What Can We Do With Manes?

What you decide to do with your horse's mane for a competition depends on the rules or the discipline you are competing in. If you haven't competed in a particular discipline before and you are set to go to your first competition, then it is a good idea to read the rule book that the show is being judged under. Items you may need include, strong mane bands that won't break, plaiting wax/sculpting stick for 'fly away' hairs, water in a spray bottle or a plaiting spray, sectioning comb, plaiting thread, needles, sectioning clips (although I use my claw clip out of my hair usually!), latch hook, and plait puller. To see what these items look like, click on this link to take you to Nags to Riches Equestrian page. I use some of these products: https://www.hishineequine.com.au/mane-tail/ Also I recommend Hi Shine Equine products for washing manes and tails. You can find quality products at this link: https://www.hishineequine.com.au/mane-tail/ ENGLISH CLASSES At most shows that have English classes you would rosette or button braid your horse's mane. See photo below.

'Jellybean Jazzabelle' in the 8 Years and Under Rider Class at the Sunshine Coast Agricultural Show in 2008

WESTERN ENGLISH AND DRESSAGE CLASSES At western sanctioned shows in English classes, you need braids in your horse's mane. These are the same as dressage braids and show off the horse's neck. Click on the below link and see the photo under 'Dressage Braids'. https://www.ponybox.com/news_details.php?id=3453&title=Horse-Braid-Types WESTERN HALTER CLASSES

Banded Mane for Western Halter Classes on Horse 'Sheza Special Touch'

In western halter classes it is a must to 'band' your horse's mane. See photo on the left. The mane must be short to show the neck conformation and muscles to the judge. A lovely touch is if you have a dark colour or a chestnut (orange) mane and put in white rubber bands as it makes for a nice contrast. For an important competition, the bands would be one centimetre apart. This takes quite a lot of time to do, so make sure you put on some music or stream a movie on your phone while you do it!

JUST FOR FUN!

A weaved mane on our Quarter Horse 'Let's Play Checkers'

For classes that don't require your horse's mane to be done a specific way or for fun, you might like to weave your mane.

It is also called a diamond braid, lattice braid, macrame braid, weaving and web braid. You could also add beads if you like. See photo below.

You can find instructions on how to perform this at the following link:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zhV3luMgDxY 

RUNNING OR DUTCH BRAIDS

Dale's Son Matthew at 4 Years at Wynnum Pony Club with a Running Braid in the Horse's Mane

A running braid or a Dutch (inverted running) braid isn't used in presentation classes, however, it can be used on showjumpers or to assist riders with the reins not getting tangled in a a thick long mane. See photo on right.

Here is a link to demonstrate how to plait both these braids: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sujR9dIKaXc