SHOW BRAIDING TIPS
· Start with a clean and dry mane. Do not use conditioner or slicker spray before braiding
· Make sure that the mane is evenly pulled and thinned
· For hunter/dressage plaits, the mane needs to be between 3 and 5 inches in length. This will depend on your horses confirmation
· For buttons and rosettes, the mane can be a little longer and works best with thick manes
· If braiding the night before, use a skinny hood or mane stay to keep plaits in place overnight
· Sewn plaits are stronger and neater, but bands are acceptable and quicker
· Use a color thread/yarn/band that best matches your horses mane
· Take a small lock of hair with you to the yarn aisle to make a perfect match
· Chose the braid style that best fits your horses confirmation, mane style, and your discipline
· Good use of what kind of braid and how many can help disguise a weakness in confirmation
o Weak or narrow neck? Set the plaits on top of the neck to give the illusion of bulk
o Thick neck? Set the plaits to the side of the neck
o Short neck? Make the plaits slightly smaller and create more plaits to give the illusion of length
o Long neck? Using fewer and slightly thicker plaits will help make a better proportion
· Once you have mastered the base braid, there are many different ways of tying up the braid to compliment your horse and discipline.
· For added security and fly away hairs, use hairspray to secure.
· Use a sewing seam ripper to cut out braids, this will only cut the yarn/band instead of the hair
· After releasing braids, use a leave on or spray on conditioner to bring back the oils in the hair
· Use a spray on anti-itch at the base of the braids if your horse is the “itchy” type
· Practice makes perfect! The more you practice the better and easier it gets. Don’t expect to get perfect braids the first time. Practice braiding for local schooling shows so that when you go to a big show, you will be a pro!
