Protecting the Beautifully Long Friesian Mane

Game Changer! A few months ago I discovered the beautifully designed, high quality, braid protector from Vos Brouwer.  My goal was to protect Izzie’s mane from dirt and dust during turnout, keep her mane clean and tidy after bathing, before a show and for everyday riding and to keep it hidden from the sun’s damaging rays. It has been all these things and has really exceeded my expectations.  I couldn’t be happier. The product is well made, looks lovely and stays in place…during all night turn out AND even with Izzie’s love for rolling!

There are different sizes depending on the length of your horse’s neck. Do take the time to measure your horse… it does matter. There are also left and right designs. Another very important feature to pay attention to when ordering.  If you do have questions the staff at Vos Brouwer is wonderful. They are very timely in their response and very helpful. 

A few tidbits:

1.) Start with a washed and dry mane. It’s just nice to have a clean slate when braiding. 

2.) I like to do a loosely braided running braid, otherwise known as the stallion braid. 

3.) I braid while Izzie is eating with her head stretched all the way to the ground. I’ve found this to be the best way to insure the braid isn’t too tight and won’t “pull” when she is grazing or eating hay. That’s the last thing you want is to braid too tight and have it pull the hairs when the horse stretches their neck down. I have also done two or three running braids and that has worked well too. 

4.) To help make the braid long enough I braid a few strands without picking up a new piece of mane so the braid has space to “stretch” without pulling. 

5.) When I put the braid protector in I loosely put all the ends through the mane and make sure the length is correct. IE I’ve started at the correct place on her mane/neck and my tags are positioned in a way that doesn’t pull. Then I go back and make sure all the velcro is smooth and secure. Sometimes I find I need to move a tag slightly for the best placement. 

5.) I redo Izzie’s braid at least once a week and wash it when needed, about every 2-3 weeks. Since I started using the braid protector I’m finding I don’t need to actually wash her mane nearly as often as I did before.

If you have been struggling to keep your horses luscious locks clean and tidy check out Vos Brouwer and their lovely mane and braid protectors!