Horse Basics: and More

Hores DIY: Make a Horse Hair Bracelet!

Create a beautiful horsehair bracelet with your horse's hair!

A horsehair bracelet is a special piece of jewelry. It's a constant reminder of your horse or pony. Although, custom-made bracelets can be very expensive, you can create your own for just a few dollars in supplies. You'll end up with a bracelet that's the perfect size for a young rider. Here's how:

Step 1

Shampoo, condition and carefully brush your horse's or pony's tail. When the hair is dry, it's ready to cut. You only need a pinch of hair, about half the thickness of a pencil. The length should reach from your wrist to your elbow. Cut the hair from inside the middle od the tail so it won't be missed. To keep the hair even, tie a knot at the top end.

Step 2

Besides the hair, you need to measure around your wrist. How big do you want your bracelet? Once you know that, head to the craft store. Look for jewlery supplies in the "findings" section. Altogether for this project you'l need: a 12-inch ruler, scissors, needlenose or small pliers, a large safety pin, super glue or other glue meant for making jewelry, a spool of Stretch Magic(or similar product), a packet of crimp endings (useful with leather cord) in 3mm size ("U" - or channel- shaped), a packet of lobster- claw clasps, a packet of open jump rings size 6mm, and if you want, assorted charms.

Step 3

Lay the tail hair flat with the knotted end at the top. Wrap a piece of Stretch Magic several times around the hair, just below the knot. Pull the Stretch Magic snug and knot it. Apply a tiny amount of glue to the knot and let it dry.

Step 4

Pin your knotted bunch of hair to a pillow. This secures the hair so it's like braiding a mane. Seperate it into three even sections and braid tightly. Keep going until the braid measure 1 inch longer than what you want it. Now comes the tricky part! Hold the end of the braid between your fingers with one hand so it doesn't unravel. Using your other had- or the hand of a helper- apply a drop of glue across the hair, right above where you're holding it. Once it's dry, you can let it go.

Step 5

Unpin the braid and cut away the knot and the losse hair above it by snipping inside the glued section at the top. Take one of your crimp ends and add a tiny drop of glue to the inside of the bottom of the channel together. Next, press the end of the braid into the channel so it lies flat and meshes with the glue. Then use your pliers to fold (crimp) the edges of the channel together. Once you've double checked the length of your braid, you can repeat the same procedure at the other end.

Step 6

Use your jump rings to add to a clasp and any charms your desire. To use a jump ring, look closely for the tiny cut in the metal ring. Gently pull one half of the ring to one side, and pull the other half in the opposite direction, sort of like opening a door. You may need to use your pliers. Then slip the clasp or the charm onto the jump ring and attach it where you want it on the bracelet. Finally, push the edges of the jump ring back together with your pliers, and your bracelet is finished!

ENJOY!