Braiding Without a Bridlepath

Braiding Without a Bridlepath

Horse

I like a bridlepath to keep hair organized. An inch or so that sits just under the bridle can make things easy and crisp. However, trimmers tend to wander. For braidable disciplines, a long bridlepath interrupts the long line of the neck and means one less braid. Therefore, instead of risking a bridelpath too long, some trainers ban them.

If you braid a horse without a bridlepath, it can look like a mat of wispies. To keep it neat and comfortable, I recommend starting the French forelock under where the bridle sits. Then, reinforce the braid there. Lace it up as you would your shoe. Crisscross the front of the braid with the yarn. Pull it through the back of the braid at each rung to cage/hold in the hair at the top, where it needs it. Use two surgical knots to reinforce/lock in each pass. So, regardless of the style, you can have beautiful, comfortable braids.

Here is more on turnout style choice.


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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.