Plaiting & Braiding
Plait Your Horse's Mane Like a Pro -Here's How:
1. Start with a Clean Mane
Before you begin plaiting, ensure your horse’s mane is freshly washed. A clean mane free from dandruff, dirt, and mud provides a smoother finish and helps your plaits sit neatly. I recommend using Horspa Pure Morocco Argan Oil Shampoo—it's free from synthetic chemicals and fragrances, so it gently cleanses without stripping natural oils or irritating the skin. A clean, healthy mane is the perfect foundation for professional-looking plaits.
2. Gather Your Mane Braiding Essentials
Before you begin, make sure you have everything and fully stocked with all the tools you’ll need for neat, professional plaits. I always keep mine ready with:
Taming Wax
Braiding Mousse or Hair Gel
Plaiting Bands
Plaiting Needles
Waxed Plaiting Thread
Stitch Unpicker
Sectioning Comb
Fastening Scissors
Having everything within reach makes the braiding process smoother, faster, and more precise
3. Keep Your Plaits Even
To achieve neat, consistent plaits, start by sectioning the entire mane before you begin braiding. I use a Sectioning Comb with adjustable sizing options to ensure each section is uniform. Precision is key—make sure every parting line is straight and clean, as any unevenness will become more noticeable once the hair is pulled tight.
By dividing the full mane at the start, you’ll avoid ending up with an odd-sized plait at the base of the neck and ensure a balanced, professional finish from poll to withers.
4. Prepare in Advance
If your horse’s mane needs pulling, tidying, or lacks thickness in certain areas, a little preparation can go a long way. In cases where there's not enough hair to create even plaits, I recommend using the pre-tied synthetic mane hair extensions designed to blend seamlessly with your horse’s natural mane.
They're easy to plait in, add volume exactly where it's needed, and best of all, they're reusable—making them a practical and reliable tool for achieving a flawless finish every time.
5. Section and Plait with Precision
When you're ready to start plaiting, begin by applying Horspa Taming Wax to both sides of the mane at the base of your first section. Use a comb to evenly distribute the wax and smooth the hair flat against the neck for a clean, polished look.
Next, apply a pea-sized amount of Horspa Braiding Mousse or hair gel through the rest of the section, working it all the way to the ends. Re-comb the hair to ensure it’s smooth and tangle-free, then divide it into three equal parts.
Plait tightly and evenly, keeping the hair flush and neat as you work your way down. Secure the end with a plaiting band—use two bands for thicker manes to hold everything in place.
Aim for each plait to be about the length of your index finger—this is ideal for forming uniform, tidy rosettes later on. Once plaited, either fold the end under and band to keep flyaway contained, or trim the excess if preferred. Repeat this process down the full length of the mane for a clean, professional finish.
6. Finishing the Plait: Stitching for a Secure, Polished Look
To finish your plaits securely and neatly, use a long plaiting needle and doubled thread. Always tie a knot at the end of your thread—this not only prevents the needle from slipping through but also adds an extra layer of safety, helping avoid dropped needles in hay or bedding where they could pose a risk.
I recommend using waxed plaiting thread in a color that matches your horse’s mane. The wax coating provides extra grip, keeping your rosettes tight and secure throughout the day.
The larger needle eye also makes threading much quicker and easier—especially helpful when working with waxed thread.
Standard sewing needles are often too short and difficult to manage when plaiting, so investing in proper tools will make a noticeable difference in both ease and end result
7. Rolling the Plaits: Choose the Method That Suits Your Horse’s Mane
The technique you use to roll and secure your plaits can depend on your horse’s mane type, thickness, and length. Here are four common methods to create neat, secure rosettes:
Method 1: The Fold & Roll (Double Fold)
Fold the plait in half, tucking the end into the base of the mane.
Use your needle and thread to stitch forward and backward at the base near the plaiting band.
Fold the plait in half again to form a compact ball.
Secure the final shape with a few more stitches and trim any excess thread.
Method 2: The Mid-Roll Tuck
Fold the plait in half from the bottom, and roll it under toward the base.
As you roll, keep the shape tight and compact.
Stitch back and forth through the centre of the rosette at the base, ensuring the thread stays hidden within the plait.
Method 3: Classic Under-Roll
Roll the plait up from the banded end, tucking it under itself as you go.
Once at the base, secure it with several firm stitches.
Trim any remaining thread to finish.
Method 4: The Wrap & Secure
Fold the plait in half once, then roll the remaining length tightly up toward the base.
Stitch back and forth to secure it, then sew through the centre.
Wrap the thread around the outside of the rosette, alternating from left to right for added security.
Finish by trimming excess thread cleanly.
Choose the method that gives you the most control and the cleanest finish for your horse’s mane type. Whichever technique you use, make sure your stitching is tight and even to keep the rosettes secure and professional-looking all day.
8. The Final Step – Safely Removing Plaits After the Show
When it’s time to take your plaits out, we highly recommend using a sewing stitch unpicker instead of scissors. It’s quicker, safer, and helps prevent accidentally cutting your horse’s mane—especially when working around tight braids.
Happy plaiting!