How to Do a Running Braid

Sometimes just washing and brushing a horse isn't enough to give it the look you want. Braiding a horse's mane can give an extra visual element to horseback riding, whether you're riding for a competition or just for fun. The horse's mane version of a French braid is called the running braid, since it runs along the mane at the side of the neck. With a basic technique, you can make your horse stand out from the rest.

Things You'll Need

• 1 rubber band

Instructions

1. Separate three sections of hair from the top of the mane. Each section should be about 1 inch wide.

2. Bring the left section of hair over the middle section of hair, then bring the right section over the middle section.

3. Bring the left section over the middle section again, this time gathering in more hair from the mane into the braid.

4. Bring the right section of hair over the middle again, bringing with it a little more of the mane to incorporate into the braid.

5. Repeat Steps 3 and 4, moving down the mane along the neck of the horse and ending when you've reached the end of the mane.

6. Secure the braid by wrapping a rubber band around the end of it.

Tips & Warnings

• Since this braid comes out easily, braid it in the mane right before riding.

References

• Raspberry Ridge Farms: Mane Care and Show Preparation
• Equestrian How2: Running Braid