W&E; Today provides retailers and manufacturers with education and ideas that provoke innovation in the Western and English markets.
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18 Western & English Today EARLY SPRING 2014 EQUI tech Groom with Zoom These innovative, state-of-the art tools will help your customers prep their mounts for show season — in record time. Photos and Text by Alana Harrison I t's that time again: Riders are preparing for spring by de-winterizing and beautifying their equine companions. Af er a cold and muddy winter, pastured and stabled horses are in need of a head-to- hoof makeover. From matted, mud-clodded manes and tails, to dull and listless coats, to excessive winter hair, most horses are in dire need of a thorough spring grooming session, which requires the best grooming products. Riders can pick from some of the newest and most innovative grooming tools on the market to help get their horses in pristine condition. But don't just take our word for it: We solicited Merriwood Ranch, a hunter/jumper barn just outside of Dallas, to go "hands-on" with the dirty work. A bevy of Merriwood boarders, trainers and instructors tested these products and shared their insights on each tool's ef ectiveness. THE CONSUMMATE CLIP After almost a century in the grooming business, Wahl undoubtedly knows how to achieve a clean, smooth clip to keep your horse show-ring ready or simply looking his best. And just when we thought the company couldn't create a better product, it debuted its new Bravura Clipper with lithium ion power. T is pro clipper is designed for long running times of 90 minutes and operates at full speed until depleted. T e Bravura Li+ operates with or without a cord, so it can be used anywhere; plus, it can be charged thousands of times without any loss in battery capacity. It's extremely quiet and has virtually no vibration to keep nervous horses at ease; plus, the clipper is lightweight, durable and maintenance-free with 5,500 SPMs. T is clipper delivers an ultimate cutting performance with the "5-in-1" blade. With a simple f ip of the lever, the blade size can be adjusted from No. 9 to No. 10, No. 15, No. 30 or No. 40. T e Bravura clipper will not only save you time and money, it will leave your horse looking like a Grand Prix — or Western pleasure — champion. MSRP: $224.95. GROOM WITH GLITZ Stacey Singer, owner and president of Epona grooming products, set out to make the laborious task of springtime grooming easier — and a bit more glamorous. Her remarkable Jewel Tool curry comb, available in an array of jewel-toned colors, has made routine grooming anything but a chore. Fashioned in a molded dome shape, the Jewel Tool, which attaches to your hand with an adjustable strap, easily conforms to all hand sizes. Singer says the molded f t is not only comfortable but of ers additional hand support, preventing cramped hands and f ngers. "It's like putting your foot in an athletic shoe when you immediately feel that arch support," Singer says. "It gives your palm wonderful support, so your hand doesn't get fatigued." T e work side of the tool has circulating rounded nubs that collect dirt and debris from a horse's coat while delivering a gentle stimulation. "Horses stand so quietly for it," Singer says. "T ey love the feeling of this curry. Even very sensitive horses will stand quietly while being curried with this brush." Singer fancied adding a "little" sparkle to her Jewel Tool, including gem-like facets and an array of brilliant colors. Af er creating the f rst three combs in ruby, emerald and sapphire, Singer added amethyst, rose quartz and aqua marine. "I just envisioned a kaleidoscope of colors," Singer says. "Yes, it's a beautiful tool, but this is arguably the best curry ever developed." MSRP: $14. TACKLE TANGLES WITH A CURVE Most horse owners agree that detangling their horses' ratty, matted, mud-clodded manes and tails is one of the most dreaded grooming tasks. Tail Tamer Products president Kelly Kennedy has crafted the ultimate products to make your horse life easier — the Rainbow Mane and Tail Bristle Brushes. Kennedy's Rainbow Brushes have an ergonomic handle and are made out of a cushy rubber, making them ultra-comfy to hold. T e remainder of the brush's Wahl Bravura Clipper: "This is by far the best clipper I've ever used. My Thoroughbred, Wyatt, can be a bit skittish, but this clipper is so quiet, he never even f inched. Plus, the fact that it's cordless really helps when I'm in a hurry before a show — and when we have to clip multiple horses, we never worry about it running out of power. I can save precious time, while still making Wyatt look f awless for the show ring." — P. Whittle Epona Jewel Tool Curry: "I am in love with this tool! I seriously don't think I'll ever use another curry comb. Not only is it awesome at pulling up dirt and loose hair — it took me half the time to groom my horse as it would have with another brush. And my hands didn't hurt at all after using it." — C. Reynolds 0314 EquiTech.indd 18 2/19/14 4:18 PM