Quick Knot 100 pack
$44.95
Plaiting Essentials for Horses
Horse plaiting supplies help you put in neat, secure plaits that last through a day of competing. This range covers plaiting bands, waxed and plaiting thread, needles, sectioning combs, thread cutters, braiding mousse and sprays, and complete plaiting kits.
They are part of our wider Grooming collection.
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Banded vs Sewn Plaits
Banded plaits are quick to put in and suit pony club, local shows and beginners. Sewn plaits use a needle and waxed thread, sit tighter and stay neater for longer, so they are common in dressage and show classes.
- Plaiting bands come in colours to match the mane and in non snap rubber.
- Waxed thread and needles are used for sewn plaits and buttons.
- Quick knots are reusable fasteners that replace bands or thread.
- Thread cutters and braid snips remove plaits without cutting mane hair.
Preparing the Mane
Plaits sit best on a mane that has been pulled to an even length and thickness. Use a mane comb from grooming brushes to tidy and pull the mane in the days before a show.
Avoid washing the mane with a slippery conditioner right before plaiting. Wash a day or two earlier using products from horse shampoo so the hair has some grip.
Plaiting Products
Braiding mousse, sprays and taming wax add grip, control flyaway hairs and help plaits hold their shape. A sectioning comb splits the mane into even bunches before plaiting.
For chalk, makeup and finishing sprays, see show preparation.
Keeping Plaits Tidy Overnight
If you plait the night before, a stretch hood or neck rug helps stop rubbing. Keep spare bands, thread and scissors in a grooming bag for touch ups at the event.
Brands in This Category
Plaiting ranges include Hairy Pony, NRG and Champion Tails.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do I need to plait a horse?
You need a mane comb, a sectioning comb or clips, plaiting bands or a needle with waxed thread, and a small pair of scissors or a thread cutter. A water spray or braiding mousse helps control the hair. A plaiting apron or kit keeps everything within reach while you work along the neck.
How many plaits should a horse have?
There is no fixed rule. Traditionally an odd number of plaits is put along the neck, plus one for the forelock, but many riders now choose a number that suits the length of the neck. More, smaller plaits make a long neck look shorter, and fewer, larger plaits can make a short neck look longer.
Are sewn plaits better than banded plaits?
Sewn plaits usually sit tighter and stay neater through a long day, which is why they are common in dressage and showing. Banded plaits are faster to put in and easier for beginners and younger riders. Both are acceptable at most competitions, so check the rules for your discipline and class.
How do I take plaits out without damaging the mane?
Use a thread cutter or blunt braid snips to cut only the thread or band, not the hair. Gently undo each plait with your fingers, then brush out the mane or dampen it to relax kinks. Leaving plaits in for too long can pull and break hairs, so remove them soon after the event.
