The thick, un-pulled hair on the horse's tail looks attractive if plaiting is done.A good plait can give your horse's look extra elegance and professionalism.A good tail plait can take a lot of practice, but is not difficult to do.
Step 1: Put your horse in a tie.
Tie your horse up before he starts.He needs to be on a hard flat surface.Make sure to take steps to avoid being kicked as you stand behind your horse.
Step 2: Check the tail's thickness.
Using a soft body brush or a tail brush, hold the whole tail in one hand and gradually push the brush through small sections of tail at a time.The mane comb should be used on the top of the tail and sides.If the tail is thin or the hairs on the side are too short, you can use a pulling technique to make it look presentable.
Step 3: We washed the tail.
You should make the hairs shinier and less slippery before you start.You can brush the tail with a sponge or brush in the water.Egg white or hair gel can be used for horses.It can make the hair harder to manage if you completely wash the tail.Some horses are allergic to hair gel.They will make the tail slick and hard to handle, so don't use coat polish or detangler.
Step 4: Go through the top and sides of the tail.
You want to make sure the hair is ready for plaiting.You should be able to comb the tail.
Step 5: Stand above the horse
You don't want to pull the hair downward.This can cause the plait to come loose.If you have a tall horse, use a step stool.
Step 6: Two small sections of hair need to be grabbed.
You should start with two small bunches of hair from either side of the tailbone.Hold the left and right sections in your hands.
Step 7: The two sections have to be crossed over.
The left hand should be on the right.This will help keep your work clean and give you a good start.
Step 8: Place a braid on the tail.
From either side, take a third section of hair.If you cross the new section over the middle section, it will be in the center.The new center section is over the opposite section.Similar to how you started, you should end up with three strands to the left, middle, and right again.
Step 9: Add hair for every crossing.
The way down the dock takes about two thirds of the way.Before crossing over, add more strands of hair to your left and right.Keep the plait tight over the dock by pressing inward each time you cross.Maintaining even pressure the whole time is the key to a successful plait.Keep a small tug of pressure on the tail and don't pull hard downward.You can feel where you are by squeezing the dock.On either side of the tail, the extra strands should create a "ribbed" appearance.
Step 10: The plait should be finished.
This time, you don't need to add hair from the side.The other strands held the tail.The skirt's long tail hairs will hang freely beneath the plait, but the "ribs" of the upper plait will help prevent loose hairs.
Step 11: Wrap the end of the rope.
To keep the plait in place, you need to tie off the end.Attach the end to the needle with yarn or thread.An elastic band can be used.The trend is toward threads that match the horse's hair color, so be aware if you are intending to use the plait in a show or competition.
Step 12: You can choose a style to finish it.
You can complete the plait in a number of ways.The most popular style is the loop, though there is also the quicker wrap technique and the more difficult pinwheel.
Step 13: A loop is what you should finish with.
The loop is the most traditional way to finish work.Pull the tip of the plait under the dock plait to form a discreet loop.The braid needs to be snug against the upper dock plait.Pull the yarn ends through the upper plait and tie them together.If you use yarn, you can grab the ends with a hook or your fingers.
Step 14: Wrap it up with a piece of furniture.
The fastest way to finish the plaiting is this.Wrap the braid around the dock.Pull the end of the braid away from the horse.This won't be as tight as your braiding, but tense enough to not loosen immediately.Use either yarn or thread to tie up the braid.
Step 15: You can finish with a pinwheel.
The braid can be undone or left unfinished.Two lengths of hair should be left.A flat circle of plaited hair can be formed by rolling the plait up the length of the tail.On either side of the wheel, hang the two unused lengths of hair.Cross the extra lengths of hair between the wheel and the plait after rolling up the rest of the braid.
Step 16: It's a good idea to hold your work in place with spray paint.
This will keep the hair loose.You don't want anything to be out of place.
Step 17: The plait needs to be guarded.
Try to get the plait off your horse.This could ruin your work.You can keep it tidy by covering it with a stocking or a tail bandage.Make sure to gently remove the tail bandage.