Horsehair FAQ

A keepsake starts with your horse’s hair and a little planning. Contact Toni, the maker behind Rainbow Reins NZ, for advice before sending precious hair.

How to cut your horse tail hair :

Wash and comb the tail. From the underside of the lower dock (where it’s longest), cut hair close to the shaft so it stays hidden. Gather a bundle at least

Cleaning: Ensure all hair is thoroughly washed and free of dirt, hay, or grass. (Tie one end, soak in warm water and shampoo, rinse twice, and dry completely).

Note: A $20 fee applies if we have to wash and detangle the hair for you.

Loosely roll the dry hair and place it in a Ziploc bag. Write the following details on the bag or include a note inside:
  • Your horse or pet’s name
  • Your name, contact number, and return address
  • Your desired design (and exact wrist size in cm if ordering a bracelet)

How much hair should I send?

Ask Toni to confirm the minimum length and bundle thickness for your chosen design before cutting or posting hair. Mention if your sample is limited or irreplaceable.

  • Fir horsehair bracelets & Neclaces; Gather a bundle at least 2cm in diameter and 30 - 40cm long, then secure the cut ends with a rubber band.
  • Other Pets/Items: For keyrings, pendants, earrings, buttons, or tie pins, you can send cat, dog, rabbit, or bird feathers. Send a clump between 5mm to 1cm thick and 5cm long.

Can I send mane or forelock instead of tail hair?

Tell Toni which hair you have and which keepsake you would like so she can confirm whether it is suitable before you send it.

Yes for the two halves bracelets, Everlasting designs and some other designs via request.

How should I prepare and package the hair?

Before washing, trimming further or posting your sample, request preparation and packaging instructions and the current postal address. Include your chosen design and order number, if available, in your enquiry.

Merchant confirmation required: washing and drying method, securing and labelling the sample, packaging and postal address.

How long will my keepsake take?

Check the current production estimate for your chosen piece. If it is a gift, mention your required date before ordering and ask about delivery time separately.

Merchant confirmation required: production times by design, when the timeframe starts and delivery estimates.

What happens during busy periods?

For a special occasion or seasonal gift, check availability and your required date with Toni before ordering.

Merchant confirmation required: busy-period lead times, order cut-offs and how customers are informed of delays.

How should I care for my piece?

Ask Toni for care guidance for your design and its fittings before cleaning it or exposing it to water or cleaning products.

Merchant confirmation required: cleaning, drying and storage instructions; whether to remove jewellery for showering, swimming, riding or stable work.

How durable is horsehair jewellery?

Discuss how you plan to wear your piece with Toni so she can advise on a suitable design. Contact her if hair or fittings need attention.

Merchant confirmation required: everyday-wear suitability, wear limitations and repair options. No lifespan or waterproofing promise is made in this draft.

How do I contact the maker?

Use our Contact page to get in touch with Toni about hair samples, designs or an order. Include your order number, if applicable, and any date you are hoping to receive your piece by.