I braid my pony's mane and tail to help keep it manageable and grow it longer without breakages. I tend to do a running braid on his mane and a simple braid on his tail with a tale wrap on it. Does anyone else have a braid they use for this that might work better? Haffies are known for long flowing manes and tails so I work hard to keep his long and pretty, but I'm always open to suggestions from people since there aren't too many other Haffie owners where I am and we don't go to any breed shows.
http://www.statelinetack.com/%5Cproductimages%5Cstandard%5C721279.jpg
Tail wrap I use

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/185/412456600_a948a718b2.jpg
braid like I do (not my horse, lol)

These are images of a Continental braid, mostly used for Arabian Equine. I love being able to find new ideas to help out with. And this is one I would love to do, I just need to borrow someones horse!

I'm afraid that I only do the same as you do. I am not very adventurous when it comes to her hair care-the most adventurous I get is braiding my own hair the same as hers.

I never really braided any of my horses, but I have always thought they were beautiful. I never knew it actually helped the horses out.

I've heard that called the lattice braid before. I've done it, but he looks really girly like that (which I'm sure he doesn't appreciate). Alot of the drafts I know use them for showing at exhibitions. I'm not sure if that would be allowed at a proper show. Most people use 5-7 large loosely done braids to help tame and grow out manes, but I tend to do his every couple days so the running braid is ok. He normally isn't inside so the braid can't catch and rip the hair either.

I have to give you all credit where the credit is due. I cant even braid my own hair, not really sure I could imagine braiding a horses mane or tail. Knowing my luck I would pull a strand and have the horse turn around and kick me. :D Is it really as hard as I am imaging?

It depends on whether or not you learned to braid; I mean, if you can't do it then I wouldn't practise on a horse's tail. Especially one that might just decide to kick like you said!

I learned to braid using yarn in arts-n-crafts at summer camp. You tie it to a chair or pin it to the couch and noone gets hurt. From there you can experiment on friends or siblings with longish hair. Horses aren't much different. Granted I can do two french braids in my own hair so its not too hard for me. They make nice braiding books to teach you how to braid horse hair in different manners. Or you can just go to a show and stalk people braiding and ask questions then try it at home.