Mane advice

[I_A_P]

Argh i do not know what to do with Digby's mane. In the past i have managed Millies by thinning it and using a blade comb.

Digbys however has a wide base so it makes it quite a lot of hair and when i first got him i thinned it but i still really couldnt plait it very well at all.

I am no expert at mane pulling and tbh i do not really want much off the actual length just a lot thinner.

He has dressage next week and i really can not go out with such absymal plaits again

Also does it really matter how many i do? And any advice for plaiting with thread as well? As when i have tried a few times i just can not do i.


Failing that anyone want to be my personal plaiter? as i hate it

 

[CrazyMare]

Thin it plenty. Needs to be about 4-5 inches long and well thinned out to plait it. I do between 7-9 plaits on every single horse. Infact last time I did 7 on all of them from a 13h hunter pony, 15.2h WB and a 16.3h ISH type!!!

Section the mane before you start, then use something like setting lotion to make the plaits stay in well.

Stand on a step or similar to get the plaits tight in at the top, then plait tightly downwards, then band the bottom.

When I sew them I put the thread forwards and backwards through the band, then push the needle through the top of the plait at the neck, and pull it up to half the plait. Sew up and down through the halved plait to the tip, then repeat and guide the plait with your fingers into a nice shape and sew up and down through the plait a few times to secure it.

This mane has been rubbed out a little at the bottom hence the little plaits

 

[I_A_P]

Thankyou

when you say thin it do you do it by pulling or using a comb/thinning scissors?

I have been doing 13 on him and would prefer around 11/13 as i do not want to make his neck look shorter than it is. No way would i get 7 in

It is just so so wide and thick.

His tail on the other hand is lovely and just needs pulling now and again to keep on top of and looks very smart.

I will have a pulling session 2moro!

 

[CrazyMare]

Definatly pull it from the underside, thinning scissors/combs cut the hair and you can end up with spikey plaits.

 

[Fiona]

Definitely pull it using a comb. The blades etc are fine for tails, but I think could potentially make a mane bushier which you want to avoid.
Pull from the underneath mainly if you can, and loosely plait the mane over when you've finished just to keep it on the right side. A neck cover does the same job, but perhaps a bit warm for one at the mo. Try to pull a little once a fortnight, and you will keep it nice and even.
Good luck

FIona

 

[I_A_P]

thanks....thats kinda what i thought....just need to wait for what is shorter to grow out really.

I will plait it loosly a couple of days bfore and keep doing it to train it that way as his mane has a mind of its own!!

thanks will have a go 2moro....may take some before and afters as well!