How to Plait a Horse Mane: A Step-by-Step Guide for UK Riders

Whether you're prepping for a local riding club show, a county-level dressage test, or your first hunt of the season, a neat row of plaits can transform your horse's appearance. Plaiting takes practice, but with the right tools and technique, any UK rider can master it. Here's exactly how to do it.

What You'll Need Before You Start

Getting set up properly makes plaiting far quicker and tidier. You'll need a mane comb, a water brush or spray bottle, hair clips (the metal sectioning kind work best), a plaiting needle, and either waxed plaiting thread or rubber bands depending on the discipline.

For UK riders, brands like Shires, Hy Equestrian, and Roma all sell affordable plaiting kits — you can pick up a complete set from Robinsons, Naylors, or Equestrian.com for around £10 to £15. Waxed thread (typically black, brown, or white to match the mane) gives a more polished finish for showing, while rubber bands are quicker and acceptable for Pony Club rallies, dressage, and everyday smartness.

A sturdy mounting block or step stool is essential too — plaiting from the floor on a 16hh+ horse will leave you with sore shoulders. Make sure your horse is tied up safely, ideally in cross-ties or with a haynet to keep them occupied.

Preparing the Mane

A well-pulled mane is the foundation of good plaits. Aim for around 10–13cm (4–5 inches) in length and a consistent thickness throughout. If your horse hates having their mane pulled, products like the Solocomb or a thinning blade are kinder alternatives widely available in UK tack shops.

Wash the mane a day or two before plaiting — never on the day itself, as freshly washed hair is too slippery to hold. On the morning of the show, dampen the mane with water (some grooms swear by a touch of hair gel or Showsheen mixed with water for grip). Comb thoroughly to remove any tangles.

Divide the mane into even sections using your clips. For most disciplines, you're aiming for between 7 and 13 plaits along the neck, plus one for the forelock. An odd number is traditional, though hunters often have an even number — there's plenty of debate about this in UK yards!

The Step-by-Step Plaiting Technique

Take your first section nearest the poll. Divide it into three equal strands and begin a standard three-strand plait, keeping the tension firm and even. Plait all the way down to the very end of the hair.

Secure the bottom with a small rubber band, or thread your needle with waxed thread and bind the end. Now fold the plait under itself — push the needle up through the base of the plait at the crest, then back down through the middle to roll the plait into a neat ball or button. Two or three passes with the thread will hold it firmly. Trim any loose ends close to the knot.

Repeat along the entire neck, keeping each plait the same size and spacing. The forelock can be done as a French plait for elegance, or a simple folded plait if you're pushed for time. Practice makes a huge difference — your tenth plaiting session will be far faster than your first.

Discipline-Specific Tips for UK Showing

Different disciplines have different conventions. For dressage, larger rosette-style plaits sitting on top of the crest are popular and flatter the topline. For showing classes (working hunter, riding horse, hack), smaller, tighter buttons sewn flat to the neck are the traditional look — judges at county shows like the Royal Windsor or Great Yorkshire expect a polished finish.

For hunting with packs across the UK, plaits should be practical and secure — sewn-in rather than banded, as a long day in the field can loosen rubber bands. Polo ponies traditionally have hogged manes instead, so no plaiting required.

If you're nervous about plaiting before a big competition, professional plaiters operate at most major UK showgrounds — expect to pay £20–£40 per horse. Booking ahead is wise during the busy summer months between May and August 2026.

Plaiting is one of those skills that feels impossible until suddenly it clicks. Start practising at home well before your first show of 2026, and don't be disheartened if your early attempts look uneven — every top groom started somewhere. Stock up on a quality plaiting kit from your local UK tack shop, set aside an evening to practise, and you'll be turning out a beautifully plaited horse in no time. Ready to take your turnout to the next level? Grab your kit and get plaiting!