Top Knot Horse Braiding

Royal Winter Fair

2011-10-12T09:46:00.000-07:00

Exciting news!

Top Knot Braids will be attending the Royal Winter Fair and selling our DVDs along side De La Coeur custom fly bonnets in booth #2512. www.delacoeur.ca

Beautiful Braids

2011-07-19T10:04:00.001-07:00

Beautiful braids done at the Kentucky Horse Show.

How do yours compare?

Take our poll below!

Museum Art

2011-07-19T09:28:00.001-07:00

When we had our DVD made, we had the lovely and talented artist Linda Shantz paint the artwork for the front cover.

Less then a year later, this painting was asked to be featured in a museum in Kentucky. Here is a copy of the painting below. Stunning.

Happy Braiding

2011-07-19T09:17:00.000-07:00

Show Season is underway and Top Knot Horse Braids is busy working on another product to expand our line...

Stay tuned, it is related to manes/forelocks and of course, ring turnout. This product however is more geared for our jumper crew, although we think hunters will enjoy as well.

Hope everyone is keeping cool and busy riding and showing.

Happy Braiding!

Happy New Year 2011

2011-01-09T15:55:00.000-08:00

Wishing everyone many successes in 2011.

For everyone looking to save or make money braiding, check out our free tips and our DVD.

We are looking for funny braiding stories, or "day in the life" of braider stories.

I would like to start adding some monthly braiding stories to the site, so people can get an idea of what it is like to be a braider.

I am also considering starting a braiding database of braiders around North America by region and price. It would be a free and open resource to barns, competitors and braiders to connect! Let me know what you think. :)

Email topknothorsebraids@gmail.com

Show Season 2010

2010-06-29T13:56:00.001-07:00

With 2010 Show Season in full swing, we would like to wish everyone goodluck this year!

Fan Mail

2009-05-27T12:20:00.000-07:00

Top Knot Braids loves fan mail!

(side note: looks like Barbie could benefit from one of our DVDs to help her tidy up that mane, lol)

Goodluck this 2009 Show Season!

2009-05-27T12:06:00.000-07:00

Top Knot Braids wishes all 2009 competitors the best of luck this
upcoming season!

We are excited to announce that with the overwhelming interest and success of our DVD One for the Money, we have (almost) retired our late night braiding nightcaps and are focusing purely on the DVD and teaching new braiders the tricks of the trade!

Whether you want to learn to save some money, learn a new skill or become a braider, One for the Money offers a complete braiding solution.

Happy Braiding!

Orders before Dec. 14th Guaranteed for Christmas!

2008-11-26T10:26:00.000-08:00

All orders placed before December 14th are Guaranteed for Christmas within North America .

This includes free shipping!

For more info on One for the Money braiding DVD click here. One for the Money sells for $34.99 and topknothorsebraids@gmail.com can be contacted for questions.

Did someone say Christmas?

2008-11-20T14:09:00.000-08:00

Looking for the perfect gift for that hard to buy for horsie person?

Top Knot Braids offers free shipping this Christmas for One for the Money professional braiding DVD !

You can purchase One for the Money online for $34.99 with free standard shipping or email us at topknothorsebraids@gmail.com

Christmas is coming!

2008-11-20T13:45:00.000-08:00

With the Royal Winter Fair come and gone so quickly we have barely had time to think about Christmas (til now!)

We had a wonderful time braiding and spectating. There is just something about entering the Coliseum before dawn on your first morning, with the mix of that great Royal smell, the crisp November air and the electric buzz that starts to build as it creeps closer til showtime.

We would like to congratulate all our clients and riders this year, we ran into so many familiar faces and met some wonderful new friends.

Hope everyone had a great season and see you in the New Year!

Braiding at the Royal

2008-11-10T10:57:00.000-08:00

Top Knot Braids will be braiding at the Royal Winter Fair.
Congratulations to everyone who qualified this year and we look forward to seeing all the familiar faces once again.

