Best humane tail pulling method?

[HS6]

Hi all,
In terms of getting the best results, what have you found to be the best method of 'humane' tail pulling? I know there are a couple of different rakes on the market and some people just use scissors, trimmers or clippers.

I know there are lots of lovely 'before and after' pictures the manufacturers of the rakes use which look great, but that's not much use if it only looks good after the first use and will just end up looking like a toilet brush!

I know in terms of looks traditional tail pulling gets the best results, but my boy really makes his discomfort very evident and I don't want to force him to sit through something that clearly hurts him.

 

[Abacus]

I don't pull anything any more, most of mine don't like it, although there are horses that don't seem to mind. I use a mane rake (and yes scissors to get rid of excess length). I hate the look of pulled tails though so I don't bother with those. On manes, I find a mane rake works if you use it little and often, if you do it all at once it seems to grow back all at once and be spiky. A couple of times a week is about right.

 

[Love]

I use the smart grooming tail rake and really rate it. Mine actually stands like a rock to have his tail pulled but I prefer using the rake

 

[cauda equina]

I use a rake too, it does a perfectly good job

 

[LegOn]

I have a folding thinning knife that kinda cutting the hair and leaves that pulled look - it takes a bit of getting used to but I'm happy with how it looks now without the discomfort of pulling! My advice in advance is wear gloves - like some of the maxiflex yard gloves cause they are razor sharp and will take the skin off your fingers too - learned that the hard way

 

[HS6]

I use the smart grooming tail rake and really rate it. Mine actually stands like a rock to have his tail pulled but I prefer using the rake

Good to hear! Do you find it grows back bushy?

 

[millitiger]

I rake and then clip down the sides with a guard on my trimmers so get rid of any stray hairs

 

[mariew]

I haven't pulled anything for a long time, tail nor mane. Maybe scissors for edges/length or just plait tails for show..

 

[claret09]

i have used these for years with excellent results

 

[Elf On A Shelf]

I have a folding thinning knife that kinda cutting the hair and leaves that pulled look - it takes a bit of getting used to but I'm happy with how it looks now without the discomfort of pulling! My advice in advance is wear gloves - like some of the maxiflex yard gloves cause they are razor sharp and will take the skin off your fingers too - learned that the hard way

I use these for doing Welsh manes and tails. It's a very handy wee tool!

 

[Love]

Good to hear! Do you find it grows back bushy?

I'd say not much difference to when it has been pulled (although quicker grow back) but in all honestly I personally try to keep on top of it to prevent a big job so not too sure on levels of bushy-ness

 

[Merrymoles]

I have a folding thinning knife that kinda cutting the hair and leaves that pulled look - it takes a bit of getting used to but I'm happy with how it looks now without the discomfort of pulling! My advice in advance is wear gloves - like some of the maxiflex yard gloves cause they are razor sharp and will take the skin off your fingers too - learned that the hard way

I love my thinning knife and it works brilliantly. The only issue I have is that it is designed to be used right handed and I am left handed! Good job I am reasonably ambidextrous.