Does your horse object when you wet down his mane for braiding? Many horses dislike having their mane sprayed with water, especially near the poll and ears.
For this reason, I normally use a brush that I dip into a bucket of water to soak a section of the mane prior to braiding it. But, I recently happened on a different type of spray bottle while working on a painting project.
It is a game changer, especially for sensitive horses!
This braiding hack for wetting a sensitive horse’s mane for braiding is to use an ultra-fine mist spray bottle with continuous spray.
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This continuous sprayer puts out a fine mist of water that is less offensive to sensitive horses. It is also easier to use since it sprays longer with one pump than a conventional spray bottle.
The sleek design of this spray bottle is appealing because it fits into a small pocket so you can have it right at your fingertips when needed. And that is a time saver when braiding.
Why Wet the Mane When Braiding
Have you ever watched a video with a mane being braided dry? No matter what type of braids you are creating…hunter, dressage, French braid, etc., your braids will always turn out neater if you wet the mane first.
Let me explain why.
When you wet down the mane prior to braiding, it helps you control the hair better and improves the finished look of your braids. Also, hair can stretch one-fifth it’s length when wet, so this is how braiding wet will help you craft a tighter three-strand braid and achieve neater braids.
This is especially important when working on a thick or coarse mane that is difficult to braid down neatly. I share my coarse mane braiding strategy next and working wet is a key part of it.
Braiding Wet is Critical for Coarse Manes
Have you ever worked on a coarse mane that no matter how tightly you braided down your three-strand braids, the finished braids somehow appear loose?
You are not alone!
Coarse manes are the toughest to braid neatly. If you soak the section of the mane you are working on with water frequently, you will be able to get the braids in tighter.
When working on a coarse mane, I also like to braid down six braids and tie up the first five right away before they have a chance to loosen. Use the sixth braid as your guide for braid length as you continue to braid down the mane.
Perfect for Dressage Braids on Short or Long Manes
Dressage button braids (on the left below) are larger and often have a more relaxed look than hunter braids (shown on the right). Drag the arrow divider below back and forth to view and compare the full pictures of these braids.
This fine mist sprayer gives you a way to dampen the mane enough for better hair control and the ability to achieve neater braids. And you will still be able to achieve those relaxed looking braids it that is what you prefer. This fine-mist spray bottle will also benefit riders who are creating French braids or Dutch braids on long manes.
Takeaways
What do you use to wet the mane for braiding? A fine-mist spray bottle is perfect for wetting the mane:
- On sensitive horses
- For better control of the hair when completing any type of braid
- To help you achieve neat, eye-appealing braids for shows, fun or to earn income
- When braiding a coarse mane
What do you think of this braiding hack for wetting a sensitive horse’s mane for braiding? It’s one that even non-sensitive horses will likely appreciate. Or even great for use when braiding in cold weather.
What do you use to wet the mane for braiding? Are you planning to try the fine-mist sprayer? Leave a comment and let me know. I love connecting with fellow riders so I read each and every comment.
Cheers.
Mary Beth