Horsehair is more than a material—it’s a living memory. Each strand carries the energy of a being who has run through fields, formed relationships, and lived close to the land. When you wear a piece from Four Horses, you’re not just wearing jewelry—you’re connecting to that sacred legacy.
In this post, I’m opening the studio door to share how the horsehair is ethically sourced, carefully cleaned, and reverently shaped into adornments that carry meaning.
Sourcing: Honoring the Horse
I source all horsehair used in Four Horses adornments ethically and intentionally. That means:
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No animals are harmed. The hair is naturally shed or trimmed as part of regular grooming routines.
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Every donation is known. I work closely with the horse stewards at Equiculture who share my values of respect, care, and reverence.
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Each bundle tells a story. I feel such gratitude to Pam and the herd for opening their hearts to me and sharing their stories and spirit. I couldn't create the heartfelt pieces I design without our shared energy and understanding. Each new adornment I make brings me close to cherished friends.
Cleansing: Preparing the Hair with Intention
Before any design begins, the hair goes through a cleansing ritual - both physical and energetic.
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Washing: I gently clean the strands using eco-conscious, non-toxic soaps. Each bundle is hand-washed in small batches, combed, and air-dried under natural light.
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Sorting: I carefully sort each strand by texture, thickness, and sheen. This is how I achieve such bright clear whites in some of the designs! Horsehair is naturally varied and unique to each being, just like us.
- Energetic Clearing: Before being bound into adornments, the hair is often smoked with herbs (like cedar, rosemary or lavender based on energetic standing) or left under moonlight. This part isn’t just ritual—it’s about honoring the life that moves through these fibers and preparing them to meet you!
Shaping: The Wild Nature of Horse Hair
Designing with horsehair is a slow and tactile process. Each piece is handmade by me in my studio, often over several sessions to allow space for breath and reflection.
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The weave: I honor and celebrate the natural texture of this material but reinterpret it with minimal, modern shapes.
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The bind: natural threads and clean metal wire are chosen to amplify the energy of the piece. Whether I’m working with quartz for clarity or patinaed metal for grounding, each element is selected with intention.
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The finish: Every piece is sealed with intention and care.
Why It Matters
Horsehair jewelry is not new—it’s an ancient practice that spans cultures and centuries. But in today’s fast-paced world, I believe there's power in returning to craft as ritual. My hope is that when you wear a Four Horses piece, you feel:
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Connected—to nature, to the horses, to craft.
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Grounded—in your body, your movement, your breath.
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Seen—as someone who chooses beauty with meaning.
A Final Note on Sustainability
Four Horses is committed to slow, small-batch production. No mass manufacturing, no synthetic shortcuts, no exploitative practices. Just one pair of hands, honoring one life at a time.
If you’d like to read more about the horses behind the pieces—or even contribute hair from a beloved companion for a custom piece - reach out here. I’d be honored to connect.