Menu

Stay in Touch
Sign up for ENews
Subscribe Now

Unlimited access >

Menu

Lucky Braids DVD

Off Course
#21

Oh, duh… just checked your site

#22

Tools are available separately! That way, people can share the DVD and/or replace tools. It seems they tend to “walk,” further reinforcing their value, I suspect. Shipping is free is your local tack shop does not carry the tool separately: http://luckybraids.com/products.htm

#23

Still awaiting the arrival of my DVD but had a question. Assuming it really does transform me from a fumble fingers into a braider, can I transform that skill into braiding tails as well? I am going to need to be able to do both relatively well otherwise it will defeat the purpose since I would have to pay someone to do the tail. Is there a good reference for learning how to braid a tail?

#24

Regarding coordination, the DVD teaches you an exact finger form- an equitation. That finger form is how you can make consistently beautiful braids quickly and comfortably. To bypass your thoughts on coordination, what you need to do is practice very slowly. You need to master the process so you are consistently accurate with both hands. This starts to build muscle memory. You must get correct before you try to go fast or build on it. Get a good foundation set.

I’d just watch the video. Then think about the process. Visualize it. Then you can braid along with the video. Put a rope or belt around your thigh. Flip cut yarn behind it. Then, braid along with the DVD, checking your form at each pass.

Work on one part of the process at a time. Get it down before moving on.

Once you have the finger form and mane mastered, you can move onto the French braid. If you are correct with the finger form I advocate, the French braid is just one more step. You’ll already be in proper position. So, the transition is minimal. The French forelock has essentially all the elements you’ll need to adapt to the tail. There is a post on the Lucky Braids Facebook page that outlines additional tips. I am always posting tips there, so stay tuned. Plus, you can ask me and/or attend a clinic.

Don’t worry. If you are wanting to braid, we can get you doing a great job.

~Ruthann

#25

Do you have an instructional video on tails?? There’s more to just the braiding part-- there’s the pinwheel, tying up, etc. and the tricky stuff about getting started if there are short hairs up top…

#26

The Facebook tail posts to date cover more than the braiding. For one, they tell you how to braid and bandage so the top hairs do not break. That keeps the process easier. It is perfectly acceptable to finish the tail as you do the forelock. So, there is a very viable option in the video. Many trainers prefer that old school style.

I’ll do a post about starting with short hairs. That is a good idea, as at this point in the season, many tails have been damaged.

At Top Turnout Clinics I have the opportunity to work one-on-one braiding tails. This fall I already have them scheduled in: Goshen, NY; Berwick, ME and Covington, LA. I’ll be posting contact info for those first in a newsletter (join: http://www.luckybraids.com/frm.html) and then on https://www.facebook.com/ShinyHappyHorses this week.

I video is on my list of things to do. For now, I’ll help you in every other way I can.

~Ruthann

#27

[QUOTE=vxf111;6497434]
Do you have an instructional video on tails?? There’s more to just the braiding part-- there’s the pinwheel, tying up, etc. and the tricky stuff about getting started if there are short hairs up top…[/QUOTE]

I found this video helpful. I already knew how to french braid but needed help with the parts you mentioned above. It’s just the video- no verbal tips but if you watch the first and last parts a few times you’ll figure it out.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f1iUbV1zG5I

#28

You need to do a tail specific video, Ruth Ann… showing the different ways to end (pinwheel, wrap around, loop), how do deal with short hairs, how to put in a fake, etc. I’d buy it. I find tails a lot harder than manes. I’d really appreciate the same sort of video you did for manes, only for tails.

Thanks SC!

#29

Whatever works for you.

I can not support the technique in that video. It is very cumbersome to execute. I can tell that it will kill the tail- there is too much pressure pulling on on the top hairs. Plus, a lot of wispies will come out. The braid should look painted on, but is bumpy. The pinwheel has a hole in the middle- a real no-no. It is also too small to be stylistic and can’t be sturdy. She cut hair - the horror. The video is 9 minutes long and omits much of the process. I and my colleagues finish tails in 7 minutes. In fact, I can assure you no established pro braider on the A circuit would advocate several elements of that video.

What I advocate, is faster, more comfortable, sturdier and more attractive. I would not steer you wrong.

~Ruthann

#30

That’s why you need to do a video!!!

#31

Thanks for your input. I want to do a tail video. It will happen.

I maintain that the finger form is the same. If you get the one I advocate down, tails are an easier transition. The adjustments are minimal.

