how to pull tails and new pulling comb

[wildcard]

im just wanting some advice on hows best to pull my mares tail.. ive seen these new tail rakes and wondered if anyone has used one and what their like.. if not whats best way to pull a tail she is very good to have stuff done and wont be bothered about hvaing it done but just wanted to know how to start it off etc.. done manes for years but never done tails?? any help or pics even better

Thank you

 

[BronsonNutter]

she is very good to have stuff done and wont be bothered about hvaing it done

My horse doesn't bat an eyelid at pulling mane, clipping, farrier, vet etc. so I thought he'd be fine for pulling his tail - how wrong I was; my hand is now in a cast! He's never kicked out in his life before, and was completely freaked out afterwards, so can only assume he's mega sensitive round his tail...
I'd recommend just pulling a few bits out by hand first, just to see how she reacts.

 

[wildcard]

Bronsonnutter, im very lucky my girl is very good with been poked and prodded but did check by doing a few bits with her backed up to stable door first and didnt bat an eyelid luckily.. not been clipped yet so that might be fun though lol

 

[Mickyjoe]

Don't take a comb to it and definitely step away from the tail rake (if she will allow you to pull the tail). Using a tail rake is definitely quicker and easier, but you will end up with a fat bushy tail instead of a sleek, elegant one.

What I do is, using just my fingers, pull out little bits from the sides over a period of time (depending on how easy the horse submits to it) and always do it after exercise so the horse is warm, pores are open and hairs come out more easily.

Using a mane comb, you could end up pulling large chunks at a time which can't be pleasant for the horse and you could also end up with gappy/ baldy bits.

It also helps to wear latex gloves to give yourself a bit more grip.

 

[Gamebird]

I'm a proper old-fashioned tail puller and I do it using a pair of artery forceps to grab a few hairs at a time. Fine pliers would do the same job.

Despite being a 'do it properly' obsessive I use a tail rake in two situations
1) doing the initial pull on something really bushy. I use the rake to cut down the bulk quickly then hand pull it to get to the finish I want. All subsequent pulling is done by hand. Otherwise you're taking a lot on the first pull and it can leave sore patches.
2) horses who just won't tolerate pulling at all. There are some. I find that I can create a pulled look with a rake (use the fine grade) and regular use taking care to create the correct shape,. These tails need tidying at least weekly or they do start to look bog-brushy but with regular and clever shaping can look as good as a hand-pulled one.

 

[1Lucie]

I have a solo rake. I find it to be good but not a good as doing it by hand. I'm rubbish at doing it myself though. I find you need to keep on top of it with a rake as it seems to grow much quicker!

 

[posie_honey]

my mare will not tollerate any pulling (mane or tail) so i cut both with scissors!

cant be that bad though as i've posted a pic on here before and a magasine contacted me having seen it and used it as an example of a good pulled tail

 

[barneyhunter]

Hi - sorry to hijack but my horse came to me with the warning that he didnt like his tail pulled and they used a rake and he was fine.

He hates the rake and when I have tried (I get about 30seconds allowence from him until he loses it) I try to alternate brush (which he is fine with) with the rake. Firstly nothing seems to come out using either the thick or fine sides and then I can't get near him. I have to do it on my own so no one can hold a leg or twitch to help me. Am I doing this right - do you literally just rake downwards?

Any tips?
May be I should admit defeat and just use scissors

 

[posie_honey]

Hi - sorry to hijack but my horse came to me with the warning that he didnt like his tail pulled and they used a rake and he was fine.

He hates the rake and when I have tried (I get about 30seconds allowence from him until he loses it) I try to alternate brush (which he is fine with) with the rake. Firstly nothing seems to come out using either the thick or fine sides and then I can't get near him. I have to do it on my own so no one can hold a leg or twitch to help me. Am I doing this right - do you literally just rake downwards?

Any tips?
May be I should admit defeat and just use scissors

yup i'd just use scissors!