I got one of Mary Colemans sponges on a leash and
it works great. I found a quick throw to dunk and soak, and
then a wrist flick and it was right back in my hand ready to wet down the
horse. Nothing fancy as far as I could see.
Also, no need to unwind the rope first like you
would with the reatractible dog leash. With Mary's you just put your wrist
in the strap and throw.
i've seen several riders who used one of those retractable dog leashes
with their sponge. looked like it worked really well. havent tried it
myself. ed