TRANSFORMING MY STALLION INTO A COMPETITION HORSE

[@leunorathaci]

Tip for a fuller front braid, instead of taking strands over the top and doning a normal french braid, you do it the opposite and pull them under the braid. It makes the braid ”sit on top” which makes it look nicer in my opinion sounds hard but is just as simple as the one you just did and looks so much better! You can also pull on strands when its done and make the braid thiccer where needed. Seeing my comment after everyone likning it I just felt it looked kind of rude and it was not meant like that, both you and Emporio always look stunning, all the love from Sweden ☺️

[@NoThankUBeQuiet]

It's called a Dutch braid

[@lynnes11]

It's called a Dutch braid 🙂

[@leunorathaci]

@@NoThankUBeQuiet Thank you, I didn’t know. In swedish its called inbakad and utbakad which almost translates to inside and outside ☺️

[@1houndgal]

Tips are usually usually appreciated. I am sure Matt would like this tip.

[@paulamckibben1317]

Emporio looks super stunning.. this plaît gets my vote.. classy and elegant!!! 🤩

[@kathleengowarty2742]

I love the rosettes

[@alikatyeg3295]

I wondered how they managed rosettes with a longer mane. That looks very tidy and didn't take very long to do either. I am impressed. Matt and Emporio are going to look so handsome together! The first competition will be horribly nerve-wracking but I think this team will be performing like old pros in a short time.

[@imagesinspirit3535]

The rosettes are especially striking on a dapple because the pattern echoes the dapple spots of the coat. Beautiful!

[@mbr7156]

i love it whenever "Fashion Model Matt" enters the chat --- his absolutely geeking out over his boots was adorable

[@sharonperdue5533]

Love this Matt! Your excitement, humor and happiness...all wonderful to witness. Thank you for letting us be a part of it. We are all here to support you and Emporio..and share in your excitement. You are ready!!!🤩💕🌞

[@Jamie-qd5mo]

I love this braid for long manes, I also add a band after shaping the rosette to ensure it stay in for long show days

[@juliederry3719]

Emporio looks gorgeous Matt, he stood there beautifully whilst you plaited his mane, such a good boy, tfs x Julie 🇬🇧

[@emialice3825]

His long mane is absolutely gorgeous, he looks like a rocking horse

[@ShowjumperDownUnder]

Should definitely look at getting a Pull Throw, will make threading the plait back under the rosette much easier. Also you'd be able to use it to pull some of the forelock back under the braid which helps reduce the size of the chunky end when its rolled up. The plaits look fantastic, 100% the way to go.

[@heatherbennett6036]

Your excitement is contagious, Matt!!💕

[@carolynmueller8455]

Love the plaiting technique for a long mane. And the 'taller' forelock rosette increases the height of the poll and balances his big stallion crest, so the poll doesn't look low in comparison. Very clever ideas and ones I'll be using for my boys as I hate thinning their manes.

[@andree-annblais9221]

I think he looks super cute like this!! Also am always amaze how your stallion is calm well behave and very patient. I love following you journey.

[@colbersm]

I like how we can get a little fiew in your daily things. I miss having a horse so much but because of your (and Jesse's) video's I feel a bit more involved in live with horses! Yhank you for that! Stay Just the way you are!

[@helenabiesma5560]

yes boots are lovely - one thing take 2 off the items a a reserve set as one get accidental dirty - you have a second and put every thing in plastic to keep off dust

[@pnhnut]

Well done Matt, he looks stunning.

[@jennifercline7843]

I think this looks great. I have seen many dressage braids, but usually it's on the shorter mane. I think this is a really cool way of braiding it by incorporating the previous braid with the next one. Great way to do it with a long mane.

[@lornaperryman489]

This style suits him so well. He's just stunning. Can't wait to see him fully dressed.

[@marianstroup1]

Emporio is such a good boy!! Beautiful and well mannered ❣❣❣❣

[@Cogdog465]

So nice to see your excitement leading up to the competition. I love that you are going the extra mile to make sure that you and Emporio will be show stoppers. No doubt you two will be beautiful to watch. Can’t wait for the competition, am wishing it was tomorrow to watch you two strutting your stuff. 😅😅😅❤

[@hellehansen8477]

I love the rosettes on Emperio 😍 Regarding it being difficult to pull the braid through itself when using your fingers, here is a pro tip from a girl growing up in the 1990's 😉 Get a Topsy Tail 😅 Simple little tool that allows you to pull the hair through itself and still stay tight 😄 Oh gosh I feel old now 🤣 Best of luck with future competitions and braiding 🤩

[@jennifermastin7169]

I’ve been waiting for this video… again and again thank you so much for sharing all the new content. Thanks for letting us in on your life. Your so kind Matt! Keep up the AMAZING WORK and Good luck!

