We wet manes and tails to braid them. Damp hair stretches, so braids dry tighter and wispies are minimized. Plus, the moisture helps us work the hair.
Normally we use a dandy brush or sponge to wet over the top and bottom of the crest. Some use a clip to hold unbraided hair to the side, though I use my braiding comb. When we need to re-wet hair, we break our rhythm. That takes time and can compromise our feel for the sizing. SO, a mechanism for keeping manes from drying would be a great thing!
Here’s the TIP:
Wet the mane well, comb the moisture through and then place a damp towel over it. The towel keeps the mane from drying and can hold hair out of the way as well. BRILLIANT!
All the credit for this one goes to Leslie that takes care of the famed Nick Skelton's horses.NOTE: I wet manes with only water. The spray on braiding product makes hair too slippery, then in short time too sticky. It is expensive, strains my hands, then slows me down. Rhythm is key to getting braids uniform. The visual rhythm comes from a physical rhythm.
Ruthann Smith has spent a lifetime studying sound horsemanship- both as a groom for top international horses and as a renowned braider. Quietly twisting manes atop a ladder, she watched and learned in some of the best stables in the world.
As her passion for great grooming grew, Ruthann became focused on researching, collecting and sharing the best practices of the world’s keenest horsemen. Ultimately, Ruthann used her vast experience to develop exceptional equine grooming products to help raise the bar of horsemanship.
The knowledge she dispenses and the products Ruthann developed solve age-old grooming issues. Making quality horse care easier, they have received the highest honors in the equine industry*. Her Lucky Braids for Top Turnout coat care and braiding products are the best, most versatile, cost-effective and easiest solutions available on the market today.
Now Ruthann offers her LOVE, LOVE Guarantee. If not totally thrilled with a product she developed, Ruthann will refund you in full, regardless of where you purchased it.
It’s her life’s mission to empower horses by educating, motivating and equipping their people to be true horsemen. You can access Ruthann’s tips at: The Grooming Resource on LuckyBraids.com, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest and her Horsemanship Clinics.
*After testing 350 products, Lucky Braids All-In-One Horse Shampoo was named product of the year by Horse Journal, the “Consumer Reports” of the industry. They also named Lucky Braids Shampoo and Top Pick for greys and whites. Lucky Braids specialized braiding yarn also got stellar reviews.