The art of braiding horse hair takes a small bit of practice and a complete lot of patience. If you are a beginner you can anticipate to devote at least 2 hours on the job the initially time you attempt, and you and your horse may well both be exhausted when you are carried out. But don't be concerned. Like anything else in life, the additional instances you do it, the quicker you'll get. And believe it or not, you'll both come to get pleasure from the knowledge of braiding your horse's hair.
Shampoo The Day Just before
Never ever wash you horse's hair the very same day you program to braid it. Just like your personal hair, your horse's hair will be even more complicated to manage if it really is squeaky clean and you will have flyaway hairs going each and every which way. Shampoo at least one particular or two days just before braiding horse hair and it will be a lot simpler to function with.
Use A Fine Conditioner
Applying a good conditioner assists you brush or comb by way of the tangles in your horse's mane, just like it does with your own hair. In spite of this, bear in mind to use the conditioner the similar day you are shampooing the mane and rinse well. You'll be applying a smaller amount of gel when you get began braiding and if there is too significantly conditioner in the mane it will be slippery and hard to work with.
Use A Superior Quality Gel
Think about what your personal hair looks like when you put it up in braids and then devote the day running and jumping at prime speed. It is really a sight by the finish of the day, is not it? Use small amounts of a wonderful styling gel as you're braiding your horse's mane to give the braids a small alot more staying power and assist hold down those flyaway hairs.
Braid On The Right Side
The mane is traditionally braided on the proper side for show hunters and occasion horses, and dressage horses can be braided on either side. A single of the benefits of braiding is that, just after a period of time, it will help train your horse's mane to fall on the suitable side.
Use A Stool For Visibility
To get the tightest braid you genuinely have to have to start out correct at the root of the mane. If you're not tall adequate to comfortably see and reach your horse's whole neck then use a stool or crate to stand on. Just make positive it is safely positioned so you don't fall off.
In the starting it is going to take you longer to get that 1st braid correct and you and your horse each could get a little tired or impatient. It helps to have a snack on hand for both of you and, if you have to, let your horse take a break. Braiding horse hair shouldn't be a terrible chore for either 1 of you and it will not be once you've had a little practice.