During a competition, a nice hairstyle or a good braid of the mane brings out the curve of the neck and keeps the tufts away from the rider's face during the jump. There are several ways to weave; this article takes into consideration the variant called "ring" or "button".
Steps
Step 1. The first step is to prepare the mane and consists in uniforming the lengths and combing them carefully:
it is better to do this one day in advance to avoid that the horse has to stay still for too long.
Step 2. Tie it up
The braiding process can take a long time, so you may want to give him some hay to entice him to sit still. However, keep in mind that many horses do not sit still while they eat. This step is optional, you will choose the best way according to your horse.
Step 3. Get on the side of the mane as this will also be the side of the weave, unless you want to make it fall on the other
Step 4. Using a soft brush, comb the mane to loosen any knots and remember to brush the bangs too
Step 5. Now you need to divide the mane into equal strands using the comb
Start from the head and go down. Proceeding further down, you will notice that the hair will be thinner: consequently, you will have to create progressively wider sections so that the braids always have a uniform size. Use a rubber band to secure each section.
Step 6. Braid each braid tightly to the end
Start from the top and remove the elastic you placed earlier and reuse it to close the braid. Before starting, it may be helpful to apply a little water, egg white or even hair gel to the sections.
Method 1 of 3: Braid with Elastics
Step 1. Fold the braid twice and secure it with a rubber band at the base
If the mane is too short, you can only fold it once.
Step 2. Apply this technique to the full length of the neck and make sure the result is neat
Step 3. You could smear some gel on your hand and use it to secure the braids - optional
Method 2 of 3: Sew the Braids
Step 1. Sew the end of the braid by making two loops around it and one across to secure it
Step 2. Then lift the braid and pass the yarn through the base being careful not to prick the horse
Step 3. Pull the yarn so that the braid is folded in half
Step 4. Fold the braid in half once again, but this time using your fingers, so that you get a kind of button
Step 5. Thread the needle around the right side and then, still holding the button firmly, pass the thread through the center of the braid
Step 6. Repeat the operation, but bringing the thread to the left side
Step 7. Repeat one more time on the right side, and then on the left
Step 8. Then pass the needle through the center, towards you
Step 9. Pull the thread around one of the previously made stitches, but don't tighten all the way
Leave a small ring.
Step 10. Pass the thread through the loop and tighten to create a knot and thus secure the braid to the base
Step 11. Now you can cut the thread
Method 3 of 3: Unique Braid
This variation is quick and easy to keep the horse's mane tidy, but is not suitable for a show.
Step 1. Starting from the area closest to the ears, take 3 strands of mane, the size does not matter
Step 2. Start braiding as you normally would, BUT BE CAREFUL:
Step 3. Each time you have to insert a section from the left (assuming the mane is positioned on the right of the neck), add a new section from the rest
Step 4. Continue braiding, always adding a new strand
Step 5. Try to get some braids that are firm and close to the base of the mane
Step 6. Continue like this to the end and then secure the braid with a rubber band
Advice
- If the horse is tall, you may want to use a stool or bucket to easily reach the position and work neatly even for the higher braids. The greater the number of braids, the longer the animal's neck will appear, and the fewer braids will make a long neck look shorter.
- It is a good idea to wash the mane before the operations, it will be cleaner and easier to handle, but it is not recommended to do it on the same day of processing regardless of the products used. If you want some help with braiding, egg white can be very useful as it gives brightness to the mane and makes it more compact.
- If you decide to do the braids the day before a show, it is good to protect them with a nylon veil, such as the one used for tights, and attach it to each braid with an elastic or cord. It is also worthwhile to cover everything with a hood.
- The bangs can be gathered into a French braid, folded and sewn as indicated above.
- For hunting and cross-country you can braid the fringe after putting the bridle in order to use the headboard to secure the braid.
Warnings
- Do not pin the braids too close to the neck as they could cause pain during the movements.
- Do not use products and conditioners before making the braids: it would make the mane difficult to handle.
- Make sure the horse is not allergic to the gel, it's not that unusual!
- Avoid continually pulling on the mane or the horse may get annoyed.
