Pulling a long mane

[Char0901]

Don't really know where to start!
I'm not really a whiz when it comes to pulling manes but can do a fairly competent 'tidy-up'.
I'm wanting to spruce my yearling up a bit (may have a show in a month, un-decided yet!) His mane is really long, nearly covers his neck completely. It's dry and has gone a terrible colour after being turned away for summer (he's grey and the longer parts are practically blonde thanks to the sun. His roots are a nice grey though... about the only time anyone actually wants grey roots!)
I started to pull the thiner, shorter bit near his withers and he stood like a gem. However I don't know how to start with the majority of his mane. It's quite thick and I feel if I just pulled it I may just pull him over! Also at this age, obviously I don't want him to have a bad experience which could affect him in the future.
Do I cut it and then pull it so it's not a block line? Get on with it and just pull it? I've never had a horse with a mane this long so don't know what to do!

Here's a pic, just for reference as to how long it actually is...

 

[flurryjuno]

I did my YO's fillys mane about a month ago, same length but definitely thicker! I used a solo comb where I cut it off instead of pulling it out as she is only a baby and she stood like an angel. However I did wish I used a thinning rake first as it would have made it ten times easier. Would that be an option?

 

[webble]

Solo comb or scissors are your friends

 

[millsandboon]

As you have a month you have plenty of time to tackle it slowly. It really isn't that bad though. With my youngsters I never let them get to the stage where you have to take off a huge amount at a time. Little and often is the key. Nice horse btw

 

[Attie]

She's lovely! I'd just get in with it- pull it properly and take your time..ten minutes a day and you'll soon notice a difference. I always do mine end of the day after feed and while they're munching hay. They're usually warm and relaxed and the hair comes out more easily. You have a whole month so you have bags of time.