For prices and contact email topknothorsebraids@gmail.com

Contest Results

2008-06-30T12:59:00.000-07:00

First off, we would like to say thank you to everyone who entered and helped out for the contest. We really appreciate your patience and understanding when it comes to the delayed results. My partner has suffered a very hard month for those of you who know her, thanks for all the kind wishes and support.

Now let's get to the good part...the results!
We would like to give everyone a prize for entering. All 9 contestants will get a FREE DVD plus FREE shipping. Thank you for submitting your worst braid jobs and goodluck on future braid jobs, we hope the DVD will start you on the right track!

Please email your addresses and info to topknothorsebraids@gmail.com

Thanks

2008-05-10T14:27:00.001-07:00

Worst Braid Job Competition Entries so far...

Get your entries in while there still is time, there is a great shot at winning one of three prizes!

Entry # 1

Entry # 2

Entry # 3

Entry # 4

Entry # 5

Entry # 6

Entry # 7

Entry # 8

Entry # 9

We will be voting for the winners May 17th. Goodluck!

Worst Braid Job Competition

2008-04-25T17:49:00.000-07:00

Top Knot Braids is hosting a Worst Braid Jobs competition.

*Update: We have extended the deadline to May 17th!

Please send us your pictures of your worst braiding job (manes or tails) for a chance to win a free braiding DVD and braiding kit. Feel free to get creative, we are looking forward to seeing the best (worst) you have!

1st Place: Braiding Kit + One for the Money DVD

2nd Place: One for the Money DVD

3rd Place: One for the Money DVD

Please email pictures to: topknothorsebraids@gmail.com

Please send pictures with permission of the owner and make sure the braids are visible.
Deadline: May 17th
Pictures will be posted on our website, with a chance to vote for your favourite!

Free Shipping!

2008-02-11T07:07:00.000-08:00

When you order One for the Money shipping is FREE! Applies to all order within North America, we pay shipping and DVDs ship within 24hrs of payment processed.

For more information about the DVD click here!

Merry Christmas

2007-12-25T19:00:00.000-08:00

Best wishes for a happy and prosperous New Year from Top Knot Braids!!

Remember This December, That love weighs more than gold!

2007-12-08T07:17:00.000-08:00

Happy Holidays!

Looking for the perfect gift for that hard to buy for horsie person?

Top Knot Braids offers free shipping this Christmas for One for the Money professional braiding DVD!

You can purchase One for the Money online for $34.99 with free standard shipping or email us at topknothorsebraids@gmail.com

Offer valid til January 1st 2008.

Royal Winter Fair

2007-11-05T18:19:00.000-08:00

Top Knot Braids will be attending the Royal Winter Fair! We are excited to be braiding some of Canada's top Cup horses and are looking forward to watching all hunters and jumpers throughout the week.

We will also be carrying our DVD One for the Money for anyone interested, please email us at TopKnotHorseBraids@gmail.com . We look forward to meeting you along with all the excitement that comes along with the fair.

End of Season Savings

2007-08-23T12:27:00.000-07:00

30% off including free shipping!!

Sale ends November 1st

Regularly $35 plus shipping, One for the Money is on sale for $30 with free shipping, 30% savings.

Learning to braid a horse not only takes time, but also takes considerable skill. Books are available, but people need to see and listen to understand, especially in this highly specialized hands on trade. Finding a braider to take the time to teach you is difficult, if not impossible! Braiders are almost invisible to the public eye, and aren’t available to share their tips and tricks, as they braid late into the nights and early mornings.

One braid job can easily costs $55 for a mane and tail, and often hunters require 2-3 braid jobs a week. When you compete even 4-8 times a summer, you can see how this really adds up. Most horse people want to compete more but can’t afford the high costs. Learning to braid is something anyone can do to save themselves hundreds and even thousands over time and with enough practice, braiding can actually earn you money!

Video’s out there cost upwards of $75 US and don’t cover braiding tails, only half of horse braiding is covered.

