I am trying to figure out a headstall design

[Opagon]

To all of those that work with rawhide:

Here is the idea- I am trying to figure out a headstall design that will allow me to have a flat braid over the crown and then be split into 2 rounds for cheeks. Is a 24 plait (3/32 width) going to be enough? Is there a certain trick in the moisture content of the rawhide that will allow me to flatten it easier? (same or softer than when braiding??) I have been contemplating useing a removeable core, do you think it would work? I work mostly with Roo and have never attemped anything like this before and I want to have a better idea in my head before I reck a bunch of rawhide.

Heather

[braider]

Hi Heather... While I have done lots of braiding - I haven't used much rawhide at all - I also don't build tack. What I do know is that you can start braiding with an 8 strand flat braid and then continue it into two 4 strand round braids. That may be another way of doing it rather than flattening a round braid. ...Dave

[Alan Bell]

Heather, you can flatten out a 24 strand if you want to it will be hollow but that shouldn't matter in a headstall. As far as the string width it is really a matter of taste. 24- 3/32" strands will give you a flat braid approximately 1" wide. There are flat braids that you can do but they can get pretty complicated. I think the largest I have instructions for is 21 strands and it starts with 11 strands n the left and 10 strands on the right. Left moves first over five then under five. Right moves under five then over five. NOW left moves under five then over five and right moves over five then under five. Continue. At the transition to the round braid you can either add strands to make 2 twelve strand bounds or remove strands to make 2 eight strand rounds. If you add make sure that one of the strings you add in is actually double length and you are using both ends in the braid (one on each side) so there are fewer loose ends at the transition. This makes a really nice looking flat braid!

Vaya Con Dios, Alan Bell

Chicken merry.....Hawk be near! And when in the air you must beware!

Bob Marley - Simmer Down

[Opagon]

Thanks for the comments Allen and Dave,

My biggest consern is making sure that the braid is wide enough when flat to have a comfortable feel for the horse. I am scared that if I go to narrow that it will dig in once the weight of the bit and reins are added.

If I start with a flat braid go then go to round, How would I seal the flesh side of the flat to keep it from getting fuzzy after use? Or is that not a concern and more of an aesthetics thing?

Heather

[HorsehairBraider]

I have not found that to be an issue - the flesh side sort of gets polished after use, it does not get fuzzy.

You could also use a braid that is inherently cylindrical (like the 16-strand, where you have 8 on a side and go around the back each time, under 2 over 2 under 2 over 2) and then just tap it lightly flat how you want it. Then there would be no flesh side showing.

[Opagon]

Thanks for the input Horsehair.

I have a couple of other projects to finish up, when I am done with those I will start this headstall idea and see where it takes me. I will try to remember to take photos as I go so everyone can chime in along the way and keep me on the right path.

[rawhider]

Heather, I think your first idea would work very well. I'd braid my round braid around a dowel or something, then pull it out when you get the right length. The moisture content can be the same as when you braid it, but after you pull your core out, don't stretch the braid out, it will colapse without a core until it dries. Before you pull your core, though, take a small board or an equally hard, flat object, and roll your braid out with it. This will set the strings together and give it a really nice smooth look. I'm sure you already do this with your other braiding. It may get upset as you pull out your core, but just lay it down on the bench and roll it out again with a beer bottle or something, being careful not to put too much pressure on it.

Theres my two cents!! Keep us updated, can't wait to see the finished product!