cotton thread, and a needle instead. | #*If you prefer button braids to dangling braids, you'll need yarn, strong cotton thread, and a needle instead. | ||
| − | #Separate a section of mane at the top. Separate a section at the top of the mane, 1 inch (2.5 centimeters) wide. Clip the rest of the mane with an alligator clip until you're ready to work on the next section.<ref | + | #Separate a section of mane at the top. Separate a section at the top of the mane, 1 inch (2.5 centimeters) wide. Clip the rest of the mane with an alligator clip until you're ready to work on the next section.<ref name="rf4" /> |
| − | #*If the mane is too thick to braid easily, the sections can be as narrow as ½ inch (1.25 cm).<ref>http://www.hunterjumperconnection.com/how-to-braid-a-horse.html</ref> | + | #*If the mane is too thick to braid easily, the sections can be as narrow as ½ inch (1.25 cm).<ref name="rf5">http://www.hunterjumperconnection.com/how-to-braid-a-horse.html</ref> |
#Dampen the section of mane. Braiding in the yarn will be much easier if you keep the horsehair wet. Work in water, egg white, or hair gel for horses with a comb or your fingers. | #Dampen the section of mane. Braiding in the yarn will be much easier if you keep the horsehair wet. Work in water, egg white, or hair gel for horses with a comb or your fingers. | ||
#[[Braid|Braid halfway down]]. Braid the mane as you would human hair, dividing it into three plaits and weaving the left and right around the center. Stop when you are about halfway down the length of the mane. | #[[Braid|Braid halfway down]]. Braid the mane as you would human hair, dividing it into three plaits and weaving the left and right around the center. Stop when you are about halfway down the length of the mane. | ||
| − | #*Pull down along the horse's side as you braid, not out toward you, or the braid won't lie flat.<ref | + | #*Pull down along the horse's side as you braid, not out toward you, or the braid won't lie flat.<ref name="rf4" /> |
#*If you want your braids to look as professional as possible, count the number of crossovers in the braid before you stop, so you can use the same number for each section. | #*If you want your braids to look as professional as possible, count the number of crossovers in the braid before you stop, so you can use the same number for each section. | ||
| − | #Cut off a section of yarn. Start with a piece of yarn about one foot (30 cm) long.<ref | + | #Cut off a section of yarn. Start with a piece of yarn about one foot (30 cm) long.<ref name="rf5" /> You'll quickly find out whether you need a shorter or long piece for your horse. |
#*Once you know how long a piece to use, you can save time by laying the yarn back and forth to the correct length, and cutting it into strands all at once. | #*Once you know how long a piece to use, you can save time by laying the yarn back and forth to the correct length, and cutting it into strands all at once. | ||
#Insert the yarn in the braid. Fold the yarn over so the tips meet. Place the middle of the yarn over the braid, at the last crossover you did before stopping. | #Insert the yarn in the braid. Fold the yarn over so the tips meet. Place the middle of the yarn over the braid, at the last crossover you did before stopping. | ||
#Braid once over the yarn. Perform the next crossover as you would normally, but lay it over the yarn loop, trapping it beneath the hair. | #Braid once over the yarn. Perform the next crossover as you would normally, but lay it over the yarn loop, trapping it beneath the hair. | ||
| − | #Finish the braid with the yarn strands. Divide the yarn so one strand is with the left section of mane, and the other is with the right.<ref | + | #Finish the braid with the yarn strands. Divide the yarn so one strand is with the left section of mane, and the other is with the right.<ref name="rf4" /> Continue to cross the braid over as usual, pulling downward to keep the yarn and mane taut. Stop when there are 4 inches (10 cm) of hair left hanging. |
#Tie off the end. Grasp both strands of yarn dangling below the braid, and loop them around the braid tip. Pinch the braid tip together, then thread one yarn end through the loop and pull into a tight knot. Leave the remaining yarn dangling below the braid. | #Tie off the end. Grasp both strands of yarn dangling below the braid, and loop them around the braid tip. Pinch the braid tip together, then thread one yarn end through the loop and pull into a tight knot. Leave the remaining yarn dangling below the braid. | ||
#Trim the hair tips (optional). Optionally, you can trim the hair strands beneath the yarn knot. Take care not to cut the yarn, and trim at an angle with a sharp pair of scissors to create a clean point of hair. | #Trim the hair tips (optional). Optionally, you can trim the hair strands beneath the yarn knot. Take care not to cut the yarn, and trim at an angle with a sharp pair of scissors to create a clean point of hair. | ||
