What’s in My Showbox? Wess Richy’s Cattle Prep Picks

Wess Richy, Mobile Dealer Network Manager and Professor with Sullivan Supply, shares his top must-have cattle products he always keeps in his showbox.

In The Wash Rack

Volumizer Nourishing Shampoo

“A great product that we like to start with in the wash racks is the Volumizer Nourishing Shampoo,” Richy says. This shampoo is enriched with vitamins that deeply nourish the hair coat while cleansing down to the roots. Its advanced formula works by separating the hair follicles, preventing them from sticking together. “It gives that extra 10% lift to the hair, helping you achieve that show ring look.”

Bright Lights Whitening Shampoo

“A product that we like for brightening and enhancing the hair of white show cows, or sheep and goats, is Bright Lights.” The product intensifies all hair coat colors and helps remove yellowing and stains, leaving a beautiful luster. Richy adds an important tip for exhibitors, “because of the purple tint, if you leave it in too long, it can leave a slight purple haze to your animal’s coat. Be sure to work it in well and rinse it out in a timely manner.”

Daily Hair Care

Kleen Sheen

“Once cattle are washed and dried, part of our daily hair care routine is making sure we are putting nutrients back into the hair and skin to promote a healthy hide and overall appearance,” says Richy. Kleen Sheen is a tried-and-true product and is a staple in any showbox lineup. “I recommend turning the fans off, spraying the product on, then combing the product in and thoroughly working it in with a 360 brush or Rice Root Brush.” Once it’s worked in, turn the fans back and let it air dry into the hair.” The conditioning formula helps produce healthy, well-trained hair with shine and also repels dust.

Revive

“During the winter, when animals are in colder climates, their skin tends to dry out quicker. In my barn, we like to shift to the Revive product,” says Richy. “It has heavier oils that keep the skin and hair nourished throughout the season.” Revive moisturizes and brings life, body and freshness to dull, dry hair without leaving it waxy or limp. It stimulates circulation in the scalp to increase nutrient absorption into hair follicles, encouraging faster, healthier hair growth. Also effective at eliminating flaky skin. For daily hair care, spray Revive over the body, comb it in, and use a blower to work it deep into the skin. Let it soak overnight then rinse it in the morning. If your cattle are in a cooler, apply the product during the day and rinse it out before letting them out for the night. During warmer weather, Revive can be used for a quick conditioning treatment. Simply apply the product, comb it in, blow dry deep into the hair, and rinse immediately. Apply daily depending on dryness. “If I am using the product in the summer, I switch to Revive Light,” adds Richy. Revive Light is a lighter, more refined version of the original formula, perfect for warmer months when hair coats are thinner and require less oil.

Shock

“Our Shock is a go-to while at a show or clipping beforehand to achieve high-quality hair with lust texture and shine,” says Richy. “Shock truly makes that show day hair pop like no other.” The formula not only lifts the hair to stand at attention, but also gives it a fuller appearance and vibrant shine, without the heavy, oily residue that can weigh hair down. “When applying, turn the fans off, spray it on, work it in with a comb, then stand back and use a blower to fluff it up. The key is giving the Shock a little bit of air, that is what truly activates the product.”

Fighting Five

“No matter what species you are showing, a great product to have is Fighting Five. Not only is it a preventative, it is also a curative,” says Richy. “We apply some before we leave for a show and again when we get home to make sure we are keeping any fungus we might have acquired on the road at bay.” Fighting Five is a blend of five natural oils that work together to help prevent, eliminate, and heal various types of fungus in animals. Its ability to repair damaged skin helps promote faster hair or wool regrowth. “If you have sheep or goats, get them washed off with an anti-fungal shampoo, apply Fighting Five, and then put their blankets or tubes back on to keep that fungus at bay,” Richy advises. This treatment can also be used to decontaminate equipment exposed to fungal infections, making it a staple in any show barn.

Brushes

Roto Fluffer Brush

“For working leg hair and training that top line on a cow, and working leg hair on a goat or sheep, I personally like the Roto Fluffer,” says Richy. “It’s not quite as stiff as our Staggered Bristle Roto Brush, but it’s definitely a tool you can use once the hair has gained some length.” The Roto Fluffer features two types of bristles, providing impressive volume while delivering an even fluff without creating unwanted waves in the hair or wool. Can be used for clipping, fitting, displaying, and show day presentation.

360 Smart Brush

“The 360 Smart Brush is designed for daily hair care and creates a full 360-degree lift, ensuring no hair is left lifeless,” says Ricky. Its soft plastic bristles glide through the coat with ease while gently massaging the hide to stimulate circulation, promoting healthier, more vigorous hair growth.