Summer Job: Show Braider?

You also will need to get up and at 'em very early. A friend of mine did this, and was at the grounds at 3 am at times, to get her customer's horses done on time.

And Rubbermaid makes a very handy step stool, with handle, and storage compartment under step for your equipment, and I've seen one that had a drawer too. Great item to have.

Jessie got 20 for manes, and 25 for tails, and this was in 90's, so don't know what rate is now but should be at least that I think.

I have seen braiders wrap what kind of looks like white medical tape around where their fingers get rubbed raw. That would probably help.

BooBear;
Such a great idea! Were I able to braid well, (or at ALL-ha!) I most CERTAINLY would do something such as you are planning in order to help with not only "networking" with other horse people in my area, but also to supplement the finances involved with owning or leasing a horse of my own once I'm ready to take that step!

It's great to see how supportive and helpful the folks on this thread are to even post photos of braids for you! This is such a terrific forum...I'd love to hear how your business venture works out (as I'm sure the others here would also!). Best of luck to you!

I don't think that you'll need a website right away, although I don't doubt that it would be a nice addition in the future. When I horse show, I rarely go online. I get what I need through word of mouth, flyers, or a phone call. (I don't have a smartphone, so I may be in the minority.)

I forgot to add this to my original post, but I vote for a polo shirt tucked into jeans with a belt. Casual professional.

Well first off, these are people you want money from, should I would get rid of this attitude. I hire a braider. Is it because I am lazy and ignorant? No, it is because I work and often get to the show much later than my horse arrives. If my braider had this attitude, I would find a new one.

To answer some of your questions, set a price, do not go by donations. I pay $40 for hunter braids. Since you are just starting out, lower would be appropriate.

I really don't care what the braider wears, either.

i totally agree!! I have shown both h/j and eventing and have hired a braider before not bc im ignorant or lazy but because someone else could do a better job which means not only did my horse look better bu tthe job got done quicker so she could get on with eating/not being bored!

Ohgeeze. I didn't realize how bad that sounded until you guys pointed it out. I used to board at one of the barns I wanted to braid at and these people in particular were lazy and ignorant at times... xD I know stereotypes aren't always true, I was just anticipating dealing with the worst of owners from what I remember from that barn. By no means do I mean that everybody who wants a braider is lazy and ignorant.

As far as the needle versus bands, I would bring bands but use string and a pull-thru unless the owner requests otherwise. Bands tend to look tacky, while string is classier.

I so wish there was someone like you at the shows we go to! I honestly cannot braid pretty to save my life - it's not laziness - I cannot even french braid my own hair, it always looks messy when I do it. I think at the right shows, you'd do quite well (though $40 may be a little steep at schooling level shows)

Braid your horse in various styles and take pics and create a small photo album. If any of your tools are plastic, buy a bunch in case something breaks. You'll also need several stools of different heights as some of those jumpers are Tall. Get a suitcase that has wheels. This will enable you to load everything in there and leave the other hand free for the stool. You will look organized. Bring several clippers, Klip Kool, oil. This is for little touchups. Ah yes, your camera to take pics of your work to add to your album. It's great to have them for your to refer to, to see what needs improving. I hope this works out for you and that you don't mind rising at 4 am to be ready to work by 5. Be sure to charge at least min wage and by the hour. By the time you've put in a season, you'll be in demand and able to raise your rates. Don't forget, it costs you to get there. Don't think just gas but wear on the vehicle as well.