How to Pull a Horse's Mane

Some disciplines of the equestrian world require short manes on the equine athlete. The most common disciplines for this practice are hunter/jumpers and thoroughbred racing. Short manes are necessary to keep the horse's hair from getting tangled up in the reins and inhibiting the rider. By pulling the mane it gives the horse a more natural look rather than a choppy, blunt style that can be considered unattractive.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Pulling comb

1. Measure your horse's mane by using your hand. A pulled mane should be the width of your hand, from pinky to pointer finger, plus one inch.
2. Determine how much mane is needing to be taken off. If the mane is really long, cut the mane half-way to the desired mark using scissors. Be careful not to cut too short.
3. Stand on a stool or bucket next to the horse, starting up by its ears.
4. Grab a small portion of mane at the very bottom in your left hand and use your right hand to rapidly comb the shorter hair up and out of the way. Within a few strokes you should have approximately 10 strand of horse hair.
5. Wrap the remaining strands around the pulling comb and then rapidly pull down in a sharp motion.
6. Repeat this up and down the mane until it is the length wanted. Sometimes, with horses that have more hair, it is better to do pull the mane in sections over a course of a few days.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are not used to pulling manes it can give you blisters on your hands. Sometimes wrapping the knuckle of your ring and middle finger in vet wrap or tape can prevent blisters.
• Most horses do not mind their manes being pulled. Some horses do not like it because of the sound or the rapid motion to get the hair detached. Be careful and know your horse before doing this.