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Discussion on Mane Pulling Mania
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Member:
Socaldug
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Posted on Thursday, Apr 17, 2003 - 12:20 am:
sorry for the dumb question, but i'm a newbie at this...
is there some other way of thinning out the mane? like scissors, nair, or some of that goop on late night infomercials? "pulling" it out sounds kinda painfull.
my arab was a bit undernourished and had a ratty looking mane when i got him, he's slowly getting it back. we comb it (althought just when it looks great he goes and rolls in the dirt!), but would never consider removing some of it? hmmmmmm.
maybe its a fancy horse show thing and i just dont understand... again, sorry for the newbie questions.
doug
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Member:
Imogen
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Posted on Thursday, Apr 17, 2003 - 11:11 am:
Arabs are supposed to have long flowing manes - it would be incorrect to pull the mane short on your horse although you might want to thin it by pulling it a little bit.
Pulling the mane doens't really hurt them much though as Rebecca points out above, some get a bit neurotic if they've been subject to insensitive mane-pulling by someone with insufficient patience to take it slowly, just a few hairs at a time. Quite a lot of horses don't mind the middle section of the mane being pulled but are more sensitive near the poll and near the withers so start in the middle of the neck.
All the best
Imogen
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Member:
Fpony
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Posted on Thursday, Apr 17, 2003 - 8:18 pm:
Imogen,
Soo even if an Arab is being used,say, for dressage, you wouldn't pull the mane and braid?
I've never been to an all Arab dressage show but wonder if they all have long manes? I don't compete with my Arab but feel foolish as every one pulls their horses manes whether they compete or not. The reason is they don't want their horses to look "Western or trail horse". So I always feel that I'm just not politically correct or can't be a serious rider if you horse does look a certain way. Kim
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Member:
Leilani
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Posted on Thursday, Apr 17, 2003 - 9:41 pm:
I don't pull my mare's mane, heck I don't even trim her bridle path and she looks just like a horse.
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Member:
Socaldug
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Posted on Thursday, Apr 17, 2003 - 11:00 pm:
oh god... "politically correct" for horses too?
im way new to horse ownership, but the more i read about showing, the more i'm not interested. i read bits about hooves being grown out too long, mane pulling, whipping the horse to keep his head up, yada yada yada...
maybe there will be an event sometime where a grubby old redneck can ride a GENERIC horse with cheap tack and the judges will give points for what the horse and rider do... oops, i think thats called rodeo 
keep on riding!
doug
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Member:
Hwood
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Posted on Thursday, Apr 17, 2003 - 11:44 pm:
Go, Leilani!!!
The all natural look is my choice as well . . . .since my guys all have free choice pasture or barn at night, I like them to have all their feeler hairs . . . .and the only time I trim a bridle path is when the mane is so darn thick that the bridle won't fit correctly . . . .and I have full blooded Arabians, wispy maned Appys, thin-maned duns and thick maned Anglo-Arabs . . . . not to mention a poofy maned Palomino P.O.A. . . . .
Years ago, it was explained to me by an Australian horsewoman, that the fetlock hairs are there to drain water away from the hoof when it runs down the horses legs, and that we should never trim them . . . .
Most often, we trim the horses for US . . not for them . . . they could care less . . . :-)
Holly
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Member:
Leilani
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Posted on Friday, Apr 18, 2003 - 12:25 am:
No, not PC, just me. I like the way she looks without the bridle path buzzed. I take a good pair of scissors and trim all the split ends on her mane, sometimes its even most times not. When her tail starts to get close to touching the ground, I pick it up and just whack some hairs and see what happens. Her muzzle and ear hairs are there for a reason. If and when they become a problem, then I'll deal with that.
Just because someone years ago deemed it necessary to trim the bridle path so it looked "cleaner" doesn't mean diddly to me.
I'm sure I've lost our fair share of points because of her grooming, but I like the way she looks--like a horse.
