One of the horses at my barn is going to a dressage show in a few months and the owner wants to braid his hair. His hair is about 4-5 inches long but it’s VERY thick and stiff.
Is there a nice braid I can do without cutting or thinning his mane?He is a draft cross and it is just an intro show so we just want something clean. Will try to get a picture of his hair later, just looking for advice on what others have done! 
Could you do a running braid? Not sure how long the mane needs to be for that; yours might be too short.
I think it is a little too short to stay in a running braid. She tried to do one a while ago and it was just short enough it stuck out everywhere. 
Take a look at the cobra braids.
Fuller/thicker and longer works better IMHO for nice button braids… 4-5" is just about where I keep my guy, maybe a little longer.
Check out this thread:
http://www.chronofhorse.com/forum/showthread.php?476626-Cobra-Braids&highlight=button+braids
Looking at the cobra braids… what’s the difference between them and the button braids? Are they easier to do with thicker hair?
[QUOTE=kkmrad94;8589568]
Looking at the cobra braids… what’s the difference between them and the button braids? Are they easier to do with thicker hair?[/QUOTE]
Cobra are very easy to do. Can’t speak to buttons.
I was watching that video c: Where do you get your needle / thread? The only needles I have at home are… pointy.
Hopefully I will get to try some of these this weekend. Do you recommend quic braid or something like that to use?
[QUOTE=kkmrad94;8589628]
I was watching that video c: Where do you get your needle / thread? The only needles I have at home are… pointy.
Hopefully I will get to try some of these this weekend. Do you recommend quic braid or something like that to use?[/QUOTE]
I use quic braid, and I use embroidery needles. I also use waxed thread.
I got the waxed thread in the needles from Michael’s. I have been meaning to get a thimble for three years, but I still haven’t done it.
Is it better thread through Michael’s or is it the same stuff that you get from Smartpak / Riding Warehouse?
Thank you for all your help. I really love the running braid since I don’t cut my own horses hair but have always wanted to try other braids out.
I have only ever purchased it through Michael’s, so I have nothing to compare. However, I have never had an issue with this thread. I buy it in a spool, so it is less costly than the small packs. I buy the small spools.
No problem helping you; I love to braid and I’m happy to share my very basic expertise. 
RHRT, you and I need to go to a Michaels so I can buy some this weekend. I’ve never found it locally, but I know you have up there!
Cobras/button braids are essentially the same. Buttons aren’t as loose on top, so don’t have that hooded effect, but the roll/sew in is basically identical.
[QUOTE=netg;8589780]
RHRT, you and I need to go to a Michaels so I can buy some this weekend. I’ve never found it locally, but I know you have up there!
Cobras/button braids are essentially the same. Buttons aren’t as loose on top, so don’t have that hooded effect, but the roll/sew in is basically identical.[/QUOTE]
Perfect; I need some more too!
4-5" is a standard length for braiding. 5-6" is for more intricate and longer braid styles. And then the cobra is usually used with a much longer mane. If it’s thick, pull it to thin it. That’s the best way to make it easier to braid. Even button braids can look too thick and not lay correctly if the mane is not thinned out a bit.
JoAnn Fabrics or any craft type stores have 3-4" long plastic needles that are perfect for this! You can put them in your pocket or apron and not worry about poking.
[QUOTE=Velvet;8589822]
4-5" is a standard length for braiding. 5-6" is for more intricate and longer braid styles. And then the cobra is usually used with a much longer mane. If it’s thick, pull it to thin it. That’s the best way to make it easier to braid. Even button braids can look too thick and not lay correctly if the mane is not thinned out a bit.[/QUOTE]
I agree about the longer mane. But I don’t ever thin manes. They stand easier also if not pulled.
[QUOTE=Lusoluv;8589913]
JoAnn Fabrics or any craft type stores have 3-4" long plastic needles that are perfect for this! You can put them in your pocket or apron and not worry about poking.[/QUOTE]
A friend of mine uses these. Same as the ones you are referring to?
http://www.joann.com/susan-bates-luxite-plastic-yarn-needles-2-3-4in/2381606.html#q=plastic+needles&start=5
You could also try scallop braids.
google: “scallop mane image” for pictures
and/or search forum for scallop in title.
Braid sections of mane for the length of the mane.
Put thread through base of first braid behind poll, sew it to top of next lower braid of your choice (depending on how “loose” or “tight” you want the scallops). Run the first braid under any braids between were braid starts and where you sew the end of the braid.
You will need do the last braid or two like normal braids, or I suppose you could scallop “forward” toward poll.
I think you could do this with the mane length you mentioned.
I think braids stick better if you braid the mane wet (water or quick braid).
OK, after all this, we want a picture of how it turned out!
I am all for clipping and cleaning up a horse but for some reason I really don’t like cutting / thinning manes for my own horses.
DownYonder - Funny I didn’t read the needle comment and those are the ones I ended up with! I asked them for waxed thread and they showed me some odd things that were not even close. So I ordered a spool from Riding Warehouse.
I was a little worried about losing a metal needle so I am glad I found some plastic ones!
When I get a chance to try this I will post pictures if it doesn’t turn out too terrible :). One horse I have I might be able to do this on but the others hair is too long.
Also please link pictures to your braiding if you have any! I’d love to see what others have done :yes:
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