AMA: What Alternatives Are There To Pulling Manes?
Is scissoring/razoring/blunt-cutting a mane really that much of a pain to braid in place of ‘pulling’? I find that pulling a mane hurts my horse, but I still compete at a level where he is expected to be braided. Is there a happy compromise here?
Having a mane prepped and tidy for braiding really depends on how you like to braid. My main goal is to keep the mane length to that which produces my best braids.
Thick manes I tend to keep longer than thin manes. Typically, you will need to put more braids in a thick mane, especially if the ends are “blunted”.
Which method you use to shorten or thin a mane is completely up to you.
I personally do not like the look of a mane that has been cut “straight across”. For my own personal style of braiding, “blunted” ends do not produce tidy braids. Having a thinner tapered end is easier to create the finished knot I use. I also like my manes looking tidy when unbraided and having that “cut straight across” look is not what I personally like.
If your horse does not like their mane to be pulled or you do not like to pull manes there are 3 options to produce a shortened tidy mane that is still easy to braid.
Clipping Blade/Razor Blade
For thin manes, the razor blade or a clipping blade is the perfect option. There is no thinning of the mane but the mane has a “pulled” look if done correctly. Using your tool, take very small sections of hair and back comb. With one hand pinching the end of the section, take you tool and run it over the last 2-3” of mane in a scooping action.
DO NOT cut down, this will produce a “cut” look. It is very easy to go too short quickly so make sure to step back occasionally and observe the length from the ground a couple of times during the process.
Scissors and Wide-Tooth Comb
Making sure the mane is combed over smoothly to one side, take a small section of mane, back comb, then with scissors cut into the mane at a 45-degree angle. This process can take some time, again go slowly occasionally checking your work from the ground so you don’t go too short.
Scissors
Make sure your mane is nicely combed over flat to one side. If you have a
mane that likes to “split” either side of the neck I would recommend training the mane with bands for a couple of days prior to shortening to ensure the mane lies flat when using this method. Once flat cut the mane to the length you require.
Repeat combing through and assessing the mane until you are satisfied with the length and straightness. Using a sharp pair of scissors, cut into the tip of the mane at approximately a 45-degree angle along the whole length of mane. The key word is “tip”. Do not cut in more than one inch or you will end with a very “jagged” look.
Pulling manes to braid is definitely not a requirement. I believe using one of the mentioned techniques will help you maintain and tidy mane with a “pulled” look. Just remember, always leave a thick mane slightly longer and be prepared to put in more braids.
Good luck and happy braiding.
– Emma Ford
Emma Ford originated from North Devon England and was brought up in the hunt field with her dad as Master of the Foxhounds. Emma was raised surrounded by horses. She grew up in the Pony Club system, receiving her “B” designation and culminating with jumping at the Horse of the Year Show in 1991. After completing her BS at the University of Wales she moved to the United States to follow her passion with horses. She has groomed at almost every four-star event in the world, and has been a member of the U.S. Eventing Team at multiple Olympic, World, and Pan American Games.
Throughout the years, in addition to eventing, Emma has had the opportunity to turn horses out at many upper level show-jumping competitions including the
Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington Florida as well as work for a promising young dressage rider at many upper level dressage shows. Emma co-owns World-Class Grooming with fellow pro groom Cat Hill. Find out about the clinics at https://worldclassgrooming.com/.
You can find all of Emma’s books, World-Class Grooming For Horses, World-Class Braiding: Manes and Tails and Kid’s Guide To Horsemanship and Grooming at Trafalgar Square Books.
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