Aloha and happy trails.
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Member:
Fpony
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Posted on Friday, Apr 18, 2003 - 7:09 am:
Wow!
Thanks for the support!
I love my guys mane as it is thick and wavey! I'm sure everyone thinks I'm a hick anyway as I ride all winter bareback with my very worn and stained fleece jeans, my huge and quite frumpy winter coat and to finsh the look I have two sizes too big winter barn boots.
I leave the ears and muzzle alone also as they need all that hair for protection-not that my guys are too hairy anyway. Kim
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Member:
Wkight
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Posted on Friday, Apr 18, 2003 - 1:53 pm:
The natural look is my preference too (I love my shaggy ponies) but there are a lot of alternative methods for cleaning up a mane. I wouldn't reccomend using any liquid hair remover though :-) Mane maintence is really a matter of personal taste and how your horse responds to it. During trail riding season I trim up the manes so they look a little cleaner to paserby. Unless a show requires a certain appearance for your horse, you can do anything you want with it.
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Member:
Imogen
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Posted on Sunday, Apr 20, 2003 - 2:34 am:
In Ireland and the UK if Arabs are competing at dressage there is a special type of plaiting which loops a long mane along the neck or else turns it into a sort of macrame "fringe" of diamond shapes that is normally used so that the shape of the neck is more apparent to the judge but the Arab can keep its mane long. I don't know the technical term for these types of plaiting but I could try to find out if you are interested.
Imogen
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Member:
Fpony
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Posted on Tuesday, Apr 22, 2003 - 7:31 pm:
Imogen,
Thank you! I would love to know the name if it isn't too much bother for you. His neck is beautiful and showing it off would be fun. Kim
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Member:
Sross
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Posted on Tuesday, Apr 22, 2003 - 7:45 pm:
What I've usually seen depends on what type of show it is. If it's an open show (not restricted by breed), then the norm is whatever the usual standard is for that discipline (pulled mane put up into those tiny little braids in dressage). If it's a breed show, then I see more creative braiding (the basket weave that Imogen was referring to or even a nice French braid). Interestingly enough, if you actually pull up the AHSA rule book, nowhere does it say that braiding is actually required (except in sidesaddle classes). However, that doesn't mean that it's not "expected".
One of the saddest things I ever saw was an Arab with a roached mane.
Me personally, my little Arab cross has hair sticking out all over. I have been trying to learn to French braid to get all that hair off his neck in the heat of the summer and for lessons. Unfortunately, my attempts so far have been less than stellar. I thought it was just me, but I've had several experienced braiders try without great success either. I guess my guy just has free-spirited hair!
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Member:
Hwood
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Posted on Tuesday, Apr 22, 2003 - 7:48 pm:
Hi, Kim and Imogen,
We call it a rope braid when the braid follows the crest of the horse's neck (like a french braid that picks up equal-sized locks of mane as one works from the poll to the withers) and a basket weave "braid" when it is banded in diamond-shaped sections (This involves LOTS of rubber bands and patience, as well as a very long mane, as one bands a lock of hair and then splits the lock below the band to band each of those locks with other locks. One continues to split each lock of hair beneath each band, and rebands each one about an inch or two below the previous band.)
It's kinda difficult to explain. I'm sure you can find a photo in a book on braiding manes or in the IAHA Magazine.
Holly
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Member:
Parfait
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Posted on Wednesday, Apr 23, 2003 - 12:54 am:
Kim,
It's not even proper to cut your Arabian's mane or tail if you were to show them as they are to be shown "natural". Which for us means the tails have to be kept up in wraps so that they drag the ground when let loose... I braid in a french braid, down the neck for hunter pleasure, tight to the neck.
I love the way my mares toss their manes like teenage girls and how lovely they look! Take pride in your horse's breed. Not all the world needs to ride the same horse, the same way for the same reason.
