Top tips for plaiting your horse or pony

Plaiting the mane and tail of your horse or pony is a rewarding skill that enhances their appearance for both everyday riding and showing events. While it may seem daunting at first, with the right preparation, tools, and techniques, you can achieve neat and secure plaits that showcase your equine’s beauty and your grooming expertise.

A well-presented plait can make a horse or pony look elegant and show-ready. In some classes, particularly tack and turnout or show jumping, plaiting is either required or considered good etiquette. This comprehensive guide offers detailed tips and step-by-step advice to help novices and more experienced grooms alike to perfect their plaiting skills.

Should You Plait Your Horse or Pony?

Not every horse or pony needs to be plaited, and many native breeds are traditionally shown with their manes and tails left natural and flowing. For example, Shire and Clydesdale horses have distinctive, elaborate plaiting styles that differ from those used in typical showing classes, reflecting their heritage and tradition.

For standard showing and for rider presentation, learning to create tidy mini-bun plaits along the mane and straightforward tail plaits is highly beneficial. Even if plaiting isn’t mandatory, it enhances the polished look of your turnout and is a useful skill for competing or professional grooming.

Preparation Before Plaiting

Proper preparation lays the foundation for successful plaiting. Follow these steps to prepare your horse’s mane and tail:

1. Wash in advance: If you choose to wash your horse’s mane or tail, do so a few days before plaiting. Freshly washed hair can be too soft and flyaway, making plaiting tricky.
2. Detangle and condition: Thoroughly detangle using a good quality mane and tail brush or a fine-toothed comb. Consider applying a tacky plaiting spray which provides grip and helps hold the hair together without making it slippery.
3. Gather your tools: Essential items include plaiting bands or waxed plaiting thread and a needle, scissors, a spritz bottle filled with water, and a sturdy plaiting comb approximately four inches long. Having the right kit makes all the difference.
4. Environment and safety: Ensure your horse or pony is securely tied or safely held in cross-ties. Work from a height if needed (a stable or grooming box) so you can comfortably look down on your plaiting. Staying safe for both you and your horse is paramount.

Top Tips for Plaiting the Mane

The traditional show's style for horses is plaiting on the right side of the neck, unless your horse naturally parts their mane on the left. Follow these steps for neat mane plaits:

1. Section evenly: Use your comb to divide the mane into uniformly sized sections to ensure each plait is the same size, avoiding stray tufts of hair.
2. Start low: Begin plaiting at the withers and proceed upwards toward the forelock, finishing with the forelock last.
3. Angle and tension: Hold the hair out from the neck at a 45-degree angle to produce neat, even plaits that sit flat against the neck without pulling on the skin.
4. Secure and shape: As you fasten each plait with a band or thread, tuck in the ends to form a rounded tip rather than loose tufts. Then, roll the plait inwards to sit neatly against the neck, securing it along the line of the neck to maintain sleekness.

Top Tips for Plaiting the Tail

Tail plaits resemble the classic French plait, and if you can plait hair on a person, you’re already off to a good start. For best results:

1. Prepare the tail hair: Remove all knots with your fingers gently and ensure the tail is smooth from top to bottom before you start.
2. Divide the top sections: Use your fingers to section the top of the tail into equal parts, holding the middle section with a band to keep stray hairs controlled while plaiting.
3. Plait with care: Like the mane, pull the hair out at a 45-degree angle and plait firmly without causing discomfort to your horse.
4. Finish neatly: When you reach the end of your desired plait length (usually the bottom of the dock), tuck the hair ends under the band or thread for a tidy rounded finish. You may want to lightly spritz or gel flyaway hairs to set the plaits.
5. Remove the top band carefully: If the top was secured just for ease during plaiting, gently remove the band after applying gel or hairspray and tuck in flyaways to keep a clean appearance.

Use of Needle and Thread Versus Bands

While elastic bands are quicker and often feel easier for beginners, professional groomers favour sewing plaits with waxed thread and a needle for an ultra-neat and secure finish that withstands movement and weather better. Combining both methods is perfectly acceptable for balancing speed and precision.

Practice Makes Perfect

Don’t be discouraged if your first plaits aren’t flawless. Plaiting is a skill that improves significantly with practice. Try some dry runs on your horse or a friend’s animal before the big day to build your confidence and technique.

Remember to be patient and gentle, fostering a calm environment where your horse or pony remains relaxed during grooming. Not only does this make the plaiting easier, but it also strengthens your bond with your equine friend.

For those thinking of acquiring a horse or pony to practice and develop skills, explore options responsibly. Considering local breeds and reputable sources is best to ensure ethical ownership. If interested, you can find horses for sale suited to your needs and level.

Conclusion

Plaiting your horse or pony’s mane and tail, while sometimes required by show regulations, is a proud and pleasing part of equine grooming that highlights your care and attention to detail. Equipped with the right tools, techniques, and patience, even beginners can create tidy, secure plaits that enhance turnout and presentation.

Keep practising, work safely, and enjoy the rewarding results of your hard work. Happy plaiting!