Horsehair bracelet: the complete guide (prices, how they're made, personalisation)

Wearing a horsehair bracelet means keeping a little piece of your horse with you, everywhere and always. This discreet, meaningful piece of jewellery appeals to more and more riders, whether it's plaited from the workshop's own hair or from your own horse's. In this guide, we explain how these bracelets are made, how to send your horse's hair, what they cost, and why choosing a French artisan really does make a difference.

What is a horsehair bracelet?

Horsehair is the long hair from a horse's mane and tail. Supple, strong and naturally glossy, it lends itself beautifully to plaiting. A horsehair bracelet is therefore a piece of jewellery made from these fibres, assembled by hand and finished with a metal clasp, often in stainless steel, silver or gold-tone metal.

In our shop you'll find a full range in the horsehair bracelet collection, bringing together the work of several French workshops. Designs run from fine, feminine bracelets to thick, bold ones, taking in versions decorated with a horseshoe or a stirrup.

How artisans plait horsehair

Making a horsehair bracelet rests entirely on the artisan's hands. The hair is first washed, sorted and then gathered into even strands. Then comes the plaiting, which gives the bracelet its character.

The main plaiting techniques

• The twist: two strands wound around each other for a textured finish, as on the Torsade horsehair bracelet.
• The square plait: four strands worked tightly into a square section, crisp and graphic, as on the Carré horsehair bracelet.
• The four-strand round plait: four strands crossed in a spiral, giving a supple, even band that feels round under the finger rather than flat. This is the plait used for the Bracelet crins from Sellerie Maroquinerie de la Mélusine, available in every shade of horsehair, from black to white.
• The double plait: two plaits interwoven for a wider bracelet, sometimes set off with a horseshoe, as on the Lili model.
• The thick textured plait: ideal for a man's wrist, with a push-fit clasp, as on the Arion bracelet.

Every plait calls for patience and genuine skill. It's this handwork that explains the fineness and evenness of a good bracelet.

Using your own horse's hair

This is the request that means the most to riders: having a bracelet made from their own horse's hair, often in memory of a companion who has passed away, or to mark a strong bond. Most of our workshops offer this option, shown as a variant along the lines of "use my own horsehair".

How to cut and send the hair

Take the hair from the tail rather than the mane, as it's longer there. More precisely, take it from under the dock, on the inside and in the middle: the hairs there are the longest and the most even in length, and the tail shows no sign of anything having been cut. Cut a strand roughly the size of a pencil, about a finger's thickness, and at least 20 to 25 cm long. That gives the artisan the leeway needed to plait and secure the ends neatly into the clasp.

Tie the strand at one end with thread or an elastic band so it doesn't get muddled, slip it into a protective envelope, then send it to the workshop following the instructions given on the product page. There's no need to wash the hair beforehand, the artisan takes care of that.

If you'd prefer something more structured, the Fer à Cheval silver chain bracelet can also hold a plait of your horse's hair, as can some memorial pieces that set the hair in clear resin.

How much does a horsehair bracelet cost?

The price depends on the plaiting technique, whether the clasp is in a precious metal, and whether or not your own horse's hair is used. As a guide, a handmade horsehair bracelet generally costs between 25 and 80 euros.

• Simple designs (fine plait, magnetic clasp): around 49 euros.
• Decorated designs (horseshoe, stirrup, crystals): 59 to 69 euros.
• Thick designs or those personalised with your own horse's hair: 79 to 89 euros.

Adding the "use my own horsehair" option usually costs a little extra, which covers the time spent handling a unique and irreplaceable material.

Silver, steel or gold-tone finish: which to choose?

The clasp sets the tone of the piece. Stainless steel is the toughest and is unbothered by water or sweat, perfect for everyday wear around the yard. 925 silver brings a more precious feel and develops an attractive patina over time. Gold-tone metal warms up light-coloured hair and works well with chestnut or flaxen shades. It's up to you, depending on your style and your favourite coat colour.

Looking after your horsehair bracelet

Horsehair is a natural fibre and deserves a little care. Avoid leaving it soaking in water for long periods and take it off before showering or swimming. If it does get wet, let it dry in the open air, laid flat, away from any direct heat source. A gentle brush is all it takes to bring back the shine. Treated well, a horsehair bracelet will stay with you for many years.

Why choose a French artisan rather than a mass-produced bracelet

Mass-produced horsehair bracelets are often machine-plaited, using hair of uncertain origin and standardised finishes. By choosing a French artisan, you get a hand-plaited piece, carefully selected hair and, above all, the chance to include your own horse's. You're also supporting local craftsmanship and responsible, small-scale production. That's exactly the approach we champion by bringing these makers together in our shop.

And if you're looking to build on that relationship of trust with your horse beyond the jewellery, our guide to the rope halter will help you get your groundwork right.

Frequently asked questions

How much hair do you need for a bracelet?

A strand a finger's thickness and at least 20 to 25 cm long is enough for most workshops. Take it from the tail if possible, where the hair is longest. If in doubt, send a little more and the artisan will adjust.

Is a horsehair bracelet hard-wearing?

Yes, horsehair is naturally strong. Hand-plaited and finished with a quality clasp, a horsehair bracelet can be worn every day for years, as long as you keep it out of prolonged soakings.

Can you give someone a horsehair bracelet without having your own horse's hair?

Of course. Every design is available with the workshop's own horsehair, in various shades from black to white. It's a gift idea riders love, and you'll find them all in our dedicated collection.