August 07, 2009
The All Arounder: Issue #007
Horse Mane - Hot Tips For A Clean Banded Look
August 2009
Welcome!
The All Arounder is the official monthly newsletter of the Stock Horse Show Source website. Author Lynn Espinoza is the main editor for both the website and this newsletter. With this issue stay up to date with news from the site and horse industry, hot tips for showing and caring for your horse, and "members only" specials!
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The All-Arounder Table Of Contents
1. Inspiration For The Month2. News & Updates
3. In This Issue: Horse Mane - Hot Tips For A Clean Banded Look
4. Tip Of The Month
5. The Next Issue
Inspiration For The Month
News & Updates
Site News!:- Horse Budget - A Few Expenses To Include: http://www.stock-horse-show-source.com/horse-budget.html
- Horse Show Jewelry - How To Choose A Style For You: http://www.stock-horse-show-source.com/horse-show-jewelry.html
FREE GIFT FOR OUR READERS!
We are giving out free downloads to all of our dedicated readers! Now when new readers sign up for an All-Arounder subscription they get a free Horse Show Checklist Download. Since you all have been loyal readers to this ezine we would like to also include you on this free offer.
Right click on this Horse Show Checklist link to download and save the PDF document on your hard drive.
Horse Mane - Hot Tips For A Clean Banded Look
Banding horse mane can be a tedious process. One that can take a little skill to get neat and clean results when finished. Banding mane has become the norm when prepping your horse for show.When you trim your horse's mane and band it, it gives your horse a cleaner and better appearance in the ring. A shorter mane emphasizes and shows off your horse's neck a little better.
If you are unsure of what to do or struggle with this process, the guide below will help gear you in the right direction.
Supplies you need
There are various grooming products on the market to help you with banding your horse. Please refer to the following list of top products that will help with the mane banding process.
- Bands that match the horse mane
- Clips - to secure extra mane off to the side
- Grooming Solution - such as Quick Braid or similar combination will help to hold
- Step Stool
- Sleazy - Helps horse mane to lie flat overnight
How to band
Now that you have your basic equipment and your horse, you are ready to get started. You have the option to bathe your horse before you begin banding, however some choose to band while the mane is dry before washing.
Some do this because banding a mane that is slightly dirty will lay flatter when done banding. If you struggle to reach the your horse's mane, it would be a good idea to use your stool.
Comb the mane over to the side it naturally falls on. If you are opting to use a horse mane grooming solution, spray it in sections. Start with a smaller section of mane to begin your banding.
Once sprayed, use your clips to secure excess mane in that section out of the way. Separate out about 1/2 inch section to band. Pull this piece of horse mane through the band and make sure you hold it as close to your horse's neck as possible.
This will ensure that the mane will lay flat when finished. Wrap the band around this section of mane several times. Once the band is secure you may want to further tighten it in place.
To do this you want to make sure you grasp underneath the banded piece of mane a small section from each side. Make sure you pull down and outward to while remaining as close to your horse's neck as possible.
Repeat this until you complete the section you began working on and follow that by repeating the entire process down your horse's mane.
Care after banding
If you are leaving your horse overnight, you may want to take some extra care before leaving the stall to ensure a clean and flat appearance come show time. A quick spray down of your grooming solution, such as Quick Braid, will help keep the mane in place.
You may then want to use a sleazy or some sort of lycra hood to prevent the bands from becoming loose overnight. You may end up having to do more work fixing problem areas in the horse mane.
If you have to trim the mane, it is always better to do so after banding. The bands help keep all the mane flat, making it easier for your to cut a straight line.