Any tips for hunter show braids??

Question

well i have been showing hunters since forever but i have never braided my own horse (we always paid people to do it for me) i know i know i should have watched or whatever but i didnt so now i have to do it myself. i know all the basic steps but i just dont know how to get them looking presentable. any pointers or videos or websites?

THANKS!

Answer 1

pull his mane first... it thins it out...

http://www.videojug.com/film/how-to-plai...

Answer 2

I could never learn how to braid either- I was dreadful at it.  

I figured that I would help the braiders earn a living and do all four of us (me, my horse, the judge, and the braider) a favor.

ADD:  And pulling his mane first IS a good idea.

Answer 3

neat neat neat! Just simply braid and bun, and be consistant down the neck.  Have fun with it!!!!

Tip: Extra hold hair spray works to keep the flie aways down, and if you put a neck guard over night, they will stay really nicely all day long :)  To get ultimate results, braid and bun, soak with hair spray and THEN put the neck guard on to keep the hair down and flat and to keep the buns secure over night :) Otherwise, braid the night before, soak in hair spray and bun in the morning, but put the neck guard on to keep them in place and safe from rolls and rubs - and then bun in the morning before you go to the show.  I always bun the night before and secure with a neck guard but, its up to you :)

Good Luck!

EDIT**

OH! And for Hunters, be sure to be as natural as possible - no ribbon or anything like that, judges like simple, well groomed horses.  Elastics should match the color of the mane (as much as you can anyways).  Ie. Dont use WHITE elastics on a black mane and tail.

Answer 4

There is a whole little set that is sold in catalogs and tack stores that has a video and all the supplies you need.  You can also see pictures and get tips in the book "Grooming To Win" (which has TONS of awesome tips!)

The absolute, no questions asked, most important thing you can ever do is......

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.......

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PRACTICE

PRACTICE

PRACTICE

When I was a kid I practiced hunter braids on model horses (their tails are about the right length and size!) barbie dolls, friend's hair, my horses, other people's horses - anything and everything.  I made HUNDREDS of practice braids before I ever braided for a show.  Then, I did 1-2 local shows with my own braids before going to a rated show.

Be sure you get the right tools.  Quality yarn that matches your horses hair, good pulling comb, sharp removers and a thin pull-through.  The better your tools are the better your result will be.

The hardest part for me was the tails... I never could get it quite symmetrical enough and gave up.... I only braided manes and when I went to a bigger show I coughed up the money for a professional and did the mane and tail.

Good Luck - and watch out for sore fingers! :)