"One for the Money" teaches you how to braid manes, tails, and forelocks, as well as the secrets of the pro's, their time saving tips and tricks, and solutions to common problems that may arise when braiding.Producing professional looking horse braids may seem impossible, especially when there are no “correct how to do it” guidelines out there. This is why Top Knot braiders offers you our braiding bible, a complete step-by-step process, breaking down each twist and knot into a science. Braiding takes years of practice to get neat and tight enough to braid for top circuit, but our tools will teach you the correct foundation to accelerate the learning curve.

"One for the Money" is the only braiding DVD that teaches you how to prepare the mane, pull the mane and braid the forelock, mane and tail, as well as fast removal.

Includes:

*About braiding
*Preparing the horse
*Getting started and tools you will need
*Braiding down the mane
*Tying up and Bumping the mane
*Braiding the forelock
*Braiding the tail
*Closing

We also have a bonus FAQs with video answers including:

How do I do a pinwheel?
How do I put on a tail wrap?
My horse tries to rub out his braids.
My horses mane is really thick.
How do I fix a rubbed out mane?
When is the best time to braid?
Why horse won’t stand!
What is the quickest way to removed braids.

Do any of these seem familiar?

*Fixing twisted braids.
*Braids that fall out.
*Fuzzy braids.
*Uneven braids.
*Braids that are too thick or too thin.
*Loose braids.
*Braids the stick up too high.

Email topknothorsebraids@gmail.com today to order "One for the Money" instructional horse braiding DVD or you can order online following our Paypal shopping cart.

Horse Braiding Tip # 8: How to finish a tail braid with a pinwheel?

2007-07-18T09:27:00.000-07:00

"I need to learn how to do the pinwheel technique"

-Sandra

Check out One for the Money for a video explanation how to braid a tail step by step and finish it off with either a wrap around ring or a pinwheel in our bonus FAQs. Pinwheels are tricky, and take a deal of attention and patience to perfect. It's great to work with a visualization if you can because they are a more complicated technique.

The Pinwheel

1. After braiding the tail braid towards the end of the tail bone, stop adding new pieces of tail and continue braiding a single braid down.

2. Braid this single braid down to about the horses hock. It seems long, but this will give you an average size pinwheel. If you want it bigger/smaller, adjust your braid length accordingly.

braiding mains

3. Braid a piece of folded over yarn into the braid when you are about 6 inches from ending your braid.

braiding mains

4. Next take a sewing needle and thread the yarn. Start to roll up your braid back onto itself, using your needle push the yarn back through the braid and make your first small roll.

5. Every time you complete a roll, sew the yarn through the braid with the needle to secure it. So it's roll, sew, roll sew, roll, sew. This will make it so the pinwheel doesn't move or uncoil through the sides.

6. When you have rolled the pinwheel completely up to the tail braid, sew the yarn straight through the front of the tail braid and pull it out behind the braid. Pull one end of the yarn out the left side, and one end of the yarn out the ride side.

7. Tie a knot to secure the braid.

8. You will notice you have have two long strands of tail poking out the side of your pinwheel. Tuck these behind the last side pieces of your tail braid.

9. Now take your two pieces of yarn and tie another knot under your pinwheel to secure the two long strands of tail and finish your pinwheel. .We used white yarn so you could see where the yarn goes and how it ties.

main braiding

To learn how to braid a tail, do a pinwheel, learn a wrap around ring, plus many more tips and tricks on tail braiding, check out One for the Money an instructional braiding DVD today!
Email TopKnotHorseBraids@gmail.com to order for $35!

Horse Braiding Tip # 7: Attaching fake tails

2007-05-31T15:58:00.000-07:00

Fake tails are undeniably gaining popularity in the show ring. Nothing is as nice as the real thing, but despite your best wishes, some horses will never have a super thick tail.

We have had several of our readers inquire about how to put in a fake tail. Putting in a fake tail is easy and fairly straight forward. You need to take caution to secure it well so it doesn't fall out in the show ring (the "walk of shame" as it has been coined in Wellington). These instructions are how to tie in a fake tail with a loop.

