Why can't i manage to pull a mane!?

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ChestnutConvert

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I have tried and tried but just don't seem capable of pulling any horses mane!

I do everything as taught, take a section, comb back and pull simply put but just can't do it, nothing comes away. A friend did it once but i think it was too short and made my girl look like a boy so i want to do it myself just to neaten it but can't!

Any tips on how to do it, i might learn one day!! :o
 
ChestnutConvert said:
I have tried and tried but just don't seem capable of pulling any horses mane!

I do everything as taught, take a section, comb back and pull simply put but just can't do it, nothing comes away. A friend did it once but i think it was too short and made my girl look like a boy so i want to do it myself just to neaten it but can't!

Any tips on how to do it, i might learn one day!! :o
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Sounds to me as though you are taking too much at a time. Some horses' hair comes out easily, some doesn't, and if you have one of he latter, it helps to take just a dozen or so hairs at a time. If it doesn't come out with one sharp tug, leave it and try another few - if your tug is sharp enough it shouldn't be a struggle. Back comb to leave a few hairs, wrap them round the comb and TUG sharply. If you are struggling and tugging and tugging soon your horse is going to say "NO, that hurts".
I do a few each time I brush my horse's mane, with the plastic curry, but get a mini comb, keep it handy, and each time you groom, comb the mane though as best you can and do about half a dozen pulls.
If the mane is long and thick, it could be worth thinning it with a thinning comb first. These work well I find if mine does get away from me http://www.robinsonsequestrian.com/...e/grooming-items/main-comb-triple-action.html
Good luck :)
 
Pull a mane after exercise as it comes away more easily.

I use a dog comb with a handle, Take a few hairs and push to the top, wrap the hair you are holding around the comb and put pressure on it and wait for the horse to release it.
 
I'm not very good at it either so a friend recommended trying a solo comb, she showed me how it works and it looks much easier (and less uncomfortable for the horse) it's basically a comb with a build in blade. Maybe that's worth a try ?
 
Ha neither can I! I have sent years trying... Have on 2 occasions had to use a scissors to fix a mane (now that did not go down well at pony club!!!) and last year I did a forelock so badly I had to hog it! Result... All ponies hogged now... It's easier!
 
Arrghh step away from the scissors as mentioned above!!! :eek:;)

As suggested, try taking much smaller bits of mane, even just a few strands literally to start with until you get the hang of it. It sounds as if maybe you aren't pulling sharply and fast enough too. Best time to try is when your horse is warm and a bit sweaty as the pores will be open and the hair will come away quicker.
 
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