Everything Horsehair
Horsehair Memorial Keepsakes
Horsehair items are some of the most meaningful pieces I create. I began making horsehair memorial pieces in back in 2020, and over the years I’ve worked with a wide range of designs, styles, and hair types.
Each one is made using hair from your horse and thoughtfully incorporated into a functional, lasting piece you can use every day or keep as a keepsake. Whether it’s a memorial piece or a way to carry a part of your horse with you, these items are created with intention, care, and respect for the memories attached to them.
On this page, you’ll find some examples of past horsehair work I’ve created. These photos are meant to showcase styles, layouts, and possibilities - every piece is custom, so no two will ever be exactly alike.
How Much Horsehair Is Needed?
The amount of horsehair needed varies depending on the item and design.
Some pieces require only a small amount, while others may need more length or thickness.
Tail hair is preferred whenever possible. Tail hair is typically longer, coarser, and more durable, making it better suited for braiding and inlay work. Mane hair is usually much finer, softer, and shorter, which can limit how it can be used.
That said - don’t stress if you’re unsure how much hair (or type) you have.
If you’re worried you don’t have enough, please reach out. In many cases, we can work something out regardless of the amount you’re able to send.
Examples of Horsehair Items
Below you’ll see examples of horsehair incorporated into a variety of items, including: Headstalls - Breast collars - Wither straps - Charms & keychain - Other personal accessories and keepsakes
Each section is labeled to help you easily see what type of item it is and how horsehair can be used in different ways.
Saddle Charms & Keychains
Saddle charms and keychains are the smallest horsehair items I offer and are a great option when you have a limited amount of hair or are looking for something simple and meaningful.
These pieces come in a variety of shapes and styles, including crosses, rectangles, diamonds, feathers, and more. Keychains can be made in different sizes and finished with either a snap or a key ring. Saddle charms are typically finished with leather ties.
The photos shown here are examples only and are not meant to represent every option available. If you have a different idea or something specific in mind, I’m always open to creating something new.
If you’d like to order a horsehair cross directly, you can do so here:
👉 CUSTOM HorseHair Inlay Leather Cross – KnotsByK, LLC.
These items require the least amount of horsehair. In most cases, a small bundle roughly about the diameter of a pencil and approximately 10–12 inches long is sufficient, depending on the design and braid style. If you’re unsure how much hair you have or whether it’s enough, don’t worry - feel free to send what you have and we can go from there.
Headstalls
Horsehair headstalls are one of the most popular items I make, second only to saddle charms. Each headstall is fully custom and can be designed in a wide variety of styles and layouts.
Headstalls can be made as a one-ear, two-ear, or browband, with horsehair inlay incorporated in different areas, such as the cheeks, the ear or browband, or a combination of both. Buckstitching can be added or omitted depending on the look you prefer.
The photos shown below are examples of past work and are meant to showcase different styles and design possibilities. Every headstall is made to order, and the options are nearly endless.
If you have a specific vision in mind or want to combine elements from multiple examples, I’m happy to work with you to create something unique.
Headstalls typically require more hair than saddle charms or keychains, but the exact amount depends on the style and how much inlay is incorporated.
Withers Straps
Horsehair withers straps offer a lot of flexibility in both shape and design. These pieces typically feature a smaller inlay section, similar to saddle charms and crosses, but can also be designed with a slightly wider braid or inlay if desired.
Despite the design options, withers straps still require a minimal amount of horsehair, making them a great choice when you have limited hair but want something functional and meaningful.
The examples shown below represent just a few of the styles I’ve created. As with all of my horsehair work, these are fully custom, and design options can be adjusted to suit your preferences.
Halters
Horsehair halters are a less common request but offer endless design possibilities. Much like the halters I make without horsehair, these can be customized in a variety of ways to fit both style and function.
The examples shown below are just a few of the horsehair halters I’ve created and are not limited to these designs. Layout, inlay placement, and overall style can all be adjusted, making each halter completely unique.
If you have a specific idea in mind or want to build off of one of the examples shown, I’m always happy to explore custom options.
Tack Sets (Headstall & Breast Collar)
Horsehair tack sets offer endless design possibilities. Any headstall style shown above can be paired with a matching breast collar to create a cohesive set. Shapes, layouts, and inlay placement can all be coordinated or adjusted to suit your vision.
Because breast collars are larger pieces and offer the largest inlay sections, full tack sets typically require more horsehair than other items. That said, this does not mean you must do a large inlay or have a substantial amount of hair.
Designs can almost always be adjusted, whether that means using a smaller inlay, narrowing the braid, or focusing the hair in specific areas, to work with the amount of hair you have available.
The examples shown below are meant to highlight past work and design ideas, not limit what’s possible.
Miscellaneous Horsehair Items
These are items I don’t make as frequently, but if it’s something I already create, horsehair can often be incorporated into it. Nearly any leather piece I make, whether tack related or not, can potentially include horsehair.
Examples shown below include purse straps, leather cuff bracelets, and a legal pad cover, but the possibilities don’t stop there. These are simply a few examples of how horsehair can be used beyond traditional tack.
While I don’t make everything, I do make a lot! So if you’re wondering whether something is possible, feel free to ask. If you have an idea in mind or are imagining something specific, I’m always open to seeing your ideas and discussing options.
Design & Additional Details:
Whether you’re looking to add a name, date, or a small, simple design, those options can absolutely be incorporated into many pieces.
All design work on my leather items is laser engraved, not hand tooled. Hand tooling is a skilled art form that takes a tremendous amount of time and experience, and I want to be clear in giving that craft the respect it deserves. While some engraved designs may resemble traditional tooling, hand tooling is a separate craft and is not something I offer at this time.
Laser engraving has been part of my leatherwork since 2019 and allows for a wide range of clean, detailed, and custom design possibilities.
If you have questions about engraving styles or design ideas, I’m always happy to talk through what’s possible.
Sending Your Horsehair
Please send whatever hair you have available if you're comfortable doing so. I understand how important this is, and I take the utmost care of all horsehair while it is in my possession.
If you send an entire tail, I will only remove what is needed for your piece and leave the rest intact in the same condition it arrived to me.
All unused hair is always returned with your finished item.
Your horsehair is treated with respect from the moment it arrives until it is safely back in your hands.
Ready to Move Forward?
If you’re interested in having a horsehair piece made, or have questions after reviewing this page, please feel free to reach out. Including photos of the hair you have and the type of item you’re interested in is always helpful, but not required.
I also encourage you to visit the Style Choices on my website to view leather color options, hardware options, and other available details. Seeing all of the options together can help you get a better idea of what’s possible and make it easier to start designing your piece.
Hardware Options – KnotsByK, LLC.
Leather Options – KnotsByK, LLC.
This page is meant to give you a clear overview of horsehair items and design possibilities. If you’re still unsure about something or have an idea you don’t see shown here, don’t hesitate to ask - I’m always happy to discuss options.