Tips needed on plaiting a thick short mane

[Jennypenny]

Has anyone got some tips on plaiting? My pony has a really thick mane. I was showing him last season and really struggled plaiting his mane. I want to perfect the plaits this year for hunter pony classes. He is welsh x TB but more on the welsh side. His mane is short for plaiting but thick. I use a mane rake to help thin it out, which it looks better but on the downside it gives it the slight bog brush effect for plaiting. He hates having his mane pulled too. I use gel and damp the mane but the plaits are not sitting well and intidy. Please help, tips needed.

 

[PennyJ]

Stop raking it, let it grow and start pulling it, however much he hates it, it is the ONLY WAY to get decent plaits whatever anyone says about rakes, solo combs and anything else that's similar.

 

[Stoxx]

I also would say to start pulling the mane, unless your pony is very bad to pull I'd just get on with it and then he'll gradually get used to it. It's the only way to achieve a really good mane IMO.
Then I'd thoroughly wet the mane and do small plaits!

 

[TGM]

I had the same problem with my daughter's pony's mane - she didn't like it being pulled either but pulling was the only way to make it plaitable, as solo combs and rakes just leave spiky bits. I found the best thing was to pull a bit at a time whilst my daughter hand fed her to distract her!

 

[Taboo1968]

I'd say get a pro in to do it and sedate said ponio if he/she dislikes it that much.... at least that way, its done in one go and even though this may hurt a bit after, I am sure with lots of rubs and treats you will soon be forgiven!

 

[cavalo branco]

All the above but I also use Quik Braid, it gives a good grip on the hair and helps with "sticky out short bits"!!

 

[ironhorse]

Would echo Quik Braid - our QH has to have a short, completely level mane (done with a dog comb and then snipped with scissors to tidy - oh the shame!) for western, but I managed to plait the thick regrowth quite respectably for dressage using Quik Braid!

 

[gummybear]

I have to say from personal experience I would never use a main rake or anything like that again, as the "bog brush" effect is always the result! My horse used to hate having his main pulled, but as with anything, perseverance usually pays off. I would let it grow a bit longer first, then when you want to plait, thoroughly wet the main, QuickBriad it, section plaits off, then QB again as you plait. Hopefully that will work!

 

[Jennypenny]

Thanks everyone for your help. I shall just stick to pulling the mane in the future after letting it grow a bit longer. I will also try QuickBraid. I have never heard of it, so hope to be able to get it from our local saddler. Sounds good!