plaiting manes

[moodiestmare]

Has anyone got any tips for getting decent plaits in manes?

Any pics would be really good.

Also, just above my mares withers the mane is really really short for a few inches. What should I do with this bit?

Thanks

 

[carys220]

This is a good guide:
http://www.videojug.com/film/how-to-plait-a-horses-mane-2

 

[henryhorn]

I start with some elastic bands, strong hair gel and a ready knotted plaited big needle, the best thread is upholstery cotton which doesn't break when pulled tight.
use the bands to divide the mane, as you get better you just need one to pull the next bit out of your way, but until then divide carefully, making sure the line is dead straight from one side of the mane to the other.
I can start at either end but prefer the withers. use a generous amount of gel, divide into three and pull very tight in an almost upwards method to start with. Plait down to the bottom, then stitch through the end, go round to the right, round to the left a couple of times, and allow the needle to hang. Roll up the plait round your finger into a tight ball, and then stitch through from the bottom to the back, go round to the right, stitch through, round to the left . Do this twice then the last thread is through to the underside of the plait, and snip excess cotton off.
The secret is in using gel to keep it tidy, and pulling tight to start with.
My plaits will stay in for weeks (I missed one once) and once you get used to this it's easy!

 

[kirstyhen]

Make sure the mane is short enough (but not too short) and thin enough.
I do it pretty much exactly the same as HH, except i used plaiting bands instead of thread to secure the plait. I divide into 9 or 11 bunches, make sure the partings are straight, then plait each bunch VERY tightly! At the poll and at the withers, any areas that need to stretch, I start a little looser but the plait remains tight. Then secure with a band.
Then I fold in half and stitch, fold again and stitch. I might pull the mane either side of the plait out a bit to emphasise the neck, but if you stuff it up it can ruin everything!
My plaits stay in forever too, my Dad takes them out for me and he always complains!
My finished product....

 

[Hippona]

Best plaiting bands I found are from Claires boutique- they are for human hair, obviously

- but they are clear, small and v stretchy - you get about 100 in a small bag for £2 - much better than any plaiting bands that I ever seen, and easier than threads - and you can't see them at all, so good for white/greys and different coloured manes

 

[Kenzo]

Your horse is gorgeous!...and I so want your pink house!

as for my plaiting skills, less said the better so I busy reading everyones top tips.

 

[HollyP]

Im a rubber band junkie! I divide the hair into sections (she looks like a circus horse!) then tightly plait the hair (with elastic band at the bottom) then tie off with an elastic band....if there is a lot of hair at the bottom i fold this over and fasten with ANOTHER elastic band ..... with bundle them up secure with one or two bands haha!

I do love plaiting!

 

[Libbyn1982]

I'm absolutley useless at plaiting - I used to get my mum to do it for me but now I don't live at home she is a bit more reluctant to come play groom!! I shall take your advice and go practise this week!