Whether you are seasoned at horse braiding or just learning about the process for the first time, having a proper braiding tool kit can help to make the process much easier.
Not only does this ensure you have the things needed to take care of the hair in the best manner possible, but it ensures that your tools are within convenient reach during the braiding process.
While your preferred tool kit might feature slightly different items based on your needs, a basic tool kit often contains a few tools essential to braiding any horse.
If you are looking for the most convenient method of obtaining a horse braiding toolkit, there are kits available for purchase from many online retailers and tack stores.
However, these kits usually come at a higher cost due to convenience.
By assembling your own tool kit, you can save over these pre-assembled kits and ensure that your components are up to your personal standards and needs.
One of the most essential items to any braiding kit is a good mane and tail brush.
While opinions vary on which brands and styles are the best, there are a few key characteristics to look for in a good mane brush.
The first of these is that the teeth on the brush have a wide placement.
This will help gently remove tangles and debris from the mane or tail without causing damage to the hair or discomfort for the horse.
You should also ensure that any brush with plastic or metal teeth have rounded tips on the ends of the teeth.
This will decrease any irritation to the horse's skin during the braiding process.
The next thing you will need is a tool to pull your binding material through the braids.
A large crochet hook or rug hooking tool is perfect for this.
Best of all, either of these tools can be found for an affordable price at many general retailers.
Be sure to choose a tool that is long enough to use effectively while braiding.
Having to retrieve the tool from the hair throughout the process will lead to frustration and unneeded difficulty.
Lastly you will need a binding material.
The type of material will largely depend on the braid you wish you perform.
Common materials include small rubber loops, banding tape, yarn or thread.
You can also use traditional hair clips or clothespins to help hold the hair in place during the process of braiding.
If you are considering learning to braid for horse shows, banding tape should be an essential part of your kit.