Braiding Manes and Tails
For exhibitors in many different disciplines, braiding of manes and/or tails is a desired or required part of show ring turnout. Many opt to hire a professional braider—nice if you can afford it, and if your braider’s schedule matches yours. Others struggle to braid their own horses, producing results that might charitably be described as less than perfect.
Braiding is a skill that anyone with normal dexterity of the hands can master. Improvement takes practice, and patience, but quality results are possible for anyone determined enough to put in the effort. To help you towards that goal, we offer here a series of illustrated articles showing different types of braiding and explaining the finer points that get you from passable to blue ribbon quality.
Key Skill: Adding String and Tying off the Braid
And Coming Soon...
Traditional Hunter Braids
Braiding the (Thin) Forelock
Braiding the Tail
Braiding Options for Dressage
Solutions to Common Braiding Problems
Mane Pulling and Alternatives
