How to make an :-
Arabian Costume

Step 1 - find a horse that needs a costume (preferably an Arab)
Step 2 - choose colour/s
Step 3 - choose ether saddle on saddle pad or "saddle pad" over saddle

I choose the over saddle method as you only need the "saddle pad" and to make the pommel and cantle - that's it. Looks neater too.

Trim frilly bits off the dolls house rug (medium size for a trad) and put a border around it (best to leave bottom border until tassels are on but I keep forgetting) Add another bit of rug for bum patch.

For pommel and cantle I cut felt into semi circles, sow but leave 1 end open, stuff then sow in place on rug.
Like so.

Next make up your tassels - make loads as you will get fed up of doing them but it's the most time consuming thing so once there out the way you can have fun.

Then with your choice of colour beads thread them onto the tassels


When there all done you can start sowing them along the bottom of your costume. Don't crowd them or pack too many on. Putting enough aside for the collar and Bridle.



So when you've attached all tassels on 1 side it should look like this.

Do same on other side and hey presto it's taking shape.

Time for stirrups. Braid some thread - this will be for leathers. Stirrups and finished braid ready.


Then sow braid "leathers" to stirrups like so

Then sow to saddle pad (under so they stick out bottom)

Then sow/glue chemise to underside of costume to protect the model.
To make girth I used black elastic. Sow off side to saddle pad then make sure it's long enough to go under the saddle pad on near side.
Glue/sow some Velcro to the girth and saddle pad. Done.

Collar
To make the collar make 3 loose loops around the neck of the horse 4 times with thread.
Snip and make 5 more bits the same length. Should have 6 in total.

Separate the strands and then make 3 piles (12,11,12 of stands)
Put spare strand to 1 side for now.

Tie the 3 strands together at top then start plaiting. Use a paperweight to hold it down

Plait right to the end and tie a knot. You should now have a nice long braid

Fold in half and open. Half a centimetre below the bend you've made sow it up ( both sides) then cut the bend. Where you've sown should stop braid unravelling so you'll have mini tassels on the end.
Neaten the knots at other ends in a similar way. Then place the 2 braids next each other and sow.

Make another braid - this should be the top bit of the collar and be longer than rest. Sow together again.
Then put the now broader braid on the horse and fold of the centre so it makes a V - sow. Should look like this

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