Ah! I am heeding your advice. Thanks for all your support!
Don’t forget there are more tips, plus you can ask me questions and post at will here: https://www.facebook.com/ShinyHappyHorses
Thanks again! ~Ruthann
My problem is I have the VHS but no longer have a VHS player. Can you just buy the DVD? I have the tool. Other than braiding my daughters pony for a birthday party (which was horrendous), I haven’t braided in years. I am wanting to braid my mare for some photos but would love a refresher course first! Plus being able to watch on my laptop while in the barn would be fabulous!!!
Ruthann- are you planning on braiding at any shows in the near future? If so, what’s your schedule!? I bought your video and it’s helped SO much. You’re amazing!
I don’t braid at shows anymore, but I can help you do it! Hopefully you can join us at an upcoming TOP TURNOUT CLINIC in NEW YORK or LOUISIANA. The demo day has tips you’ll use everyday forevermore. The hands-on sessions give us the opportunity to work one-on-one to polish your braiding technique. Here are details: http://luckybraids.com/schedule.htm
Thanks for your support. I am thrilled the video was helpful.
I hope to work with you soon!
~Ruthann
How is the tool different than a latch hook? The photo is small enough that it looks just like a latch hook to me.
It is a latch hook. What makes it different is the way it and the scissors are connected so they can be easy to reach.
Lucky Braids Tools- Used by top braiders, this patented tool is specialized for speed and safety. Quality implements hang at your wrists on an adjustable strap to braid evenly and unbraid efficiently.
"We recommend Lucky Braids by Ruthann’s Essential Braid*ing Tools. The basic tools—a latch hook and scissors—are attached to a strap which increases the braider’s ability to braid quickly and safely, since he or she doesn’t need to worry about dropping tools or leaving them in the mane of a startled horse who is pulling back in its crossties."
- Horse Journal
Wow. I have entertained the idea of learning how to braid but as a 14 year old kid with no job, $75 is a lot since I can’t guarantee I’ll ever be able to use it (my barn shows but I usually can’t afford to go with them). Maybe someday!
If you get good, braiding is a great way to make money. I have braided professionally since I was 12 years old. In fact, I only worked for people when I wanted to learn things. Otherwise, I have always worked for myself. People usually spend $45-55 for one mane. Pro braiders typically braid 10-15 manes a night. Some do 20 manes and tails a night, but I would not recommend that. So, you can see that learning to braid might get you to those horse shows. 
You’ll need to practice, but everything is shown very clearly and effectively in the Lucky Braids DVD/Tool. In fact, to my knowledge, it is the only resource that will teach you to braid like a top pro. There are some other sources, but their braiding and instruction are not at the same level. So, you may not have the resources now, but this DVD/Tool may help you earn the money to show lots and even pay for school.
Here are some more handy resources for you: http://www.luckybraids.com/grooming-articles.htm and https://www.facebook.com/ShinyHappyHorses. Feel free to post questions on that Facebook page.
Thanks.
~Ruthann
Ruthann, the braids that you show on your site are never seen here in Australia. Do you go over different styles of braiding on the DVD?
In clinics I have the opportunity to share things not yet on video. However, here is a more rounded out answer…
It is possible you don’t see the same style in Australia because people don’t know how to do it. No one in Ireland was braiding like this, but when someone did, the stalwarts were on fire. They loved it! The horse came out of the ring and they were all buzzing around it.
In the US, the hunter/jumper industry is so big, it is specialized. Professionals do nothing but braid, often 15-20 manes and tails a night. Doing so many horses over years, we were able to refine the technique. It optimizes the horse’s conformation. Here’s more on that: http://www.luckybraids.com/pdf/State-of-the-Art.pdf
The current Lucky Braids DVD covers the entire braiding formula, step-by-step. How you tie up the braid up is secondary to the core of what the DVD offers. The braid itself is the anchor to the braid, no matter the style. Perhaps most important as an answer to your question, a finger form is detailed at length. Braiding is like equitation. If you are in the proper position, it is easy to balance to the next movement. That is how we can go fast and get the braids even. Plus, being able to garner that rhythm has everything to do with getting the braids uniform. Moreover, once we establish a cannon of language, it is easy to help you adjust how you finish the braid.
So, the current video covers one style mane as well as the French forelock. Yet, the comfortable, tight, flat braid with a taught base that it advocates is pivotal to any successful braid job. Tying those braids up is easier to do well, no matter the style. ~Ruthann
Looks like I may be a trendsetter then. Planning on ordering the DVD as soon as funds allow. Had a play around with the style of braid for his first show a couple of weeks ago, but they looked a bit like a dogs breakfast. 
Needed to do twice as many of them for a start. And obviously refine technique AND go MUCH faster. 
Great news!
It is actually easier to go fast, once you have the formula down. That physical rhythm yields the visual rhythm of the uniformity of the braids. The size of the braids is a bit about numbers, but I am more interested in how they sit on the neck. They are also more comfortable in my hand. It is more difficult to hold and adjust fat braids.
The braiding system is a bit like salsa dancing. You can’t fake it. You need to know those little things. Once you get it, your fingers will be light and nimble. : )
Ordered it last night - too impatient.
Thinking of taking him to another small local show next weekend, so will see how I go with the braids again (won’t have your DVD by then) and try to do more of them. Took me forever last time - but not only was the type of braid unfamiliar but I hadn’t plaited up a horse for oh a decade or two. LOL The plaiting itself I am fairly quick with - but the knotting and putting in the little bobbly bit took some working out.
Thanks for the order! We’ll have fun with it.
Here is a sampler from the video. Maybe you’ll pick up some quick tips: http://luckybraids.com/video-promo.html
Enjoy! Thanks again! ~Ruthann
Add me to the list who would LOVE a tail video! Thread needed a bump anyway!