If you choose to braid your horses tail, put the fake tail in after. If you are going unbraided, you can still use your fake tail, just hide it under the existing hair.

1. Divide the tail in half and clip the front half out of the way.

2. From the very tip of the horses tail bone, hold the fake tail up 1-3 inches up the bone, depending on the length of the fake tail.

3. Grab three sections of hair, to span about an inch to two inches wide and start the beginning of a french braid, much like you would a forlock. Braid approximately 4 cross overs.

4. Pull the middle section of the braid through the loop and continue braiding down.

5. Take a piece of the fake tail from the right side and cross it into your french braid. Now repeat with a piece of fake tail from the left side.

6. Continue the braid down past the end of the tail bone and secure with a rubber band. The entire french braid should run about 3-4 inches long.

*For extra security, take two peices of yarn and tie them in half around the tail loop. Braid the yarn in with the hair normally and tie off at the end of your braid.

To learn how to braid a horses tail, how to do a pinwheel or a wrap around braid, be sure to check out "One for the Money" an instructional horse braiding DVD. Email TopKnotHorseBraids@gmail.com to order for $35.

Horse Braiding Tip # 6: European Style Plaiting

2007-05-28T17:52:00.000-07:00

Here are two instructional videos on how to plait horses manes European style. This style of braiding was developed and seen today predominately in the UK and Great Britain. We wouldn't recommend plaiting for show hunters, but plaiting can be used for dressage shows, at hunts, for eventing, showing jumpers and for breeding shows.

This video demonstrates how to plait using rubber bands and also with a needle and thread. It demonstrates how to do a forelock and remove braids. It is a great start to learn the basic technique, although we wouldn't recommend using the egg whites!! These are not clips from our instructional DVD "One for the Money", as we teach how to braid and prepare hunters, but we thought we would share these videos for all those who inquired about plaiting!

Here is another video on how to plait a horses tail:

We would also like to share a great website with you, for those who can't open the video or are interested in a great picture/text explanation on how to plait: How to Plait

For those interested in more video clips on how to braiding hunters, be sure to check out our instructional braiding DVD "One for the Money". Email TopKnotHorseBraids@gmail.com to order your copy for $35!

Horse Braiding Tip # 5: The Forelock

2007-05-21T16:40:00.000-07:00

"How do you keep the forelock braid from looking like a croissant...mine always gets really puffy and swirly, and I can't seem to figure out why."

Braiding the forelock is essentially a french braid. This is done by adding a fresh piece of mane with each cross over. Like braiding the mane, you want to start by wetting the forelock with water and combing it out really well.

Here are some tips to help you out:

The first three sections of hair you grab are going to form triangle.
When crossing each section of forelock over, try adding an extra half twist to each piece.
Add smaller pieces of mane each new cross over. The more pieces you add, the fancier the braid will look.
If you are finding it difficult to keep your braid straight and tight, you can braid your forelock using the same braiding technique as a tail braid. This is done by crossing your braid over, and then adding a new piece. This is hard to explain without a visual, "One for the Money" explains the different in cross over techniques from a french braid in the forelock and a tail braid.

There is a quick test you can do to determine when to tie your forelock off. Tie the braid off when it is long enough to fold back to touch the top of the braid. Leave the excess ends of the forelock unbraided to keep your braid looking less bulky. Using your sewing needle, tuck the loose ends under the braid when pulling the braid under.

For more tips and detailed visual explanation on how to braid a forelock and tie it off, check out "One for the Money" an instructional braiding DVD. Email TopKnotHorseBraids@gmail.com to order for $35.

Horse Braiding Tip # 4- Perfecting the tail braid

2007-05-18T15:20:00.000-07:00

"I can't seem to keep the braid the same thickness the whole way down. Doesn't it make sense that if you're picking up hair while your braiding your way down, that it would continue to get bigger and bigger as you get closer to the end, even if you're only picking up a few hairs at a time? I figured there was some kind of trick that I was never told, but there's no point in me practicing the wrong technique. Any help would be greatly appreciated. " -Joanna

When braiding the tail, you want to strive for an even straight braid running the entire way down the tail bone.

