Demo's Perfectly Braided Tail.

This is Demo's tail and a beautiful example of a tail braided for a horse show. 

There are many different types of braids. This is a classic French-type tail braid where dozens of sections are gathered at each side, pulled together in the center and braided down in a straight line.  It isn't often you can get a braid as straight an perfectly done as this one.

At most show stables you can find riders who earn money to pay for their own shows by braiding other people's horses.  An exhibitor might pay anywhere from $20 to well over $100 for a perfectly braided mane and tail. 

In hunter or equitation classes, where the horse and rider "turn-out" is expected to be polished and professional looking, a team might have points taken off for a sloppy braid, or no braid at all.