✂️ Vet’s 2025 Guide to Pulling Your Horse’s Mane

By Dr Duncan Houston BVSc

1. Why Pull a Mane?

Mane pulling is a grooming technique used to thin and tidy the mane, helping it lay flat—desirable in disciplines like dressage, hunters, and eventing. It enhances the horse’s polished appearance for shows and ease of braiding, and can also improve a horse’s comfort and neck visibility.

2. Ideal Timing & Growth Stage

• Pull when mane hair is 4–6 inches long—long enough to grab, short enough to not slip out easily.
• Avoid doing it too soon after clipping or chemical straightening—it can cause breakage.
• Time it 1–2 days before a show for a natural lay and 4–6 weeks ahead if aiming for mane regrowth.

3. Tools You Will Need

• Sharp, clean pulling comb and coarse-toothed “mane thinning” comb.
• Sectioning clips or snood to separate mane.
• Conditioning spray or leave-in conditioner.
• Slicker brush for smoothing, scissors for stray hairs.

4. Preparation Steps

1. Wash and dry mane thoroughly—residual grease and dust interfere with grip.
2. Use conditioner to soften the hair and reduce tug discomfort.
3. Divide mane into 1–2 inch sections using clips or a snood.
4. Work in shade or cool environment to keep horse calm.

5. The Pulling Process, Step by Step

1. Leave the top section clipped; grab a subsection between thumb and forefinger at the mane’s root.
2. Position the comb close to your fingers, pulling ½–1 inch of hair end—the "pulled" amount depends on mane density.
3. Pull swiftly downward along hair growth direction—in one smooth motion to avoid split ends.
4. Alternately pull and comb back the newly thinned section to gauge thickness.
5. Continue this process section by section across the neck.
6. Finish by brushing the mane back and trimming any flyaways with scissors.

6. Safety & Comfort Considerations

• Use light, even pressure—avoid yanking.
• Watch for skin pinching by combing between pulls.
• Keep horse relaxed—offer treats or breaks.
• For sensitive horses, utilize mild sedative or topically anoint comb with aloe.

7. Common Mistakes & Troubleshooting

• Over-pulling: too thin, leaving bald patches. Only remove ⅓ of bulk per session.
• Under-pulling: mane remains bulky. Repeat every few weeks as needed.
• Poor sectioning: leads to uneven thinning—keep neat uniform partitions.
• Comb use errors: pulling too high can stress roots; too low yields bulky top layer.

8. Aftercare to Encourage Smooth Lay

• Apply conditioning spray daily to maintain shine and lay.
• Use quick passes of the turf brush during grooming.
• Ponytail or braid loosely at night to prevent tangles.
• For slick show presentation, lightly bit of hairspray or mane gel can be applied.

9. Avoiding Damage & Hair Regrowth

• Avoid chemical relaxers—these weaken hair and may break easily when pulling.
• Pull mane approximately every 2–3 months to maintain shape without stress.
• Ensure mane length is sufficient to protect neck skin from sun and brushes.
• Rotate mane pulling with top-knot styles for dressage or hunter disciplines.

10. Ask A Vet Integration 🩺

Through Ask A Vet you can:

• Share photos or live video of process for feedback on technique.
• Ask for product recommendations (conditioners, combs, gels).
• Get guidance if mane becomes rough, starts thin or irritated—troubleshoot skin or muscle-related causes.
• Develop a customized maintenance schedule based on coat growth and competition timing.

Download the Ask A Vet app today for expert grooming tips and personalized mane care across 2025 and beyond! ❤️

11. Benefits Beyond Looks

• Well-thinned mane lies smoothly under a bridle or harness.
• Markers of individual presentation in show disciplines.
• Animal comfort—keeps hair off neck, reduces moisture retention in warm climates.

12. Final Thoughts

Mane pulling is both art and technique—when done correctly, it results in a professional, clean look while supporting the horse's comfort. With thoughtful preparation, gentle technique, and smart aftercare, you can maintain a mane that enhances both presentation and wellbeing. Ask A Vet brings expert oversight and support for every step. Make mane care part of your 2025 success story! ✂️🐎