[@nataliekelly1252]

What is this wizardry?! I’ve been an equestrian for 30+ years and never knew you could braid a long mane like that! All my english instructors told me I HAD to chop the mane! Never again - this is GORGEOUS!

[@1houndgal]

I do really like how the braid turned out. I do think how well you present your horse brings confidence in your skills and makes an impression. Nice job on this braid. Emporio looks like a stud! Super handsome. 👌

[@heatherwatson7692]

I love the way you did the chunky rosettes on his neck. We always had our horses' manes pulled like you did with Sureno's. I always love learning new things and thank you Matt you just taught me something new!

[@lunarmodule7802]

I think the rosettes look amazing. Thanks for the tutorial on how to make them! Your enthusiasm is contagious and I am so looking forward to seeing you handsome fellows shine in the ring. I am positive all your hard work and considerations will do you justice. Thank you for the video, Matt!

[@reclaimconnection8483]

I did the same braids on my PRE mare for a show in August and they were stunning. (She is a bay and looks a lot like Etro.) Stayed in really well and she was way happier standing for braiding than when I have done running braids. Love that we can keep the long manes for our PREs and yet have traditional dressage rosettes. Good luck in your PSG test!

[@nottheone582]

I vote for clean mane for plaiting as well.. if it's too slippery I'll use a texturizing spray like Oribe dry texture or similar. it works great for making the hair grippy and easy to work with. I also love those oversized alligator clips for keeping the sections neat. great job Matt! Emporio looks divine 😍

[@emma-eventing]

your enthusiasm is contagious --- and i love the way this looks!! so excited for you!

[@leannbrower3152]

Matt I absolutely love that you seem so much more relaxed and overall happy these days!

[@brooke7464]

You two are going to be the best dressed at the competition. Love the braids, he looks so good. Classy and elegant for sure

[@patriciaruth2894]

I have never seen a mane braided like this, thanks for showing us. Emporio looks gorgeous!

[@songbirds3712]

I am so impressed that you do your own braids! The current mindset is to just hire someone to do the braids, esp in the children’s and Jr’s divisions. I know riders who are 13 and 15, have shown (in unrated shows!!!) for 4 yrs,and have absolutely no idea how to braid. It drives me crazy.

[@kerryfox7706]

Absolutely stunning 🤩 and if you want to make his forelock chunkier Matt you can plait with the side pieces under instead of over the top if that make sense, so the plait sits proud of the side hairs 🥰

[@heatherbennett6036]

Emporio looks fantastic! Good luck with your competition!

[@margrit7560]

OH MY GOSH!!! Emporio looks absolutely stunning. I can already picture the black hat too. Great job Matt

[@DianeLee999]

Your plaiting looked beautiful, Matt! Go with it, and best wishes at the competition. 🙏💜

[@WolfieSilveira]

Notification squad lets gooo. I was ready for this video 😂❤

[@1houndgal]

I think the process of grooming a horse should be a bonding experience for the horse and equestrian. You have a great bond with Emporio. Way to get out of your comfort zone! Well done Matt!

[@mariaa4433]

Looks lovely! Nice to have something extra special for a show and not just the ordinary stallion braid.

[@michelineduvieusart2439]

I really like the rosettes, it's smart and efficient. Emporio is very patient and calm while you braid his mane, he likes that. He looks stunning, I can already imagine your entrance for the test, both in white and black. You'll be splendid and ready for the challenge! 🤩👏💙

[@judysouzaw2293]

You did an awesome job, and Emporio looks fabulous. We are all very excited with you. Thank you for sharing your journey with us.

[@firstlight7419]

I like the rosettes. It seems to go with the breed, classic.

[@vicki1141]

First light , what breed is Empirio ? Lucitano perhaps ?

[@isabellakransen]

@@vicki1141 He is a PRE (Andalusian)

[@jessicarauscher361]

I love how ur the owner and rider and u do all ur own braiding etc. all the stuck up snotty people I have worked for in the past don’t even know how to put on a saddle on their own horse it’s ridiculous. The life of a groom

[@kathleenchild]

Love the enthusiasm!

[@lauraducot3267]

That braid looks great on Emporio!......Thank you so much for showing how it's done....I grew up on a cattle ranch and always rode 'western' . Always wondered how some of those fancy looking braids were accomplished. Hope you have a wonderful competition. Best of luck to you!

