• Start with a neatly pulled mane so that the job is easier and the end result tidier.
• Use a comb, knife (or scissors), needle, thread (same colour as the horse’s mane), damp sponge, hair clip and something to stand on.
• Have a needle already threaded and knotted at the bottom and pin on your clothing.

• Start with a neatly pulled mane so that the job is easier and the end result tidier.
• Use a comb, knife (or scissors), needle, thread (same colour as the horse’s mane), damp sponge, hair clip and something to stand on.
• Have a needle already threaded and knotted at the bottom and pin on your clothing.
• Start at the top of the mane.
• If you are using a mane comb with a wooden handle, that type of comb is usually the width of the plait.
• Damp the mane down and separate out the first batch of hair you are going to plait, securing the rest of the mane with a hair clip.
• Separate the section into three and then start to plait, keeping a firm tension all the way down.
• Sew through the end of the plait towards you. Secure by wrapping your thread around the hair a few times and sewing through again, this time pointing towards the horse.
• Fold the plait up to the neck twice or three times depending on the length of the mane.
• Sew the needle through the bottom of the plait bunch at the neck and bring the needle out pointing upwards. Then wrap the thread around the plait and sew up through the plait again but, this time, wrap the thread around the plait in the other direction.
• Sew down through the plait and cut off the excess thread.
• Move to the forelock and damp with a sponge. Plait down and bring in the edges (this is called a French plait or braiding).
• Once you get past the clumpy bit at the top, plait down in the normal way and repeat the process with needle and thread, as per the neck plaits.

This video and these key points reflect the views and preferred method of the person demonstrating the technique. Horse Hero recommends you ask an expert for advice if you need guidance or are unsure how to do this yourself and take every precaution for the safety of you and your horse. (www.horsehero.com)