The mane is the portion of horses’ hair that runs from the top of their neck to the tips of their withers. The mane is composed of thicker and coarser hair than other parts of the horse’s coat. It is intended to keep the horse’s neck warmer while possibly aiding in water runoff.
Along with the tail, the mane can provide fly protection. If left to its own devices, a mane may become tangled or knotted and can be severely damaged. Different disciplines have different styles and many riders choose to braid the mane. This will keep your horse’s mane from getting in the eyes. However, most people prefer to braid or plait their horses for dressage events.
We have six styles you can do yourself, whether you are braiding for competition or fun, or protecting your horse’s hair. Although some styles are more difficult than others, they can all be achieved with some practice.
1. Hunter Braids
Hunter braids were a traditional method of tying hair. Braiding hair would have prevented it from getting tangled up while hunting in the trees or undergrowth. Although the braid served a purpose, modern versions of it have evolved.
Flat braids are also known as hunter braids. The hunter braid is made with yarn and you should choose a color that matches the horse’s hair. Usually, you will end up with 30 or more braids running down the neck of your horse. The final design is elegant and highlights your horse’s neckline.
If you have to reach the skin beneath, it can also keep hair from the horse’s neck.
2. Button Braids
Button braids are also known as rosette braids and are very popular in dressage. These braids are durable and require a needle as well as thread. It takes some practice to master these braids. If you’re not competing with others, rubber bands can be used in place of a needle.
You can have between 9 and 17 braids. It is not uncommon to have odd numbers of braids. If done correctly, they will give your horse a neat and clean finish. It will look worse than a bad braid.
3. Running Braid
A running braid is a French braid that runs all the length of the neck. This style is very popular for horses with long hair and is often used in shows for horses with long manes. However, other styles such as the button braid work better and are more manageable than the running braid.
This braid is similar to a French braid, so if you can plait your hair you should be capable of creating a nice-looking running braid that will look good on your horse. You should braid under your horse for the best-looking running braid.
To make the hair look even better for events, many owners spray a little hairspray on the braid.
4. Continental Braid
Although the continental braid (or diamond lattice) is not a type of braid, it is an impressive look for horses. The braid requires a long mane. Once it is done, it will look similar to a macrame or doyley style design. The first step is to cut the hair into sections. Next, you need to band the mane in equal sections and then split those sections into two.
The result should look like intricate netting. Each section should be connected with the next. This style of braiding is very easy once you get the hang of it. It just takes a lot more time. You can make your hair look uneven or too thick if you don’t cut it evenly.
5. Mane Pulling
You can trim the manes of some horses, but pulling is more effective. It not only reduces the hair’s length but also makes it easier to maintain and care for.
Although pulling is tedious and time-consuming, some people find it to be a very cathartic experience and a great way to bond with horses.
You start at the ends and work your way up to the neck. You will need to hold the hair at the desired length, then use a mane-pulling brush to get it up. Wrap any hairs around the comb, and pull.
Hair will fall at the level of the pulling brush so make sure the comb is at the correct level.
You should also limit the amount of hair you apply to horses at one time. Otherwise, your horse may be injured and not get the results they desire.
6. Roached
A roached mane, or a hogged mane, may be better than braiding if you don’t like braiding or need to apply medication or control insects.
Reaching a mane is to trim it completely. Reaching a mane means shaving your horse’s neck. This is the main reason owners use this method. However, it will be easy to maintain the mane.
Your horse’s mane will grow back over 12 months. Be sure to check before you begin shaving. After the mane has grown back, you will only need to shave the horse once it is done.
Conclusion
The wild horse’s mane has many purposes. It could be used to keep the neck warm and protect from rain. Although domestic horses might not use the mane as much, it is still important for a horse’s appearance. A horse and its handler will be judged in an event on how well they care for and decorate their manes.
Below are six ways you can style your horse’s mane. You will hopefully find the right style for your horse and your needs.
Is it permissible to braid a horse’s mane?
Braid your horse’s mane all the way down. Generally, you should leave 3 to 4 inches of your horse’s mane outside of the bottom of your braid. This can substantially assist preserve the ends of your horse’s mane and is well worth the effort.
Is it possible to cut a horse’s mane using scissors?
Begin at the top and use the plastic mane comb as a guide to achieving the desired length while keeping it even throughout. Once the comb is in the proper position, cut through the mane with scissors at a 90-degree angle. This method avoids the blunt appearance that gets from just cutting through the mane.
What exactly are Hunter braids?
Hunter braids take longer to do than other braids due of their small size. This braid is made by weaving a piece of yarn that matches the color of the horse’s mane into a regular three-strand braid method. To get the stunning hunter look, the yarn is pushed up through the top of the mane and fastened down.
Is it painful to pluck a mane?
When you pluck a big number of hairs at once, it might be unpleasant. Pulling the mane after an exercise while the horse is still warm/sweaty and their pores are open, and simply removing a few hairs at a time, are two ways to make this as painless as possible.
Is it harmful to a horse to cut its tail?
While trimming the tail hair does not harm the horse,
Is it OK to roach my horse’s mane? Reaching a horse’s mane can make a weak-necked horse appear stronger. It draws attention to distinct aspects of a horse that a lengthy mane can conceal. It’s almost maintenance-free, and when the mane finally grows back and falls over, it’s thicker, shinier, and healthier than before it was chopped.
What exactly are butterfly braids?
A butterfly braid consists of two huge braids on either side of your head that feed into a single braid at the rear of your head. Feed braided hair to the right side of your head and continue braiding once you’ve created the off-center section.
What exactly are bubble braids?
A bubble braid is made up of one or more ponytails that are secured with hair ties all the way down the ponytail.