# Running Braid Basics - **URL:** https://piaffehorse.com/running-braid-tutorial/ ## Running Braid Tutorial: A Tidy Mane Line, Step by Step Have you ever seen a mane that lies in one beautiful, neat line along the neck? That is almost certainly a running braid. It tidies the mane, looks elegant and holds up whether you are heading into a show ring or just out for an easy afternoon ride. Learning it feels a bit like picking up a secret handshake with your horse. It takes some practice, but once your hands know the rhythm, it turns into one of the most satisfying jobs in the grooming routine. A running braid differs from a regular braid and from a French braid. It picks up new hair from only one side, the side nearest the crest, so it appears to “run” along the top of the neck. That keeps the mane out of the way, prevents tangles and shows off the neckline. It also happens to look lovely. ### Gather These Tools Before You Start Braiding Collect everything before you begin, because nothing is more annoying than being halfway down the neck and realizing the bands are still in the tack room. Here is the list: - A good brush and comb: They leave the mane smooth and free of tangles. - A spray detangler or conditioning spray: It makes the hair easier to handle and adds shine. Products like [Release Spray Conditioner](/product/release-spray-conditioner/) or [Release Spray Conditioner](/product/release-spray-conditioner-2/) (the shop lists it in two spots, so take your pick) work well. A little [Refresh Maintail Cream](/product/refresh-maintail-cream/) adds smoothness and tames the small flyaways. - Small hair bands or braiding bands: They secure the end of your braid. Clear or mane-colored bands look neatest. - A small stool or step-stool: It lets you reach the mane comfortably and safely. Safety comes first. - A bucket of water (optional): Some people dampen the mane slightly as they go. - A friendly horse: Without one, the rest of the list does not matter much. ### Prep the Mane First, Because It Decides How the Braid Turns Out Trying to draw a neat picture on crumpled paper never works well, and braiding follows the same rule. A clean, smooth, tangle-free mane is what lets a running braid sit properly and stay put. Prep is the most important stage for a good result, so give it the time it deserves. #### 1. Wash the Mane First A clean mane is far easier to braid. Anyone who has tried to comb through sticky, tangled hair knows how that goes, so wash your horse’s mane before you even think about braiding. A dedicated shampoo such as [Reluxe Maintail Shampoo](/product/reluxe-maintail-shampoo/) or [Reluminate Shampoo](/product/reluminate-shampoo/) does the job. If your horse spends a lot of time outdoors, or the mane gets oily, [Repel Oil Shampoo](/product/repel-oil-shampoo/) keeps it fresh and clean. For a wash that perks the hair up, try [Revive Shampoo](/product/revive-shampoorevive-shampoo/). Clean hair is less slippery, which gives you a better grip as you braid, and the finished braid looks neater and lasts longer. It is the same reason you wash your own hair before styling it. #### 2. Condition and Detangle Before You Braid After shampooing, a good conditioner or detangling spray is your best friend. It leaves the hair soft, shiny and easy to comb through, which is exactly what braiding needs. Spray [Release Spray Conditioner](/product/release-spray-conditioner/) or [Release Spray Conditioner](/product/release-spray-conditioner-2/) all over the mane, then start brushing from the very ends and work gently up toward the roots. Take extra care with tangles, since tugging too hard hurts your horse and breaks hair. Treat each knot like a shoelace you are patiently untying. You want a mane that flows like silk. #### 3. Braid Dry or Slightly Damp Hair The mane should be dry or just slightly damp when you braid. If it is too wet, it will not hold the braid well, and if it is dry and brittle, it can snap. Make sure it lies flat on one side of the neck. Most horses have a mane that naturally falls to one side, and that is the side you braid. ### Follow These Steps for a Clean Running Braid Now for the fun part. Get your stool, your tools and your patient horse ready. Practice makes perfect, so do not worry if your first few attempts are not what you hoped for. Every braid improves on the last, and your hands will remember more than you expect. #### Step 1: Start at the Poll Stand on your horse’s left side. This is usually easiest for right-handed people, but the right side works too if you prefer. Find the very top of the mane, right behind the ears near the poll. Your braid