Is there an art to using a solo comb?

[pavlovscat]

I have always pulled manes in the traditional way with pretty reasonable results.
Unfortunately my horse does not like having his mane pulled - not even just a few hairs at a time - so I have tried using a solo comb in the past (using the same method as traditional pulling, just using the comb to cut at the base instead of pulling) and it looked great. Well, for a few weeks anyway! Once the hair underneath grows back it makes it all stand up, and if plaited it looks a complete mess.

So I'm wondering if there is an art to using a solo comb that doesn't result in the mane standing up like a bad mohican, and that looks good when plaited - though any excuse to avoid plaiting is good with me!

I've also heard about mane/tail rakes, but never used one, how do they work & are they any good? Other suggestions are very welcome

 

[Louby]

My horse has a very thick mane and doesnt like it pulled. Ive used a solo comb for years doing just what you describe with ok results. I can plait it although its not as good as if it was pulled. Ive also used a rake, mainly to thin it as the solo comb takes ages but Im very careful with it as that cuts as you rake so you end up with all different lengths, so your plaits can look bitty.

Its odd though as if you think of what pulling a mane does ie pulling out at the roots then you must get regrowth so you will end up with short bits just like 'cutting' it with the solo comb so why does pulling get better results

 

[Kirwil]

Its odd though as if you think of what pulling a mane does ie pulling out at the roots then you must get regrowth so you will end up with short bits just like 'cutting' it with the solo comb so why does pulling get better results

Not really, if you think of the result you get shaving vs waxing. Cut hairs grow back thicker and straighter whereas those with weakened follicles are finer and weaker

 

[spotty_pony]

There is definitely an art to it. My Appy hates having his mane pulled so I always solo comb it. Luckily, his mane is naturally not very thick so I am fine to use a solo comb. (It has actually helped thicken it up over the years!) I pull it quite short as I find it looks neatest like that. I also manage to plait it for hunting, etc.

I wouldn't suggest you use a rake if you want to plait as it makes the hair all different lengths which will make it impossible to plait. However, it they are great for thinning very thick manes and also are a more humane way to pull a day, giving the same smart result.

 

[Billykid]

My pony has the same issue, he has a really thick mane but won't allow me to pull it! I use the solocomb but i find it does tend to make it thicker... Any advice would be good!

 

[BlizzardBudd]

my friend used it on her horse and made a right mess of the mane.. i will be telling her about this thread later when we speak

 

[zoelouisem]

There must be an art to it that i cannot get to grips with at all.

I work with horses and also do freelance stuff lots of pulling trimming ect. so work with lots of varying manes and horses who dislike there manes been done.

I just cannot use a solo comb at all always looks like rubbish, so i find a blade alot better. You can buy the ones with the wooden handle in tack shops, or a clipper blade works well. I find they have much better results than the solo comb.

 

[pavlovscat]

Zoelouisem - is the blade the same as the 'mane rake' I've heard about? And how do you use the clipper blade?
I seem to be okay at making the mane look good with a solo comb, it just doesn't last very long!

 

[zoelouisem]

No the blades are different its got a wooden handle and flips out from the wooden handle kind of like a knife. With both of these i do the same as i would if i pulled it but instead of pulling cut with the blade.
It gives a natural look, and also plaits up well for showing.

 

[orionstar]

Yep solo comb and mane rake = horse that looks like a six year olds barbie doll!

 

[zoelouisem]

Yep solo comb and mane rake = horse that looks like a six year olds barbie doll!

LOL thats what happens when i use them. Just cant get to grips with them!!

 

[pavlovscat]

Thanks I'll keep an eye out for one!

 

[Mildred]

I rake and solo comb my horse's mane and manage to plait neatly?

Put the mane on the left and rake it (so the short bits will lie underneath once the mane is back on the right side) then solo comb any long bits to the correct length - not to the root. My horse has a horrid wavy thick mane and hates me pulling it, but I'm obsessive about perfect plaits and hers always look small, neat and non-wispy. Her mane looks fine too, not as smart as a pulled mane but not bad at all.

 

[Louby]

Yep solo comb and mane rake = horse that looks like a six year olds barbie doll!

Love it!

 

[Louby]

Not really, if you think of the result you get shaving vs waxing. Cut hairs grow back thicker and straighter whereas those with weakened follicles are finer and weaker

Never thought of it like that, thanks