Shiny Happy Horses

October 02, 2014

The Painted-On Look

Amanda Steege's Top Turnout

We call this the PAINTED-ON LOOK. People talk about numbers of braids. A great braider knows what's REALLY important is that the:

Bottomline of the mane is perfectly straight.
Mane braids are sized so they sit well on the neck.
Cheat the angle so braids are longer toward the poll than the withers, and the neck looks rounder.
Maintain a really uniform and/or gradual visual rhythm to the braids and they carry your eye down the neck.
Braids are comfortable and sturdy. Braids that look painted-on won’t jiggle to distract the eye, nor go askew with scrubbing crest releases.

This is a topnotch braid job by Jeff Claxton, is yet another way Amanda Steege distinguishes herself and Ashmeadow Farm for *EXCELLENCE IN HORSEMANSHIP.* Consider this another Top Turnout Salute!

Braid like a pro

If you want to braid like this, lots of tips are posted in the Grooming Resource of this site. Get the formula down and your manes can look like this every time. I suspect this took about 35 minutes. Here's how to learn to braid like a pro.

Enjoy,
Ruthann

*This grey is SHINING IN THE DARK for Lucky Braids All-In-One Shampoo.

September 28, 2014

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Grand Prix Riders' Braiding Advantage

“Horsewomen are always several notches above riders....”

– Judy Richter

Two-time American Invitational Winner Molly Ashe Cawley braided Carissimo before their recent double clear. She was brought up to work hard and keep tuned into the horses. Molly's mother, keen horseman Sue Ashe, set her up for success in that way.

When third in the world, Peter Wylde still braided his top horse. It was part of their *program,* when they got in a groove together before a class. I taken care of Peter’s first grand prix horse. Yet later, when I offered to braid for him at United States Equestrian Team Headquarters, he declined. Their routine *worked.* During SEVEN selection trials, he had ONE rail.

Why braiding is important

“Braiding well is part of horsemanship. It is a small part, but those little things add up.” -Michael Matz 4-time Olympian and racehorse trainer

If you know how to braid and manage your time well, it is very relaxing for you and the horse. Thing is, braiding is a bit like salsa dancing. You can braid with all your heart, but that bottomline won't be perfect. You really need to know and execute each step accurately. Then, you can sail! If this seems interesting, whether a beginner or seasoned professional, you’ll up your game with the Lucky Braids DVD/Tool and all-important, specialized BRAIDING YARN, available here.
Guaranteed, or your money back. ~Ruthann