Braiding is begun by twisting tail hairs together to create what are called pulls, twists, strings or strands. Most people when discussing braiding call them strands, in hitching we call them pulls. Several strands are attached at one end and then pinned to a board, to hold them in place. The strands are then braided together in a pattern. 

   The simplest braid that most people are familiar with is the three strand braid, you see it used in pigtails on little girls. Most of the braiding done with horse hair is a little more complicated. The 8 or 12 strand square braid is used quite often for stampede strings on cowboy hats. Several 8 or 12 strand square braids can also be sewn together to make items such as belts, hat bands, suspenders, bridles and many others. Braiding can also be incorporated in a hitched piece of art such as a hat band or bridle. 

    There are several very talented braiders that have written books on the subject. Some of these are listed on our Links page. Techniques for braiding leather are very similar to braiding horsehair.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many horsehairs make up a strand for braiding?

This varies quite a bit depending on what you are using the braid for. To give you some examples I use;

Contact Information

E-mail  Horsehair@aol.com
Marjan Polek
1042 Willow Creek Rd.  A101-516
Prescott, Arizona  86301