How to Groom a Horse's Pulled Mane

Grooming a horse's pulled mane begins with cleaning and drying the mane, after which a metal pulling comb should be used. Remove knots and debris from a horse's mane with help from an equestrian riding instructor in this video on horse grooming.

Hello, my name is Chelsey Sawtell, Primary Riding Instructor at Black Friar Farm in Kingston Springs, Tennessee. And today's topic is maintaining the pulled mane. When pulling your horse's mane, it is easiest to begin with a clean, freshly washed and dried mane. Your main tool would be a metal pulling comb such as this. The small teeth and long candle make it easier to grip when you pull the mane. Begin at the base of the horse's neck and work your way up removing any knots or snarls that might be in the mane. Once the mane is combed, begin at the nape of the neck. Take any long stray hairs that might be dangling and back comb any of the shorter hairs away. Gently wrap the hairs from your fingers around the comb and in a swift downward pulling motion, remove the stray hairs from the roots. Always be aware that some horses may object to this and it is best when first removing the first few strands of hair that the horse is untied with the lead rope draped over your arm. If the horse is cross tied and objects to the mane pulling and sets himself in reverse, an accident can ensue. Once you're aware of how your horse will react to the mane pulling, you can proceed working your way up the neck towards the pull. The pull is the most sensitive area of the horse and many will raise their head in objection. Quicker is better. The quicker you pull the hairs from the mane, the less pain that ensues. It's somewhat like ripping a bandage from a sore. At the end, check the mane for even length. You'd like the mane the same length from wither to pull. A pulled mane is an option to shorten the mane without scissors. It gives a more natural appearance and a less cut off blanch man made image. A pulled thin mane is always appropriate in hunters, show jumpers, eventing and Western pleasure horses.