A Professional Braider's Toolbox: What's Inside?

Whether you're looking to become a professional braider, or just looking to get your own horse braided for shows - the right tools can make or break your braid job. Practice makes perfect, and no tool is going to be a magic fix for loose, uneven braids, but having these tried and tested items in your kit will have your horse looking professional every time it sets foot in the show ring.

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The Essentials:

While there's a lot of items that are helpful to have, they aren't all necessary. This may come down to personal preference as well. These items can be used to accomplish hunter braids, button braids, Dressage knots, and tail braids.

1. Combs: This comb is my personal favorite, but there are several other popular options to choose from. This one is probably the most popular option, but I don't like it. I do like this one and this one as well. This comb with a clip is also very popular.

2. Securing Braids: For quick and easy braids, or a quick show-day fix, use rubber bands. I like the Super Bands the best. Be wary of other brands - the bands are often too thin and weak to hold up.

   
   

   For the most secure and best-looking braids, they need to be tied in place. This can be done with yarn or waxed thread. Yarn is the most popular choice, however waxed thread is my preferred option. If you go with yarn, natural fibers are best. Use a cotton or wool yarn. I prefer sock weight or another thinner weight of yarn. You can always use a cheap acrylic yarn as well and still get professional results. As far as choosing a color, go a shade darker than the horse's mane when in doubt.

   
   

   My personal choice is waxed thread. It's thin, easy to work with, and knots stay in place. There is a bit more of a learning curve with waxed thread, but I prefer working with waxed thread. You can buy it in a set of colors like this, or buy one large spool of one color. Contrasting color is permitted in hunter braids - but your braids better be perfect because that color will show off mistakes.

3. Scissors: I have several pairs of scissors in my braiding kit. The most important pair is this small pair that I keep on a lanyard while I'm braiding. I keep a pair of basic kitchen scissors in my kit as well. For cutting hair, I keep this set and these scissors in my kit.

4. Tying up Braids: I personally prefer hemostats for pulling through and tying up braids. I prefer the curved tip, but I've used both styles successfully. This is something you want spares of in your kit - you WILL drop a pair in the middle of a braid job, never to be seen again. The most popular pull-through tool is a latch hook, but I find these to slow me down. Another popular choice is a plastic needle. I use these for just the forelock and tail, but many people will use them for the whole mane.

5. Products: The number one product that I will not braid without is Quic Braid. I have not found a dupe or a DIY version of this yet. This stuff is the real deal. Human hairspray, gel, or even human hair wax just won't do the trick. I do like to braid a damp mane, and for that I will use this continuous spray bottle and a wet sponge to dampen each section of hair as I go. I usually also keep a beeswax bar in my pocket to add a little "stick" whenever necessary.

6. Removing Braids: My little scissors or a nice seam ripper will do the trick. Seam rippers can cut hair, and/or injure the horse (or person), so these hair tie cutters are a much safer choice, especially for kids. If you want to treat yourself after a long, exhausting show day, this magnified seam ripper might save the day.

7. Tools: Clips are your best friend when braiding a mane. These clips are my favorite, and are superior to any metal clips for sectioning hair. Pro tip: Buy everything in a bright color, so that it's easy to find if you drop it in a stall. Regular claw clips work well too. Buy a bulk pack because clips can and will break when you're using them!

   A ladder is absolutely necessary, and it comes in a 2-step, 3-step, or 4-step option. My headlamp is also incredibly useful. I keep two in my kit so that I can charge one while I wear the other.

   This toolbox stool is perfect for keeping everything organized. I have had mine for nearly fifteen years now and it's still going strong. It doubles as a mounting block, or to stand on for quick braid fixes at shows.

8. If hand strength and stamina is an issue, I highly recommend these exercise eggs to start building up your hand strength now. Tight and consistent braids are the key to any good braid job.

   
   

   Other Things (that aren't necessary, but I won't braid without them)

   1. My Apron: Any apron will do, but this apron has all the pockets, loops, etc. that I like, and is a nice, heavy duty canvas to hold up in the barn. A full apron could be a little warm in the summer time, so you may prefer a waist apron instead.

   2. Mane Thinning: You can thin a mane with just a comb, but most people prefer to use a Solocomb to make the task easier. This style of thinning comb is also popular. I like having this one on hand for touch-ups.

   3. Finger protection: Horse hair, waxed thread, and yarn can sometimes be pretty rough. I've built up callouses, but I still start to become sensitive to hairs and threads on my fingers after a couple horses. Some people will wrap their sensitive fingers in bandaids or electrical tape, some will wrap them in vet wrap, or you could try something reusable like these finger sleeves.

   4. Shoelaces: I keep shoelaces in my kit to hang spools of thread and other items from my waist or apron. Retractrable badge reels are also great for attaching tools to yourself so that they don't get lost.

   5. A rechargeable work light is always great to have. Even though I have a headlamp, a well lit work space makes things easier.

   6. Fingernails: I generally keep my fingernails long to part and split hair, but if they're short, these finger rings are a great alternative. Another item that's good to have on hand is a small manicure set, you will get hangnails and chipped nails that will snag on hair and annoy you for every single braid.

   7. Creature Comfort: Once you get good at braiding, you can finish one horse's mane and tail in under an hour. While you're learning, it may take up to three hours of standing on a ladder with your arms in the air. Because I am often braiding 4+ horses at a time, I have a few tricks to make the process less taxing on my body. I wear compression socks. For the longer days I choose socks with strong support and other days I go with a lighter compression sock (these are also my favorite socks to wear under tall boots when riding and teaching). I also have quality, supportive insoles for my foot type that I wear specifically when braiding.

   Fans are also a great idea. I have this one that I can have blowing on me and the horse. A neck fan and a cooling towel can be a great help on a hot day.

   I like to have a power bank on hand too to keep my headlamps, phone, and headphones charged. Braiding requires concentration, and music is a GREAT tool to help me stay focused.

   
   

   As always, stay hydrated, well-fed, and well-rested so that you can perform at your best.

   
   

   Because I don't want to go up and down the ladder a million times, I try to keep everything I need attached to me or within reach (and NOT within reach of the horse). While the right tools make a huge difference, braiding takes an insane amount of practice to master.