How to process horse hair

It may surprise you that horsehair is considered a textile commodity. It is used to do everything from jewelry to musical instruments. Like any textile item, it has to be prepared before use. There are companies in many countries that do just that and the activity can be very lucrative if access to horses is possible. You can process the hair of your own horse by cutting and washing it.

You will need to:
  • Small scissors
  • Small rubber bands
  • Soft Shampoo
Steps to follow:

one

Choose horses with long hair, full tail, flowing, and that can offer a lot of hair. Keep in mind that queues are considered more valuable because they are longer. The mane can also be used, choose longer hairs (at least 18 centimeters) from the bottom of uncut manes.

two

Pick up the hair. Stand next to the back of the horse (never stand behind a horse, as they can kick) and pull the tail towards you. Choose the longest strands of several points below the tail to prevent the horse from getting peeled. Use small scissors to cut the threads as close to the tailbone as possible.

3

Tie hair of the same color, with rubber bands at one end of each cluster.

4

Wash each strand of horse hair with warm water and shampoo. Use a delicate shampoo made specifically for horses. Make sure you rinse well and go through the rubber band to air dry.

5

Use the horse hair for whatever you want, you have it processed and ready to use. They can be woven into belts or fabrics, used to fill furniture, for thread beads for jewelry, send to craftsmen who make violin bows, or become brushes for artists or outside painters. With another process, they can even be felt.

Tips
  • You can avoid scissors by wrapping the chain around a comb to close the skin and pull. (This is where the term "pulled hair" comes from). However, although this does not hurt the horse, some do not like the action of throwing.
  • Do not stand behind a horse. Be careful with the scissors, make sure the horse is calm, and do not make sudden movements that frighten the horses. He could approach the blade of the scissors.