Hopefully, we can work together at a Top Turnout Clinic at sometime. That way, we can get your technique polished in short time. There is nothing like some individualized coaching. Still, the more you know of the finger form before the clinic, the further I can take you. I’d love to work with you! It’s great fun to get you rock’n and send you on your way to twist the nights away. : ) ~Ruthann

#32

I don’t know if other people agree… but I learn much better from something like a video that I can stop and watch and stop and watch over and over again. Not that a clinic wouldn’t be helpful, but for me the turning point in braids really came when I got your video and could stop and start and practice over and over again.

I had done a braiding clinic (not yours but a local braider who did a nice job) and I’ve had braiders show me how to do tails before-- for me it’s not the same. I learn best with something that’s a resource I can go back to. And I like how you narrate and explain WHY as you go. So a clinic would be fun… but a video would be something I’d buy and for me it would make the difference, I think.

I’m the same way when I ride, I don’t know that I get a lot out of being IN a clinic-- hard to focus/remember/execute on the spot. I get a lot more out of watching a video of myself in the clinic that I can stop/start and take my time/think about.

I think you have a big market for a tails video… in fact, I’m surprised people haven’t been knocking down your door for one before now!

#33

Thanks. They are knocking my door down! I am just trying to do so many things. But thanks for the kick! I have so much to do! Perhaps, even regroup.

It took me a decade of teaching to figure out how to teach it most effectively. So, that braider may be good, but teaching is a different game.

I am a closet learner as well. My clinics are set up differently than you might expect. Day one is a 9-hour live horse demo. It covers everything I have found people should know, but don’t. It is about saving time and money while keeping horses sound and confident. The day is jam-packed with tips you’ll use everyday in the barn for the rest of your life. the second day is small hands-on groups. I take only 4 braiders per session. So, I am able to give you an idea and let you be with it as I move around the group. Then, I come back and give you another pointer. So, you have time to play with each idea. Then, I can check you are on track and keep you advancing effectively and efficiently. Here are snapshots of the day:

Thanks again! ~Ruthann

#34

At Top Turnout Clinics, each hands-on session is 4 hours. So, there is time to settle into the technique. ~Ruthann

#35

I got my dvd today and watched it through once. I planned on doing my practice sessions on my oldster since he is much more likely to stand quietly than my yearling but my daughter has her lesson on him on Thursday so the yearling it is. I will say that I made a better braid from just one viewing than I ever have before. I need to get better at adding the yarn. I got it right one out of four times then gave up to not overtax the yearling. I think there may be hope for me yet!

#36

Great!
To optimize your learning curve I recommend the following:

  1. Watch the video all the way through.
  2. Think about what it taught you. Visualize the process.
  3. Then, watch the video again and braid along with it. Get set up.
    Put a belt or lead around your thigh. Flip a bunch of cut yarn behind it. Practice braiding that yarn along with the video. Be sure you are using your thumb and leveraging fingers properly. Braid with the instruction until you get your finger mechanics down. Then, move to the moving target.
  4. After you practice on a horse, review the video. Each time you practice, watch the video again. Every time you review the video you’ll pick up more nuances. Ten braids a day can make a big difference. Just be sure you can achieve tight, straight braids before working on knots. Get your finger form down first. Then, build on it.
  5. All the information is in the DVD, so have fun with it!
  6. To optimize your learning curve, master one step before moving to the next.
  7. If you want to receive Turnout Tips™ and Clinic Invitations, join at LuckyBraids.com and https://www.facebook.com/ShinyHappyHorses.

practice patience practice

~Ruthann

#37

That’s a fabulous idea to fabricate something to mimic the mane to be able to practice at home while watching the DVD! Why didn’t I think of that?! That might be why I got frustrated and gave up.

1 Like
#38

You’ve got it! Braiding can be very meditative, once you get the muscle memory down. Twist very slowly until you are consistently accurate with both hands. Then, and only then, should you push to catch a rhythm. The stronger your foundation, the better and faster you’ll be in the long run. ~Ruthann

#39

Instructions for optimizing your learning curve as well as other tips are included in each new Lucky Braids DVD/Tool box. I do try to set you up with what you need to succeed. ~Ruthann

1 Like
#40

Ruthann, DO THE TAIL VIDEO!!! Your public awaits!

Message me as I would love to give you a testimonial for your products!

Get your Digital Subscription here - only $21.95 / year

Subscribe here
See gift options

Sign up to our monthly newsletter!

By submitting your email, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. You may also receive promotional emails from The Chronicle of the Horse. You can opt out at any time.

Copyright © 2023 The Chronicle of the Horse