I’ve recently started doing recognized shows, and my braiding skills are nonexistent–I was the kid who couldn’t even braid another kid’s hair in middle school. I’ve learned now how to do decently neat banded braids, and the bands match my horse’s mane perfectly, so it looks non-embarrassing. However, I’m going to Saugerties in August and that’ll be my first bigger recognized show. Will banded braids be acceptable as long as I make them tidy, or should I try learning how to do sewn-in button braids by then and risk having them be slightly sloppier?
I’m sure the banded would be fine, but just wanted to share that I recently learned how to do sewn button braids (after many years of bands), and they are EASY!! Don’t get intimidated by the process. I was astounded how much easier they are in general, and how much easier they are to get to look good. Just go through a couple videos and practice - I think the sewn braids are well worth it! (and last longer!)
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I have shown recognized (Gold in this country) with banded braids and no problems. You want to look neat and appropriate but it isn’t a turnout class, lol.
What is a good length of mane for the button braids?
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I do rubber band braids - as long as they look neat, they are fine. If you can’t do a decent braid job, pay someone to do it. Or practice until you can. A good percentage of the riders just use rubber bands - it is easier to do, and WAY easier to undo after you ride!
Being an older adult who’s only recently shown recognized, I understand your apprehension about braiding. I learned to do the cobra braids via video, and even my first attempts looked show ready. Plus, you only have to do anywhere from 7 - 9 braids to look nice. Make your life simple since showing is stressful enough. I was able to do 9 braids in 30 minutes (I am slow) and they looked great. Good luck!
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Can you do yarn? Just add in a piece of yarn about halfway down - I just go across the back, and add it to the 2 outside pieces. Braid down, and just knot the yarn. Pull yarn up thru the middle of the braid, separate, cross under, and double knot on the front of the braid. That really takes a bit of a messy braid, and makes it neater.
Thanks all!
Can you braid on either side? Mare’s mane goes left no matter what we do!
Yes, you can braid to either side. If your horse has a ridiculously thick mane, you can braid on BOTH sides 
Of course you can!
Also, braiding isn’t mandadory. And no one cares what type of braids you do as long as it looks nice and tidy.
Don’t worry, Sarah. No one cares. I’m so lazy and sick of braiding after 30 something years of showing, I use electrical tape. Easy on. Easy off.
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Sewn in braids using waxed thread is my method - Bit of Britain sells waxed thread. It really helps to grab and hold in the loose hairs, and you can take even a sloppy braid and turn it into an acceptable ‘button’ with enough back and forths using waxed thread.
I personally can’t do rubber band braids to save my life, but I’ve paid braiders at big shows who used rubber bands and the braids look fantastic. Speaking of paying a braider… if you have a busy, stressful day then its worth the $30 - $50 to have someone else do it for you.
