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Key Braiding Skill:
French Braiding The Long Mane
For those who show Arabians, Morgans, Andalusians, and other traditionally long-maned breeds, hunter and dressage classes can pose a major grooming challenge. Pulling the mane is an option only if you do not also show in classes where braiding is not appropriate. French braids are the usual compromise, but they tend to look like a compromise indeed, sagging down the neck and/ or falling out every time the horse stretches its head.
Although the short-comings of a French braid cannot entirely be overcome, there is a simple trick that will vastly improve both their appearance and lifespan. Follow closely, then grab your stepstool and your QuicBraid and practice, practice, practice.
Before you begin, the mane must be clean, soft, and free of tangles, mats, and foreign objects. I normally bathe Excalibur in Quic Silver before a show, followed by Quic Condition 1 on the mane and tail, and a very careful combing or picking out. Then we’re ready to braid.
1-The braid starts immediately behind the bridle path, if your horse has one, or with the first section of hair not combed foreword into the forelock if he’s like my horse Excalibur (the model here) and does not. Spray QuicBraid on the top three to four inches of mane just before you begin, to make the hair easier to hold and reduce flyaway.
Separate the hair into three sections each about ½” wide. The first two passes are the same as an ordinary braid—left over center, then right over center. With the second crossing of the left strand, add a new section about ½” wide to the existing strand. Tug gently on the hair to make the whole braid as tight as possible against the crest.
2-Each time the left side crosses over, add a new section of hair to the braid. Apply firm, steady pressure (don’t jerk!) to the braided portion to keep it snug. Apply more Quic Braid to the mane as needed.
3-Now, here’s the trick to making the braid last! As you braid on down the neck, keep your HANDS CLOSE TO THE CREST AND NO FARTHER DOWN THE NECK THAN THE POINT FROM WHICH YOU ARE DRAWING NEW HAIR. Yes, it really is that simple. This hand position builds enough slack into the braid that it can move with the horse and not pull out.
4-Notice here that I am actually pulling the braid (with my right hand) back up towards the horse’s ears—this is the thick part of his mane, where it takes more effort to keep the braid tight and to resist letting my hands move down and away from the crest. At this point the braid may ‘slouch’ or buckle slightly, this is okay as it is this slack that prevents the braid from pulling out.