Shiny Happy Horses- Horse Care Blog | Lucky Braids for Top Turnout

Shiny Happy Horses

October 06, 2014

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Is That Horse Body Clipped??!

Waiting for Scores

YES!!! Freshly clipped and SHINY!!!

I get a lot of questions about Body Clipping. This image was taken last week. The horse had its FIRST CLIP of the fall a week earlier. Does the coat look ruined??? That is great grooming. It's a HIGH COMPLIMENT is when someone asks, “Is that horse clipped?

This horse gets groomed vigorously daily, before and after work.  This keeps the hair fine.  Currying exfoliates and stimulates oils.  Grooming pulls natural protective oils down the hair shafts, to close the end.  That is why this horse does not have the wire brush look.  Instead, he looks like satin!

The Ace of Spades Treatment

Normally, Ace of Spades is bathed once a week, sometimes more often. He also got a soap bath before and after clipping. The barn only uses the shampoo that instead of stripping the coat, actually enhances natural oils: This Lucky Braids shampoo is all you need to achieve that great coat.

This TopTurnout Salute goes out to the great groom Martha Briseno and all of Snowbrook with trainer Kimberly Prince. Their horses are always meticulously managed.

I just love to honor and celebrate EXCELLENCE in HORSEMANSHIP!

~Ruthann


 

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
 

Special Mention

Photo credit and THANKS to: Linda Umla. — with Norfield Stables LLC at the New Albany Classic