Even though there is still a slight chill in the air, summer is definitely on its way. The nights are getting lighter and horses and ponies across the country are starting to bear a slight semblance to the sleek show animals they were last year. Now is the time to start putting the hard yards in so your show horse will look and perform at his best when your first competition rolls around.
Mane tail and pulling is one of the less enthralling tasks that many people will be facing. If you are wondering how to tackle that muddy, matted thatch in front of you, make sure you read the following tips.
Preparation
Only pull your horse's mane and tail after exercise to make it more comfortable for both of you. After exercise the pores are open allowing the hair to fall out easily and painlessly. Also, a dirty mane and tail will allow you to have a better grip so do not bathe your horse before pulling. However, if the mane or tail prove slippery, try using Supreme Products Easy Plait to spray onto the desired area to give you more grip.
Mane tail and pulling is one of the less enthralling tasks that many people will be facing. If you are wondering how to tackle that muddy, matted thatch in front of you, make sure you read the following tips.
Preparation
Only pull your horse's mane and tail after exercise to make it more comfortable for both of you. After exercise the pores are open allowing the hair to fall out easily and painlessly. Also, a dirty mane and tail will allow you to have a better grip so do not bathe your horse before pulling. However, if the mane or tail prove slippery, try using Supreme Products Easy Plait to spray onto the desired area to give you more grip.
Keep your horse occupied with a haynet. It is surprising how he will not mind as much when eating! Before pulling, make sure you have combed through the mane and tail so that there are no knots which would make it painful for the horse. Lastly, pull little and often if it is a big task. Do not try to do it all at once as it could leave your horse sore.
The Mane
For horses that have their mane plaited a shorter pulled mane is a must in order to produce the perfect plaits. For ponies who compete regularly in Mountain and Moorland competitions a pulled mane can reduce some of the thickness and produce an even look creating a natural overall picture.
1. Starting at the poll, comb a little of the mane to almost the bottom of the hair, with your other hand hold the longest hairs that sit below the comb.
2. Still holding onto the longest hairs back comb the rest of the mane to the crest and with a sharp tug pull out the remaining long hairs.
3. Always pull out the hairs from the underside of the mane as this is what helps it lay flat.
4. Brush out the mane and repeat until you have reached the desired length and thickness.
5. Continue this process down the mane until you have reached the desired affect.
6. If there are a few remaining un-level hairs, pluck them out using your fingers.
The Tail
The Mane
For horses that have their mane plaited a shorter pulled mane is a must in order to produce the perfect plaits. For ponies who compete regularly in Mountain and Moorland competitions a pulled mane can reduce some of the thickness and produce an even look creating a natural overall picture.
1. Starting at the poll, comb a little of the mane to almost the bottom of the hair, with your other hand hold the longest hairs that sit below the comb.
2. Still holding onto the longest hairs back comb the rest of the mane to the crest and with a sharp tug pull out the remaining long hairs.
3. Always pull out the hairs from the underside of the mane as this is what helps it lay flat.
4. Brush out the mane and repeat until you have reached the desired length and thickness.
5. Continue this process down the mane until you have reached the desired affect.
6. If there are a few remaining un-level hairs, pluck them out using your fingers.
The Tail
Many people forget about the tail but the majority of showing classes require a tail to be pulled. Not only will this smarten your horse’s appearance, but it can enhance the hindquarters as well as giving a more professional edge.
1. Starting at the top of the dock, comb a section of the hair out from the edge, grasp the longest hairs and back-comb the rest. Pull out the long hairs sharply and quickly, and repeat to about half way down the dock.
2. To achieve the best result pull more hairs from the edge of the dock than from the centre, the dock should appear to be evenly covered with hair. You are aiming to shape the tail to be sleek and thin at the top before gradually widening to the thickness of the tail.
3. Some horses can be very sensitive when having their tails pulled, standing directly behind your horse when pulling is not advisable.
4. When being pulled it is not uncommon for the dock to become sore. If you find it hard to pull a tail or your horse will not stand still, Supreme Products offer a superb alternative; the Supreme Products Thinning Comb. This is fantastic for pulling tails humanely in to shape, it gives the appearance of a pulled tail and is a very popular choice for people who have horses who dislike having their tails pulled.
5. After pulling the tail always brush the top of the tail with a water brush and bandage it, this will encourage the tail to lie flat and look smart. The tail bandage should not be left on overnight.
6. When pulling the tail also check to see if the tail is the correct length it may need trimming. To avoid cutting it too short put your arm under the dock to raise the tail into position it is when moving. With your left hand measure the tail to the horses chestnut or a couple of inches below the hocks, at this point cut the tail straight across.
Afterwards
To keep the mane and tail in top condition after pulling, try spraying Supreme Products Moisturise & Condition. This is a fantastic spray lotion that moisturises the skin and hair follicle, soothing any soreness or itchiness caused by pulling.
2. To achieve the best result pull more hairs from the edge of the dock than from the centre, the dock should appear to be evenly covered with hair. You are aiming to shape the tail to be sleek and thin at the top before gradually widening to the thickness of the tail.
3. Some horses can be very sensitive when having their tails pulled, standing directly behind your horse when pulling is not advisable.
4. When being pulled it is not uncommon for the dock to become sore. If you find it hard to pull a tail or your horse will not stand still, Supreme Products offer a superb alternative; the Supreme Products Thinning Comb. This is fantastic for pulling tails humanely in to shape, it gives the appearance of a pulled tail and is a very popular choice for people who have horses who dislike having their tails pulled.
5. After pulling the tail always brush the top of the tail with a water brush and bandage it, this will encourage the tail to lie flat and look smart. The tail bandage should not be left on overnight.
6. When pulling the tail also check to see if the tail is the correct length it may need trimming. To avoid cutting it too short put your arm under the dock to raise the tail into position it is when moving. With your left hand measure the tail to the horses chestnut or a couple of inches below the hocks, at this point cut the tail straight across.
Afterwards
To keep the mane and tail in top condition after pulling, try spraying Supreme Products Moisturise & Condition. This is a fantastic spray lotion that moisturises the skin and hair follicle, soothing any soreness or itchiness caused by pulling.
For manes that are regularly plaited, hooded and prone to dry skin Supreme Products Moisturise & Condition is essential to help prevent the mane from becoming damaged or dry. It can also aid in hair re-growth and visibly improves the condition of the hair within a matter of days.
To keep you horse’s tail looking smart and pristine, at the end of the grooming session spray the tail with Supreme Products Detangle & Shine, a de luxe detangler which helps protect valuable tail hairs, leaving them silky, shiny and lustrous.
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