[@patricianoya]

Beautifully done, Emporio looks gorgeous, such a sweet stallion 🤩💙

[@FluxyMiniscus]

Great job Matt! He looks amazing- you’ll both get A+ for show turnout, remember to take loads of photos👍Bravissimi!

[@heatherwatson7692]

I used to braid for competitions.. I used a paperclip that I opened up. I would tape the small end so it was like a handle and then I would use the large end as a hook to push through that hole at the top and pull the bottom of the braid up. I learned how to braid with yarn so I also used a hook rug hook that would slide between the hole the top and then pull the yarn up through the top which you would then wrap-around the top, tie off in a bow and then snip.

[@memphis2375]

He’s so stunning!! I love love love that you keep it long!! ❤❤❤

[@amandabailey4947]

I love this look! My Welsh Driving pony has an incredibly long and thick mane. I do this same do on him a lot. I just have to leave the last bit of mane flat so the harness can rest on flat mane. I also have to keep his mane braded all the time. It's so long that he gets it in his mouth when he eats...lol... it's almost to his knee.

[@xxjulia0xx341]

wow it keeps your horse mane is perfect a lot people cut it

[@jessicaem9227]

I really like this idea for horses that have longer and thicker manes you dont want to chop down as I have cob that I want to do showing with as well as dressage... so Its an awesome plait to get the best of both worlds! Love it!

[@tracyleecornish5398]

Emporio's neck really shows up with this style of plait and rosettes he looks really good! Thanks for Sharing

[@SandraOrtmann1976]

Emporio looks absolutely stunning. I think he should wear this style of plait.

[@healinghorsetherapycenter]

I do love the rosette vs. the french braiding. Visually, it is somewhat dramatic but also pleasing to the eye.

[@janicemichaloski5292]

He is such a handsome horse best of luck to you 🐴🧡

[@beverlyschulz1062]

I used to do my Lusitano in a lattice work braid. Looked great and accentuated his long mane.

[@Jgirr5]

😍 Matt! Great video, so excited for you! Thank you for showing us the details, the boots and your show outfit (Emporio always) look stellar! 🤩 Really enjoyed seeing bts processes and plans, any events I've been in used simple braids or a brush and go, so I'm all about learning! Your excitement and energy is adorable 💕 ilysm.

[@sun1one1]

"I feel like everyone should just grow their manes out" YES! I wish people would stop giving their horses bowl cuts.

[@Boyland8692]

Matt Popcorn and a drink What else do I need to watch the entertainment “Matt” channel an absolute must!! 🤩🤣🤣👏👏🇦🇺🇦🇺

[@stubborntogetherdressage1125]

This looks stunning and it’s so fun seeing your excitement about the competition because that’s how I feel about getting to compete

[@lovebynea]

Looks so great!! Hope you have an amazing first competition day together!

[@tinak.6182]

Emporio looks amazing with these hairstyle... 🤩😍👍🏻👌🏼 I love it... You've done such a great job... 😊

[@ginnyferguson3772]

Love that plat!! I saw it done once a while ago and always wondered why we don't do it this way... of course it's because usually we trim the mane 🙄

[@SugarNanny]

Excellent video!! I have always wondered how you create this style of braid

[@jennajenna1238]

I love the rosettes! I'm going to try them with my Tennessee Walker, he has mane and forelock for days too

[@bonnietoriani3189]

OMG MATT. SO. EXCITED FOR YOU!!!!! He looks gorgeous. I always loved the grooming part and braiding.He’s so good. !!!!!Loving all his little nuzzles. Man I love this horse!!!! Great Team, you and he,,,,Matt!!!!!!💕💚💓🌟💫⭐️

[@FineTasteofParis]

Absolutely elegant! Rosettes!!! 🌹🌹🌹

[@lynbates3345]

Best demonstration of how to do that sort of plait I've seen. Thank you! Emporio looks stunning :)

[@alicewigmore8390]

Wow the rosettes are amazing it looks even better than the traditional way with short mane definitely do that for the show day

[@sandyloer2249]

Love this, thanks for showing how you do all of that! Good luck at your competition!🥰

[@SallyGreenaway]

Great video! Thank you for taking us behind the scenes to see your planning and practice!

[@bkm2797]

Looks great Matt, and Emporio is such a good boy. Thanks for taking us through the process, see you soon.

[@kiaravansornsendekoste]

Love this look! Looks really stunning!

[@Joyfullscroll]

❤ seeing you're enthusiasm! I came in After all this was already done. This Sharing of "how to do" is fabulous. Thank you for sharing your experiences with us. PS: He looks great, so will you.