There are a few tricks we use:

First, when starting your braid at the very top of the horse's tail, take thicker chunks of tail for your first three sections. Most people think logically you need to grab tiny pieces of hair to start. Instead grab double or triple the amount of hair you would normally grab from the tail bone to start. Establish the size of braid you want right from the top and run that thickness entire way down. Don't build up thickness into your braid, start it from the beginning.

Here is an example of not quite starting with enough hair at the top of the braid. The braid is pulled over to the left at the beginning, and ends up building as it goes down.

Why do we recommend starting with thicker pieces?

You will be amazed how much easier it is to grip plus it starts your tail braid off strongly.

Another trick we use is moderation!

As you are braiding down, you will notice your braid will start to feel thicker, as this happens grab tinier pieces of hair each cross over. If you feel your braid is starting to get thin, grab thicker pieces.

As a last resort, if you feel your braid is seriously getting too thick, start to drop hairs. We don't always do this, because braiding the tail should be done continuously and in a flow. The true key to keeping a beautiful even tail braid is rhythm. Dropping hairs is done by splitting hairs off your existing pieces, and only adding tiny amounts of hair each cross over.

To learn how to braid a tail, do a pinwheel, learn a wrap around ring, plus many more tips and tricks on tail braiding, check out "One for the Money" an instructional braiding DVD today!

Email TopKnotHorseBraids@gmail.com to order for $35!

Horse Braiding Tip # 3: The tail braid

2007-05-16T17:51:00.000-07:00

"When should I braid the tail?"

We like to braid the tail for rated and recognized shows. You can get away with not braiding the tail in unrated divisions. A circuit shows, Championships, and finals are excellent examples of when to definitely braid the tail. Braiding the tail can be used to refine your horse, show off the hind end and add that much more polish to your horse. For schooling and unrated shows, you can skip the tail braid. We would always rather see a clean, freshly combed out tail over a messy tail braid!

Ex: We had a pony once that was rather chunky but quite the short stirrup saint. Although the division wasn't rated, we opted to braid her tail to help her seem fancier and refine her look.

"How should I finish the tail? Are pinwheels still popular?"

There are a few ways to finish your tail braid. Most common is the pinwheel, seen frequently in the hunter ring. Another option is the wrap around ring, which the braid is wraped once around the end of the tail bone. For muddy conditions, you can also braid the entire tail and tie it up in a mudwrap, to save the horses tail from being weighed down with mud.

And don't forget that tail bandage to protect your braid!

To learn how to braid a tail, as well learn how to do a pinwheel and a wrap around ring, check out "One for the Money" our instructional horse braiding DVD!

Horse Braiding Tip # 2: Got frizzies?

2007-05-16T17:12:00.000-07:00

When dealing with the frizz and fly aways, the answer is as easy as water!

We dampen the mane with a sponge before we braid to help get the braids tighter and reduce frizz.

"What about products such as QuikBraid, gels or hairspray to make the hair tacky and easier to hang on to?"

To be honest, save your money. Work with a mane that hasn't been freshly washed and water works just as well, not to mention braiding tight never hurt either!

For more tips on how to tighten your braids and reduce frizz, check out "One for the Money", an instructional horse braiding DVD!

Horse Braiding Tip # 1- Yarn

2007-05-16T16:36:00.000-07:00

Yarn: when picking a yarn to braid with, we like to use a plain, unwaxed yarn. We prefer plain yarn over string or waxed yarn. It is easier on our fingers, cheap and holds the braids very tight. Red Heart is a favourite brand of ours!

When picking colours, we like to match the horses mane as closely as possible. Here are a few ideas when choosing yarn to braid manes that aren't as straight forward as the bays and black horses!

Greys: Black yarn

Light/White Greys: White yarn

Chestnuts: Dark brown yarn

Palominos: White yarn

Paints: Alternate white yarn and black yarn depending on each peice of mane you grab.

Appy's: Try to match the darkest colour hairs in their manes, usually black or dark brown works nicely.

