Horse braiding · Quick Knot ·

Which Size Quick Knot® Deluxe Should I Use for My Horse's Mane?

The Quick Knot® Deluxe is designed to create professional, secure dressage braids in minutes. While some riders also use it for hunter braids or jumping braids, its primary purpose is to support clean, elegant braids for competition and show. Not all manes are suitable for this – overly long or excessively thick manes (e.g., from Arabians or Gypsy Vanners) may need trimming or simply won’t work well for this type of braiding.

  1. Horses with Fine to Medium Manes
  2. Horses with Thick or Heavy Manes
  3. Horses with Extra Long or Flowing Manes
  4. Ponies and Children’s Ponies

A simple rule to remember:

For braids up to 3 cm thick, use the Quick Knot® Deluxe Standard. For thicker braids, choose the XL. And remember: in all cases, the mane must be suitable for braiding – not too thin, too thick, or too long.

1. Horses with Fine to Medium Manes

Examples: Thoroughbred, Welsh Pony, KWPN
Typical mane length: Often trimmed for sport, manageable for neat braids

  • These horses typically have fine or medium manes that can be braided cleanly.

  • Depending on personal preference, both compact or voluminous braids are possible.

Thoroughbred, Welsh Pony, and KWPN horses with sport-style manes – ideal for dressage braiding using Quick Knot® Standard or XL depending on thickness

Recommended size: Standard or XL
Tip: Use Standard for tighter, smaller braids. Choose XL for a more rounded finish.

2. Horses with Thick or Heavy Manes (possibly suitable, if trimmed or managed properly)

Examples: Haflinger, PRE (Andalusian), Baroque Breeds
Typical mane length: Often long or thick, but manageable when trimmed

  • These manes need extra grip, especially if not thinned.
  • You’ll want strong pins that can handle bulk without slipping.
Haflinger, Andalusian, and Baroque horse breeds with thick to long manes – potentially suitable for Quick Knot® XL if manes are trimmed or well-managed

Recommended size: XL
Note: Trimming or thinning the mane first improves results.

3. Horses with Extra Long or Flowing Manes (not suitable for braiding with Quick Knot®)

Examples: Arabian, Friesian (natural mane), Gypsy Vanner
Typical mane length: Very long, thick, or silky – not intended for tight braids

  • These manes are typically left natural for their beauty.
  • Trying to braid such long hair often results in bulky, unstable knots.
Arabian, Friesian, and Gypsy Vanner horses with flowing, extra-long manes – not suitable for dressage braiding with Quick Knot®

Not recommended for Quick Knot® use
Alternative: Consider trimming the mane if you wish to braid it, or use decorative styles without pins.

4. Ponies and Children’s Ponies

Examples: Shetland Pony, A- and B-size ponies
Typical mane length: Varies – short, coarse, or fuzzy

  • Suitable if the mane is well-kept and braidable.
  • Very short or unruly manes may require different tools.
Shetland Pony and small children’s ponies with short or coarse manes – suitable for Quick Knot® Standard if properly groomed and braidable

Recommended size: Standard, when applicable
Note: Use with braiding wax or spray to keep fuzzy manes tidy.

 

Still not sure?

We know it can be tricky to choose the right size. That's why we're happy to help:

  • ✉️ Send us a photo of your horse's mane via email (support@hes-tec.com), and we'll give you personal advice!

Or simply order both sizes and try them at home – Quick Knot® Deluxe is reusable and easy to test without even finishing a full braid.

→ View the Quick Knot® Deluxe Standard and XL

 

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