Thinning a mane...how and what to use?

[scattynuttymare]

I'm thinning my geegee's mane later and just wondered how to do it exactly......

...I'm sort of guessing that I take in from underneath the mane to make it thinner, and that I just use a normal pulling comb.

Am I very wrong... and if so could I please have a few pointers, first time I've ever had a horsey that has a mane as thick as her tail!

 

[Spyda]

Tip: Do not plan to attack the whole mane in one session if it's long and/or bushy. Once it's pulled properly for the first time you should be able to keep it in shape with shorter periods of attention.

Start by damping down the mane. It helps you to see what you're doing. Using your pulling comb, take a very small section of mane (I always start at the bottom myself as it's less thick there and is a good place to start when you're first getting started).

Hold the very tips of the hair between your thumb and finger and use your mane comb to gently backcomb the section thoroughly until you just have a few of the longest hairs left between your fingers. It is these hairs you then wrap tightly around the mane comb and tug out firmly. I find it useful to keep the yet-to-be-done part of the mane out of the way with plaiting bands. You may have to repeat this process numerous times in the same section to acheive the length and thinning you desire, so do not expect it to be a quick process. If the horse gets sore or starts to object after being okay to start with it might be time to stop and leave it for the day. People say it doesn't hurt but try telling that to my sensitive Thoroughbreds!!

Good luck

 

[librauk]

good tip for the sensitive ones, rub clove oil into the roots first, numbs the base, makes it less stressful for em

 

[Spyda]

Thanks.... I'll be trying that.

 

[Toby_Zaphod]

Another tip is to pull the mane after exercise when the horse is warm, the mane pulls more easily.

 

[EquestrianFairy]

I use a solocomb.. i find its pretty good.

 

[kellyeaton]

USE THINNING SISSCORS THEY ARE EASY TO USE AND DO A GOOD JOB!

 

[merlinsquest]

I used a solo comb and then pulled like a maniac when he was sedated....... He now looks like a hedgehog as its all grown back in one layer!!!

Standing on end..... I cant control it

Do it little and often, maybe each time you ride do a bit.....