[@cherylharless281]

I usually prefer the stallion braid for horses with a lot of mane, but I have to say, I really like the rosettes better on Emporio! I agree with @Leo Thaci a dutch braid (or plait) would look better. It's just upside down from the french braid. Instead of going Right over middle/Left over middle, you go Right UNDER middle/Left UNDER middle. (or if it's easier on your brain, middle over Right/middle over Left) adding hair to the outside edges. Also a dutch braid looks nice on a stallion braid too! :)

[@epe-equestrianpatterneduca6184]

If you like the clean mane but still want some “grip” you can try “band-it/braids-it” it’s a liquid you can spray into the mane that gives the hair a grippy/sticky feel. I personally didn’t use much while banding but after I was done I would add some and it would act sorta like hairspray.

[@leamarisa]

and if thats to expensive you can just use a half hairspray/half water mixture! works about as well and is much cheaper :)

[@jenniferlehman326]

I love this one Matt. It looks great. From a Retired Paramedic, a S&R Dog and Handler Team Trainer and Horse Trainer in Ontario, Canada, Jenn. 💖🇨🇦🇱🇺

[@nottheone582]

looking absolutely snatched darling! THOSE BOOTS!! to die for! muah 💋

[@syzygyfarm]

I actually already have June's Journey. I love those hidden image puzzles. I really got a kick out of you obsessing over those boots. I just got a new pair for jumping and literally did the same thing with the same level of excitement. :D Thanks for going through these plaits. I have a young stallion and I'm growing his (extra thick) mane out so I'm always looking for video braiding tutorials for long manes. He looks great. Best of luck at the show!

[@georgiaannbicknell6129]

Matt: I do LOVE you. We have another "hair" video. ❤❤❤ Your hair is amazing in this video. The mane is gorgeous after you finished. The photo of you with your show dress is so, so, elegant! How very special. The boots, YES!, yes, yes. They are elegant. I cannot wait to see you fully attired and styling!! Your stallion is magnificant. You all are amazing! ❤❤❤

[@fluffymountainbunny]

Emporio looks fantastic Matt, and I love what your outfit, you will look so slick! Ya'll are going to do absolutely amazing at the show. Whatever you end up doing to his mane will be great!

[@Celtic.frost.]

I really enjoyed this teaching style tutorial I just got my first horse so I quite enjoy learning like this

[@jeanviarengo231]

I absolutely love how the "studliest" looking, most impressive stallion is so cooperative and sweet

[@wendyburton-smith1165]

Thank you for sharing Matt - your horse looks stunning, I love the plaits!! Can't wait for the next video 💙🐴

[@songbirds3712]

Emporio looks quite handsome, and he knows it!!❤

[@singlewhitefemale1707]

He is such a handsome horse!!😍😍 I too, love a big, thick neck on a horse. Dapple grey is my favorite coloring on a horse as well! They remind me of Fairy-tale stories as a child. Good luck in your competition! I hope you post wether good or bad. (Wishing you the best, of course!!)

[@jaylenluttrell5148]

Love how excited you’re getting 🥰 I’ve got my first competition coming up soon and I feel the same Emporio looks great! My boy also has really long mane so think I’ll be trying the same for him

[@janaposton2524]

Great job Matt. Very talented. Of course let's not forget Emporio who is so handsome as always.

[@virginiaemme808]

Looks awesome, I’m going to try it on my fresian, you made it look easy to do.

[@elliedresselaerts5219]

Emporio looks super stunning.

[@annamariaiannacito5291]

This was very enjoyable, and your excitement was fun to see. I can imagine the two of you...black and white and gray...stunning! Thanks for sharing.

[@jayniestanley4730]

Stunning!!!!!!!

[@MintxMilk]

This is such a good video and his horse is beautiful 🤩

[@159yy]

Love this video, fun to see and learn about the planning that goes into preparing for a competition, really interesting, thank you!

[@leeangus1839]

I think you should go with the rose zets Matt. Because he looks beautiful in them. You did a beautiful job Matt too. And good luck in your competition Matt. And win big too. All my love to all

[@ffotograffydd]

He’s so well behaved! ❤️

[@saraeb59]

I've never seen plaits done this way on a long mane before....its lovely Matt

[@KimvDr]

Golden tip for you Matt, a ponytail loop (in the Netherlands to be bought at any Kruidvat store for little money. It's like a hook for hair to pull hair through the top part easily. You can find it at the women's hairstyle part in the Kruidvat store.

[@marysheehy4733]

Beautiful braid job. Have never seen rosettes with long mane. Gorgeous horse