A pulled mane and tail is essential in many equestrian disciplines to create a professional look. However it is not always an easy task to do and many horses can be sensitive.Help in on hand from the team at Supreme Products who will provide you with top tips on how to pull a horse’s mane and tail successfully to create that professional look.
The Art of Mane and Tail Pulling
Preparation
Only pull your horse’s mane and tail after exercise to make it more comfortable for both of you. After exercise your horse will be warm and the pores should be open allowing the hair to fall out more easily and less painfully.A dirty mane and tail will allow you to have a better grip so do not bath your horse before pulling. If you do lose your grip at any time have Supreme Products Easy Plait on hand 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 with one.
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 and if you try to do it all at once it could leave your horse sore.
Mane
For horses that have their mane plaited a shortly 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 effect.
6. If there are a few remaining un-level hairs, pluck them out using your fingers.
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 in top condition after pulling, use 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 in its upkeep, preventing the mane from becoming damaged or dry. This product can also help stimulate hair growth so is fantastic for use on damaged manes, tails or bald patches on the body.
To keep you horse’s tail looking smart and pristine, at the end of every grooming session thereafter, spray the tail with Supreme Products Detangle and Shine, a de luxe detangler which helps protect valuable tail hairs, leaving them silky, shiny and lustrous.
To enhance the appearance of manes and tails when in the show ring, Supreme Products Sparkle is the ‘ultimate’ preparation to produce lustre and shine and to create a glamorous effect – making you stand out from the crowd!
Mane
For horses that have their mane plaited a shortly 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 effect.
6. If there are a few remaining un-level hairs, pluck them out using your fingers.
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 in top condition after pulling, use 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 in its upkeep, preventing the mane from becoming damaged or dry. This product can also help stimulate hair growth so is fantastic for use on damaged manes, tails or bald patches on the body.
To keep you horse’s tail looking smart and pristine, at the end of every grooming session thereafter, spray the tail with Supreme Products Detangle and Shine, a de luxe detangler which helps protect valuable tail hairs, leaving them silky, shiny and lustrous.
To enhance the appearance of manes and tails when in the show ring, Supreme Products Sparkle is the ‘ultimate’ preparation to produce lustre and shine and to create a glamorous effect – making you stand out from the crowd!
First impressions count! Grooming a horse for a horsemanship show is an important part of presenting your horse to the judge. Plaiting or braiding their manes will contribute to their score.
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