I have always hated braiding as it is so much work and I am never satisfied with the results. This product has changed that. I bought one of the Deluxe Standard and one of the longer deluxe and have tried both on my horses. It is amazing how much easier it is to braid. Two tips. First, make sure that the section of mare from the lower part of the neck is pulled up tightly so that it does not stick up when the knot is formed and look uneven, and second, when you have braided to the end of the mane, fold it over and make it square with the rubber band so that you don't have stray hairs sticking out once you roll it up. I have found that the pin holds the knots tight and they last all day at a show. I do not leave them in overnight as I don' risk up energetic horse pulling them out and sticking himself. Enjoy!