begins here and travels down the neck. Standing on the stool keeps your arms level with the crest, which saves your shoulders on a long mane. #### Step 2: Take a Neat First Section Pick up a small, tidy section of mane right at the top, like a little square of hair. It should be about one inch wide, so not too big and not too small. Smooth it with your comb or fingers until no stray hairs cross over it. #### Step 3: Lay a Simple Braid Foundation Divide that small section into three equal strands. Call them Strand 1 (closest to you), Strand 2 (the middle) and Strand 3 (furthest from you). Then do two or three simple braiding crosses: - Cross Strand 1 (left) over Strand 2 (middle). Strand 1 is now the new middle. - Cross Strand 3 (right) over the new Strand 2 (middle). Strand 3 is now the new middle. This gives you a firm base for the running braid. #### Step 4: Add Hair from the Crest Side Only This is the signature move of the running braid. Unlike a French braid, which adds hair from both sides, you add hair only from the side nearest the crest of the neck, where the rest of the mane sits. - Prepare to cross the top strand: Take the strand currently on top, closest to your horse’s neck. Before crossing it over, grab a small, fresh section from the unbraided mane just underneath your current braid and add it to the top strand you are holding. Keep that new section neat and about the same size as your original strands. - Cross it over: Cross this combined strand (the original strand plus the new hair) over the middle strand. The thicker strand is now your middle. #### Step 5: Cross the Bottom Strand Without Adding Hair Now take the strand currently on the bottom, furthest from your horse’s neck. Do not add any new hair to this strand. Simply cross it over the new middle strand. This one difference is what makes it a “running” braid. #### Step 6: Repeat Down the Whole Neck Repeat Steps 4 and 5 all the way down your horse’s neck: - Add hair to the top strand: Each time, take a small new section from the crest and add it to the top strand before crossing it over the middle. - No hair to the bottom strand: Each time, cross the bottom strand over the middle without adding anything. Keep the added sections the same size every time. That makes the braid look neat and even, like a perfect ladder. #### Step 7: Keep the Tension Even Hold an even tension on all the strands as you work. Braid too loosely and it looks messy and falls out, but braid too tightly and it pulls on the skin. Aim for gentle but firm. Your thumbs can guide each new section into place and keep everything smooth. Glance at the skin along the crest now and then, and if it puckers or the hair looks strained, loosen the last cross. #### Step 8: Finish with a Plain Braid and a Band When you reach the end of the mane, where the neck meets the shoulder, continue with a normal three-strand braid for a few inches without adding any more hair. Braid it long enough to tie off securely, then wrap a small hair band tightly around the end. You can let the tail of the braid hang. For a tidier finish, fold it up and tuck it under the main part of the braid, then secure it with another band or a braiding needle. #### Step 9: Step Back and Check Your Work Step back and look at what you made. It may not be perfect the first time, and every attempt teaches you something. Your horse looks smart already. ### Tips That Make a Running Braid Neater A few extra habits make a running braid really shine: - Practice, Practice, Practice! Braiding takes practice, just like learning to ride, so do not get discouraged if it feels tricky at first. The more you do it, the faster and neater you get. You can even practice on a piece of rope or a wig if you do not have a horse handy. - Small Sections are Key: Small, consistent sections give a finer, more elegant braid. Big, chunky sections look messy. - Even Tension: Pull each strand with the same pressure. That prevents bumps and loose spots. - Use Braiding Aids: A little [Refresh Maintail Cream](/product/refresh-maintail-cream/) or a dab of water on your fingers smooths flyaways and improves your grip. You can find products like these in the [Mane & Tail Treatment](/product-category/mane-tail-treatment/) section. - Consider Mane Length and Thickness: Running braids work best on manes that are neither very thick nor very thin. A very thick mane calls for smaller sections, while a very thin one needs an especially gentle hand. ### Look After the Mane Once the Braid Comes Out Once your horse has worn the braid, look after the mane properly. A running braid usually looks its best for a day, or