There are a few styles of riding that permit a horse to keep a long, flowing mane. But if you compete in most English and western events, you'll face that daunting task of pulling your horse's mane. Yikes! The mere idea makes horses tense and humans nervous. What if your horse resents the idea? What if you botch the job and your horse ends up with a Mohawk hairstyle? Here are some tips to help both of you.
Though you've probably heard that you should never use scissors on a mane, there are instances where scissors can be helpful. For example, if your horse has just been brought in from pasture with six months' worth of mane, it's far easier to cut off a few inches before proceeding. Just make sure you don't cut off too much. Leave enough mane so you can continue the grooming process, removing that blunt look.
Decide if you need to thin the mane as well as shorten it. The term "pulling" mostly refers to thinning the mane, literally pulling the hairs out by their roots. In the process the mane is made somewhat shorter, too. To pull the mane you'll need a metal mane comb with short teeth. Make sure the mane is free of tangles. Begin by focusing on one small section at a time. Presuming you're right handed, hold a section of mane between the thumb and forefinger of your left hand. Now, with your right hand, backcomb until all but a few hairs are left between your fingers. Hold that hair tautly. Next, by pressing the tight hairs against the comb's teeth with your right thumb, yank down quickly. This will pull out the hair.
Once the mane is at its desired thickness, you may need to shorten it. When finished, manes need to be about four to six inches long. To achieve a uniform length, use either a mane razor, which looks sort of like a little serrated bread knife, or an old clipper blade. Again, using your left thumb and forefinger, hold the offending mane hair tightly as you pull down. With a quick swipe of the mane razor or the clipper blade, you can zip off an inch very easily.
Most horses tolerate having their manes shortened this way, because their hair is not being uprooted. But actually pulling or thinning a mane may be another story. Some horses, especially thin-skinned breeds, detest having their manes pulled. Occasionally, upon inspection, it's understandable: their crest has speckles of blood left behind. For these horses, asking your vet to lightly sedate your horse may be worthwhile, although do not do it close to show time, or your horse may test positive for prohibited drugs. But for just the mildly resistant horses, an authoritative handler who can apply a chain over the nose or a humane twitch may be the answer. Often the horse must just be made to tolerate and accept the short-lived discomfort.
When you're finished with your mane session, consider applying a shampoo and conditioner. That'll remove scurf and help the mane to lie flat. If necessary, braid the mane over to the correct side by using small rubber bands. But beware! If your horse's scalp is already irritated, and then you make matters worse by adding braids, your horse may just retaliate by rubbing his neck all night, surprising you with no mane in the morning!