For more braiding tips, including our "quick yarn test" to purchase a yarn that won't break, and how to cut 40+ even peices of yarn in 30 secs flat, see "One for the Money" our instructional braiding DVD.

One for the Money: Instructional Horse Braiding DVD

2007-05-16T16:01:00.000-07:00

Learning to braid a horse not only takes time, but also takes considerable skill. Books are available, but people need to see and listen to understand, especially in this highly specialized hands on trade. Finding a braider to take the time to teach you is difficult, if not impossible! Braiders are almost invisible to the public eye, and aren’t available to share their tips and tricks, as they braid late into the nights and early mornings.

One braid job can easily costs $55 for a mane and tail, and often hunters require 2-3 braid jobs a week. When you compete even 4-8 times a summer, you can see how this really adds up. Most horse people want to compete more but can’t afford the high costs. Learning to braid is something anyone can do to save themselves hundreds and even thousands over time and with enough practice, braiding can actually earn you money!

Video’s out there cost upwards of $75 US and don’t cover braiding tails, only half of horse braiding is covered. "One for the Money" teaches you how to braid manes, tails, and forelocks, as well as the secrets of the pros, their time saving tips and tricks, and solutions to common problems that may arise when braiding.

Producing professional looking horse braids may seem impossible, especially when there are no “correct how to do it” guidelines out there. This is why Top Knot braiders offers you our braiding bible, a complete step-by-step process, breaking down each twist and knot into a science. Braiding takes years of practice to get neat and tight enough to braid for top circuit, but our tools will teach you the correct foundation to accelerate the learning curve.

"One for the Money" is the only braiding DVD that teaches you how to prepare the mane, pull the mane and braid the forelock, mane and tail, as well as removal.

Includes:

About braiding
Preparing the horse
Getting started and tools you will need
Braiding down the mane
Tying up and Bumping the mane
Braiding the forelock
Braiding the tail
Closing

We also have a bonus FAQs with video answers including:

How do I do a pinwheel?
How do I put on a tail wrap?
My horse tries to rub out his braids.
My horses mane is really thick.
How do I fix a rubbed out mane?
When is the best time to braid?
Why horse won’t stand!
What is the quickest way to removed braids.

You can purchase "One for the Money" for the price of one professional braiding service at $35!

Do any of these seem familiar?
Fixing twisted braids.
Braids that fall out.
Fuzzy braids.
Uneven braids.
Braids that are too thick or too thin.
Loose braids.
Braids the stick up too high.

Email topknothorsebraids@gmail.com today to order "One for the Money" instructional horse braiding DVD for $35 or more details!

Why we braid horses

2007-05-16T14:41:00.000-07:00

Braiding horses began for practical reasons, used to prevent manes and tails from being pulled out and muddied during work. You may ask why the manes were braided, rather than just trimmed off completely, or roached as it is called.

Back in the early days of foxhunting, only Thoroughbreds were braided- both while on the hunting field, and also when racing. Heavier or lesser bred horses would simply have their manes shaved off entirely. Braiding denoted quality in a hunter.

Today braiding is more of a tradition; it improves the appearance of your horse, and shows respect for the judge. It still denotes quality in a hunter. A well turned out horse will immediately catch the eye of the judge and set a good impression.

Good turnout will often be used as a deciding factor for a judge. When two horses are showing a similar ranking on his judge’s card, but he must chose to pin one higher than the other, he will always chose the more polished winner.

Good turnout can even improve the overall impression of your horse so much that small conformational flaws can be overlooked. There are various insider tips and tricks you can use when braiding your horse to improve his appearance. For example, a horse with a short, coarse neck will benefit greatly from many tiny, tight braids running down his neck. This will create the appearance of a longer, more graceful neck.

A horse with a longer, thinner neck may benefit from fewer, thicker braids so as not to accentuate the length.

Tips such as these, and many, many more can be learned through the Top Knot program. TopKnotHorseBraids@gmail.com to order "One for the Money" instructional horse braiding DVD for $35!