Show jumpers often skip them, but dressage riders should never compete without them – the show braids. Braiding the horse’s mane has a long tradition in equestrian sports. A braided mane makes the horse look elegant and well-groomed, and it also makes the topline and neck carriage more visible to spectators and judges. But what different types of braids are there, and which braid style suits which mane and discipline best?
Be prepared! Preparation is everything
Before you start trying out the different types of braids on your favorite, you should prepare the mane accordingly. Your horse’s mane shouldn’t be too long, but a mane that’s too short or freshly trimmed is also difficult to braid. The best results come when the mane has a natural length and is denser at the roots than at the tips.
Step 1: Comb the mane
Just like with yourself, you should first thoroughly comb the mane and forelock of your horse to remove knots and other obstacles.
Tip: Perfect for the tail, but skip it on the mane: you should not use mane and tail spray where you want to braid, otherwise it will become slippery.
Step 2: Divide the mane
Before you start braiding, you should divide the entire mane into even strands.
Note: Depending on the braid style you choose, the size of the divided strands varies. Also, not all braiding types have braids of the same size.
Step 3: Braid the mane
Basically, it sounds quite simple. You braid the divided strands in this step and secure the end with a mane elastic. For some braid types, the rule is “the tighter, the better”, while for others you should start very loosely and then braid tighter towards the bottom.
A great product we recommend for this is the 5 STARS BRAID GRIP from our care brand LEOVET. It makes the mane grippy and prevents small hairs from sticking out. Overall, each braid becomes more stable thanks to this gel.
Step 4: Twist the braids
For most types of show braids, you fold each braid of your horse twice to create a kind of bun. This folding step varies depending on the braid style you choose.
You can follow these four steps for any braiding style, but what are the differences between the various braid styles, and which one suits your needs best?
1. The classic braids
The classic braids, which you most often see at rural competitions, follow the four steps of our guide. The braids can get slightly smaller from top to bottom, which flatteringly emphasizes the curve of the horse’s neck. After braiding each braid down, you fold it twice and secure it with a mane elastic. For even better hold, you can wrap a second mane elastic around the braid.
The NEVER-BREAK MANE ELASTICS from the cult brand EFFOL are a reliable companion here.
2. Sewn-in braids
They emphasize the neck, perhaps make it look rounder, and are incredibly elegant – sewn-in show braids. For these braids, you need MANE ELASTICS, a needle, and the WAXED SEWING THREAD from ANIMALON to achieve a perfect result. It’s especially important with these braids to braid the upper part loosely and then tighten towards the bottom to get the beautiful curved shape that dressage riders love. Ideally, the second and third braids are the largest, then you gradually make the divisions smaller again. Here too, you fold the braided braid twice, sew it firmly, and secure the THREAD with a tight double knot.
The art of sewing in should be shown to you by a skilled hand; these braids are among the more complicated types to braid.
3. Braids with hairpins
They almost look sewn in, but they’re not. You can braid your horse with regular hairpins and achieve great results! It’s super quick – in less than 15 minutes you’ll have the mane tamed and be ready for #SHOWTIME. It’s simple: you start the braids as if sewing them in, but instead of needle and thread, you use hairpins from a drugstore to complete the look. Here’s how: fold the braids twice and insert the pin from underneath through the braid. Bend the end sticking out on top to the side, and in no time you have beautiful braids for the show.
Note: As nice and easy as this braiding method is, never leave hairpins in the mane overnight. They can cause injuries.
4. For the show jumpers among us – the roll braids
Those who master this braiding style love it, but for many, trying to do roll braids causes quite a few knots in their fingers. While riders sewing in braids often braid only eight to eleven braids, with roll braids it’s the more, the better! Sometimes the horse’s mane is braided with over 20 braids, quite an effort. But it’s worth it – skillfully braided roll braids are indispensable on the big stages of show jumping.
For this braiding style, you divide the mane into small, evenly sized strands and braid them as tightly as possible. The special feature when rolling these braids is that you attach an elastic at the bottom end of the braid and roll the braid around this elastic as many times as possible. These braids are therefore rounder and closer together than conventional braids.
5. When you’re in a hurry – divided braids
Another braid style that show jumpers like to use is the divided braids. They serve to slightly tame the horse’s mane and place it on one side of the neck. For these braids, simply follow Step 1 and Step 2 of our preparation, and voilà: you’re ready to go in the arena.
It’s Showtime!
With these tips and tricks for #BADHAIRDAYS, the next competition can come! Check out our SHOW CLOTHING category, where you’ll find trendy outfits that perfectly match your new braids. :-)
