[lilrider]

Ok so I have a show saturday.. its just a schooling show but I feel the urge to braid for it lol. So my question is how exactly do you do hunter braids? I have seen people use yarn and others use the bands... which is better? Any step by step instructions? I have only managed to find step by step ones for the plaits which are more dressage correct.. teh button braids? Yes I am clueless lol I have always shown an arab or in lower levels where I didn't need or want to braid but I figure I might as well practice. Also how many braids and how thick? I know that depends on the horses neck so here are a few pics of Dreamer. In some pics her neck looks skinny and in others it looks thick lol

Thanks everyone!

[mchip]

if it is a hunter show you want to braid not band. when i braid for hunter or eventing. i braid about a one to one and a half inch section at a time starting at the top and work my way to the withers. if it has been recently pulled it will be easier b/c the mane will be thinner. i will try to find a link....

edit*there is instructions on HSG under horsecare and grooming tips

[honeydoozy]

Here's a pretty good link to instructions for hunter braids:

http://www.texashorsemansdirectory.com/thdbra.htm

Rubber bands are a waste of time, IMO. Go with good quality yarn that matches your horse's mane. The braids will lay flatter and be more durable.

[SecretAgent]

If you're going to go to a show and you want to braid, it's best to get someone who knows how to braid to do it for you. IMO, bad braids are 30 times worse than an unbraided mane. Practice braiding at home until you're good enough to braid on your own, but until then, either get a friend to do it for you, or present a clean, pulled, but unbraided mane. If you decide to leave it unbraided, make sure it's on the correct (right) side of the neck.

[appy99]

Well I don't know much about braiding and it seems like everyone else has got some good advice already but I was just looking at your pictures and you've got a very pretty horse.

[wrightdanes]

You can usually find someone at your barn or at the show who will braid for you for 10-30 bucks... just an option

[honeydoozy]

Originally Posted by wrightdanes

You can usually find someone at your barn or at the show who will braid for you for 10-30 bucks... just an option

Seriously? Where ARE you?

I don't know about a lot of other places - but I've braided professionaly in CA and TX and never charged less than $40 for braids - the going rate now is $40 for dressage braids, $60 for hunter braids and add ons for extra stuff like tails, extensions, etc.

$10-30 for a braid job is a bargain! (and just about impossible here)

My solid recommendation to anyone is to take the time to LEARN and practice braiding on your own horse. Schooling shows are for *practice* and that includes braiding. The braids don't have to be perfect, just the best job you can do. More practice = better braids. Sitting around the barn, hangin with friends? Grab some mane and practice. It's a very good skill to have. (and has saved my bacon on months when finances fall short... )

Good luck lilrider!

[wrightdanes]

Isn't this for a schooling show? Ask around for 4-H teenagers.

[Quick2Skip01]

Originally Posted by wrightdanes

Isn't this for a schooling show? Ask around for 4-H teenagers.

Don't know about you but a lot of the 4-Hers around here have never even braided a mane.

I would just attempt it and try my best. It is a schooling show, practice makes perfect!

[lilrider]

Schooling hunter show which means not really any 4-Hers at all. It also means no one is there to braid for me. Also I have mny horses at home so I don't have anyone at my barn to braid for me and I am no way shelling out money to get her braided for a little schooling show lol. Thanks to the people who actually gave me dire3ctions on HOW to braid since that was my question. I can plait but I think thats more dressage than hunters. Thanks anyways but I didn't braid for the show afterall... heck I didn't even bathe her because it was raining and a mess.