Every barn has its own show-day rhythm, but the ones that look calm usually share one thing: they are not fighting manes and tails at the last minute.

A solid pre-show routine does not need to be complicated. It just needs to reduce friction, protect hair, and leave a clean, ring-safe finish.

Step 1: Start clean, not squeaky

Hair coated in dust or leftover product creates drag. If you wash the night before, rinse thoroughly and avoid heavy buildup. On show morning, towel-damp hair is ideal.

Step 2: Condition with restraint

Use a nickel-size amount of ShowBarn Secret® Detangler, starting at the ends and lightly working upward. The goal is slip, not saturation.

Step 3: Detangle from the bottom up

Always begin at the very ends with a wide-tooth comb and work upward in short passes. If you hit resistance, stop and add a touch more detangler to that section.

Step 4: Section once

Take 30 seconds to section cleanly before banding or braiding. Clean sections mean faster work, even tension, and fewer redos.

Pro Tips from the Barn Aisle

• Reduce breakage: Friction causes more damage than brushing.
• Avoid over-spritzing: Heavy application dulls movement.
• Ring-safe finish: You want polish, not residue under arena lights.

Why this routine works

This approach protects hair the same way good daily care protects the rest of the horse: prepare, support, and avoid unnecessary stress.