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#*Do not pull any further. The braid tip should not push through the top of the braid, just rest against it. | #*Do not pull any further. The braid tip should not push through the top of the braid, just rest against it. | ||
#Loop the yarn tails around the braid. Remove the latch hook and set it aside. Pick up the two yarn tails on a single braid. Loop one yarn tail under from the left and the other from the right, crossing each other under the braid next to the neck. | #Loop the yarn tails around the braid. Remove the latch hook and set it aside. Pick up the two yarn tails on a single braid. Loop one yarn tail under from the left and the other from the right, crossing each other under the braid next to the neck. | ||
| − | #Tie the yarn tails halfway down the braid. After crossing the yarn under the braid, switch the hands you're holding them with. Bring them together again halfway along the braid loop, and tie them together at the top side of the braid. Tie one knot over your thumb, then slip the yarn tails through where your thumb are. Tighten the first knot, then tie a second above it to make a strong double knot.<ref | + | #Tie the yarn tails halfway down the braid. After crossing the yarn under the braid, switch the hands you're holding them with. Bring them together again halfway along the braid loop, and tie them together at the top side of the braid. Tie one knot over your thumb, then slip the yarn tails through where your thumb are. Tighten the first knot, then tie a second above it to make a strong double knot.<ref name="rf4" /> Repeat with each braid. |
#*Each knot should be in the exact middle of the braid, or the braid will slant. | #*Each knot should be in the exact middle of the braid, or the braid will slant. | ||
#Snip off the ends of the yarn. Cut the dangling ends of the yarn with a pair of scissors, leaving about ¼ inch (6 millimeters). Repeat for each braid, and you're ready for a show. | #Snip off the ends of the yarn. Cut the dangling ends of the yarn with a pair of scissors, leaving about ¼ inch (6 millimeters). Repeat for each braid, and you're ready for a show. | ||
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===Sewing Button Braids=== | ===Sewing Button Braids=== | ||
| − | #Braid the mane using bands or yarn. Follow the steps in the band or yarn section to create braids in your horse's mane. At the end of it, you should have a line of braids running down your horse's neck. While there are no rules determining how many button braids to use, different competitions follow different fashion fads:<ref>http://www.proequinegrooms.com/index.php/tips/grooming/dressage-button-braids-with-yarn-so-easy/</ref> | + | #Braid the mane using bands or yarn. Follow the steps in the band or yarn section to create braids in your horse's mane. At the end of it, you should have a line of braids running down your horse's neck. While there are no rules determining how many button braids to use, different competitions follow different fashion fads:<ref name="rf6">http://www.proequinegrooms.com/index.php/tips/grooming/dressage-button-braids-with-yarn-so-easy/</ref> |
#*Dressage competitions, where button braids are most popular, use 11, 13, 15, or 17 braids. | #*Dressage competitions, where button braids are most popular, use 11, 13, 15, or 17 braids. | ||
#*In show hunter competitions, 40 or more tiny button braids are a more favored style. | #*In show hunter competitions, 40 or more tiny button braids are a more favored style. | ||
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#[[Thread-a-Needle-and-Tie-a-Knot|Thread a needle with cotton thread]]. Find a sturdy cotton thread that matches your horse's mane color, or use a brightly colored thread for an easier practice session. Thread the needle, then tie a knot in the thread to keep it from slipping out. | #[[Thread-a-Needle-and-Tie-a-Knot|Thread a needle with cotton thread]]. Find a sturdy cotton thread that matches your horse's mane color, or use a brightly colored thread for an easier practice session. Thread the needle, then tie a knot in the thread to keep it from slipping out. | ||
#*You can buy "plaiting thread" for this purpose, but any strong cotton thread will work. | #*You can buy "plaiting thread" for this purpose, but any strong cotton thread will work. | ||
| − | #Sew up through the tip of the braid. Push the needle through the tip of the braid and pull it through. Do this two or three times in the same direction, until the thread is securely lodged in the braid.<ref>http://blog.smartpakequine.com/2013/08/button-braids-how-tos-and-top-tips/</ref> | + | #Sew up through the tip of the braid. Push the needle through the tip of the braid and pull it through. Do this two or three times in the same direction, until the thread is securely lodged in the braid.<ref name="rf7">http://blog.smartpakequine.com/2013/08/button-braids-how-tos-and-top-tips/</ref> |
