Virtual Braiding Lessons

It is my pleasure to finally announce virtual braiding lessons!

As a member of my mailing list, you are invited to this ground-breaking opportunity to work with me online. In order to help you become a great braider, we have devised the most efficient system to optimize your learning curve.

Evaluation

Initially, you’ll submit a 10-15 minute video for my review. I’ll assess your skills, determine next steps and offer tips for achieving your goals. You’ll receive comments and instructions voiced over your video.

How to best create your video is detailed in the Getting Started section below.

Individualized Coaching

It is important to have a solid foundation with the finger form I advocate. This formula will allow you to consistently lay down beautiful braids quickly and comfortably. There is an optimal progression for building your braiding skills.

So, once you have been made progress with the suggestions put forth in the evaluation, you are welcome to purchase additional video lessons.

Those who have demonstrated a level of mastery will be personally invited to schedule live streamed online lessons.

Getting Started

Prepare for Lessons with Ruthann

1. Study Ruthann’s braiding formula detailed in the Lucky Braids How-to DVD. Visualize the process, as you will want it to become second nature.
2. Practice with video at home. Here’s how to braid along with the video.
3. Focus on one part of process at a time. First master thumb placement and picking pieces up with leverage. It is must more effective to work on one part of the process at a time. Then, when you are consistently correct with that move or grip, move onto another.

The setup

You'll need

• A quiet equine with a braidable mane. A target that does not dance, fuss or creep is easiest to braid. Here are tips on teaching a horse to stand still.
• Two step ladders, one each for the braider and videographer. The braider should be on a 2’ step ladder without a handle. I prefer wooden ladders. Aluminum is the second choice. Plastic is out- they are too small.
• A phone or video camera to shoot the braiding process.
• Possibly another spotlight

Positioning your horse

• If you have a horse on ties, be sure there is a breakaway at the halter on the braiding side. I tie 3 pieces of string folded in half with 3 knots onto the halter ring and snap to that. You can see a pic at the link.
• The person shooting the process will stand on a ladder and essentially shoot over the shoulder or arm of the braider.
• Make sure the braids are not backlit- that I can see the hands and hair. You may need to move the horse into the light. It can work well if the light source is overhead, at the head or rear.
• I don’t give horses hay while braiding. They move too much. Plus, teaching them to stand is teaching them to relax, which will really help.

Safety is paramount and I need to be able to see your hands. Here are some guidelines:

• Always keep one eye on the horse. Despite being focused on your fingers, you need to think ahead of the horse.
• Make sure the horse’s body is straight. Otherwise, it won’t be able to stand still for long.
• NEVER leave your ladder at the horse. Even if you are taking 2 steps away, bring your ladder. It only takes a split second for him to put a foot through the brace.

What to Shoot

• I’d like to meet you and your horse! So, please speak to camera and show me your horse’s eye. A quick look at or pan of your setup would also be appreciated.
• I will want to see your finger form. Once that is consistently correct with both hands, finessing more advanced techniques will be easier. It is important have good groundwork, as it were. So, first, I want to see how you make the braid itself.
• Your video can be a collection of parts of the process: braiding down, adding yarn, knotting, pulling up and tying up.
• You are welcome to edit the video, but rough is fine. I just want to be able to clearly see your braiding process in 10-15 minutes. If it's longer, I will focus on what you need to work on first.

Submitting Videos

Once you purchase and evaluation, we’ll send you an email explaining how to send it. The process will be simple.

Pricing- Introductory Offer

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.