two at most if it was done tightly and carefully. Leave it in too long and the hair can break or mat, which is the last thing you want. When you are ready to undo the braid: - Carefully snip the hair band at the end. - Gently unbraid the hair, working from the bottom up. Do not pull or rip, and take your time. - Once the braid is out, spray the mane with a detangler like [Release Spray Conditioner](/product/release-spray-conditioner/) and gently brush through any waves or slight tangles that formed. - If you notice breakage or dry spots, a cream like [Repair Cream](/product/repair-cream/) can help keep the mane strong and healthy. Caring for the mane and tail falls under [Specialized Care & Protection](/product-category/specialized-care-protection/), and it keeps the hair looking its best. ### A Running Braid Helps Both You and Your Horse Beyond looking pretty, running braids offer practical benefits for your horse and for you. Benefit How It Helps Your Horse Neat Appearance Your horse looks tidy and well groomed, which suits shows, events or just looking smart around the barn. It adds a polished touch to the whole look. Safety and Comfort Long mane hairs stay out of the reins and other riding equipment, where they can pull uncomfortably or even become unsafe. The braid also keeps hair out of the eyes. Prevents Tangles Braiding protects the mane from knots and mats, especially in windy turnout or when your horse rolls. That means less brushing and happier hair. Highlights the Neck A well-done running braid accentuates the neck muscles and shape, so your horse looks more athletic and elegant. Protects Hair Health Done gently and removed properly, braiding protects the mane from excess breakage, snagging and weather damage, which helps it grow longer and stronger. ### Fix Common Braid Problems Quickly A few bumps along the way are normal when you learn something new. Here are the usual problems and their fixes: - My braid looks too loose and falls apart easily: You need more tension. Pull each strand a little more firmly, though still gently, and make sure your first crosses are tight. - My added sections are uneven: Slow down. Before you add new hair, section off a small, neat piece with your comb or finger, and make each new piece the same size as the last. - Lots of flyaway hairs make it look messy: Make sure the mane is very clean and smooth before you start. During braiding, keep a spray bottle of water or your [Refresh Maintail Cream](/product/refresh-maintail-cream/) handy. A tiny bit on your fingertips before each new section can work wonders. - I can’t seem to grab the new hair cleanly: That takes practice and finger strength. Use the tip of your thumb or a fine-toothed comb to separate the new section. The more you do it, the easier it is to take just the right amount of hair. - My horse keeps moving their head: A patient horse makes a braiding buddy. Make sure they are tied safely and comfortably, maybe with a treat bucket to keep them happy. Sometimes it helps to have another person hold the head gently. ### Braiding Is Only One Part of Good Horse Care A running braid is a wonderful skill, yet it is just one small piece of caring for your horse. Good grooming is not only about looks. It also keeps your horse healthy and comfortable. Regular grooming lets you check for cuts, scrapes and skin problems that need attention, and it strengthens the bond between you and your horse. Caring for the coat, body, mane and tail takes ongoing attention. You can explore products for all of it, from specialized shampoos to soothing creams. Check out categories like [Mane & Tail Treatment](/product-category/mane-tail-treatment/), [Specialized Care & Protection](/product-category/specialized-care-protection/) and [Coat & Body Care](/product-category/coat-body-care/). Plenty of helpful items are there to keep your horse feeling its best. A horse that feels good looks good, and is ready for whatever you plan to do together. ### You Now Know the Whole Running Braid Congratulations, you have now learned every step of a running braid. It may seem like a lot, but every expert started as a beginner. With patience, a gentle touch and plenty of practice, you will be braiding like a pro before long. Picture the pride when your horse trots by with a perfectly braided mane, looking stunning. It is a lovely way to show how much you care about your horse. So grab your brush and detangler, and start braiding today. You can find every product mentioned in this tutorial, and more to keep your horse’s mane and tail in top condition, at the [Piaffe.horse Shop](/shop-2/). Happy braiding!