#Fold the braid tip up and sew it to the base. Fold the tip of the braid under the rest of the braid, to rest against the horse's neck. Secure the tip of the braid to the base of the braid by pushing the needle and thread through. | #Fold the braid tip up and sew it to the base. Fold the tip of the braid under the rest of the braid, to rest against the horse's neck. Secure the tip of the braid to the base of the braid by pushing the needle and thread through. | ||
#Fold the braid again. If the braid still dangles down in a line, roll the middle under the braid to form a ball. This is the "button braid" look we're going for, also called a "rosette braid" or "dressage braid." | #Fold the braid again. If the braid still dangles down in a line, roll the middle under the braid to form a ball. This is the "button braid" look we're going for, also called a "rosette braid" or "dressage braid." | ||
#Sew back and forth through the base. Push the needle through the left side of the button braid, as close to the neck as you can work without risk of poking the horse. Pull the needle back through the right side of the braid base, then push it through the center. | #Sew back and forth through the base. Push the needle through the left side of the button braid, as close to the neck as you can work without risk of poking the horse. Pull the needle back through the right side of the braid base, then push it through the center. | ||
| − | #Repeat until sturdy. Bring the needle back over to the side of the braid you're next to. Repeat the last step at least two more times, pushing it through the left, pulling back through the right side, then pushing out again through the center.<ref | + | #Repeat until sturdy. Bring the needle back over to the side of the braid you're next to. Repeat the last step at least two more times, pushing it through the left, pulling back through the right side, then pushing out again through the center.<ref name="rf7" /> You are done when the braid is tight and secure, and there is no loose thread. |
| − | #*These balled-up braids can rest on top of the neck (better for long, thin necks) or fall slightly onto the right side (better for short, wide necks).<ref | + | #*These balled-up braids can rest on top of the neck (better for long, thin necks) or fall slightly onto the right side (better for short, wide necks).<ref name="rf3" /> You can control their position by how tightly you sew them, but don't stress too much about this while you're learning. |
#Loop the thread around any stitch. Loop the thread around one of your previous stitches, but don't pull it all the way tight. Leave a small loop. | #Loop the thread around any stitch. Loop the thread around one of your previous stitches, but don't pull it all the way tight. Leave a small loop. | ||
#Knot the braid. Thread the needle through the loop and tighten to create a knot close to the base of the braid. Cut the thread with a pair of scissors, as close to the knot as possible. | #Knot the braid. Thread the needle through the loop and tighten to create a knot close to the base of the braid. Cut the thread with a pair of scissors, as close to the knot as possible. | ||
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*For hunting and cross-country, you can leave the forelock unbraided until you have put the bridle on and then secure the braid over the crown of the bridle. This will help stop the bridle from coming off in case of a fall. | *For hunting and cross-country, you can leave the forelock unbraided until you have put the bridle on and then secure the braid over the crown of the bridle. This will help stop the bridle from coming off in case of a fall. | ||
*If you braid the mane the day before a [[Prepare for a Horse Show|show]], protect it by laying nylon stocking or a "mane tamer" product over the mane. Put a hood over the top. If you are not preparing for a show, remove the braids the same day to prevent the horse rubbing them off and damaging the mane. | *If you braid the mane the day before a [[Prepare for a Horse Show|show]], protect it by laying nylon stocking or a "mane tamer" product over the mane. Put a hood over the top. If you are not preparing for a show, remove the braids the same day to prevent the horse rubbing them off and damaging the mane. | ||
| − | *The forelock can be braided using any of these techniques, but a single [[French Braid|French braid]] is the most common style. If the forelock is wide and wispy, gather a little more hair from the side each time you weave a piece of the braid.<ref | + | *The forelock can be braided using any of these techniques, but a single [[French Braid|French braid]] is the most common style. If the forelock is wide and wispy, gather a little more hair from the side each time you weave a piece of the braid.<ref name="rf3" /> If using button braids, divide the forelock into an even number of sections and braid them separately. |
== Warnings == | == Warnings == | ||