Kerry
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Member:
Suzym
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Posted on Wednesday, Apr 23, 2003 - 11:28 am:
Wow! I'm glad I'm not the only one here who doesn't even do a bridle path. One of the reasons I'm attracted to the Morgan breed in the first place is their beautiful, flowing manes and tails. Not to mention that forelock! I can't bring myself to trim a bit of it.
If you're going to show Morgans in Morgan shows, you CAN'T pull the mane - rules are for flowing manes and tails, similar to Arab rules.
The few times I DID show DJ in dressage, I French (Liberty?) braided his mane. He looked extremely elegant, if I do say so myself. 
Holly ~ That thing about the fetlock hairs being there to help water drain away from the heels and hoof - I was told the same thing by the owner of the stable where I boarded in Dallas. I would never clip the fetlock hairs anyway. I figure a trail horse needs all the lower leg protection they can get.
As for the whiskers on the muzzle - I LOVE those! They tickle!
Suzy and Indy (The Great Hairy One)
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Member:
Sumnera
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Posted on Monday, Apr 28, 2003 - 11:27 am:
It's nice to know that there's so many other people into "natural grooming" of their horses.
Some people are obsessed with the short mane look. There's a "grooming Nazi" at my stable that insists that all horses should have a mane between 3 and 4 inches long. Her horses are not shown and neither are any of the others boarded there. She has managed to brow-beat several of the other boarders into allowing her to pull their horses manes. The saddest case is a beautiful Egyption Arab who now has the "required" 3 inch mane.
I have three horses and they're all natural. I'm sure she thinks mine all look like Mutt horses!
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Member:
Dommay
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Posted on Monday, Apr 28, 2003 - 11:30 am:
Hi,
Love the long natural look. I have a 1 yo and he has about a 4 1/2 mane now. Any suggestions on how to push the growth along??!
I love the long natural look!
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Member:
Cassey
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Posted on Monday, Apr 28, 2003 - 9:52 pm:
I too am a supporter of the natural look; my Percheron Q/H mare has a big Percheron belly (we're working on it) and short Q/H legs. Combined with long flowing feathers, her legs looked so short and stubby some days I would swear her belly was going to touch the ground. Just the other day, the barn owner asked me if she could trim the feathers, just to see how it would look. They'll grow back, she sensibly said. Anyway, I agreed, and now my horse actually looks a little more long-legged and slimmer! So, sometimes a little trim for a horse can go a long way to boost their appearance, but all in all, I love my hairy beast just the way she is!
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Member:
Sumnera
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Posted on Tuesday, Apr 29, 2003 - 10:37 am:
D.Barry:
Love those QH/draft crosses! I have a QH and Shire cross that can get that low-belly look too. Have to watch the size of those flakes pretty closely. I think I tend to forget about the QH part and feed him like he's full Shire!
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Member:
Cassey
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Posted on Tuesday, Apr 29, 2003 - 8:18 pm:
Hi Aimee,
Yep, I would adopt another draft cross in a heartbeat, although my mare is not nearly as mellow as one would assume with such a genetic background. She actually can be a little hot; we have to be really careful with her grain, and not just b/c of her weight! I guess we wage a constant battle against the bulge since QHs and drafts are such easy keepers. (I'm assuming that's not your QH/Shire boy pictured in your profile, but a beauty none-the-less
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Member:
Sumnera
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Posted on Wednesday, Apr 30, 2003 - 11:17 am:
Hi D. Barry:
You're right, that's not my Shire cross pictured in my profile. That's my QH mare Gypsy. Thanks for the compliment. Like all moms’--she's my baby and I think she's beautiful! (Funny how we can call a 1200 LB animal a baby)
It's interesting that you said your girl is a bit hot. So is Tonka. When we purchased him as a two year-old, I thought he would grow up to be a gentle giant. I couldn't have been more off base. He's not really "spooky hyper" he just has a LOT of energy. He can be pushy and is the dominant horse in my herd. Do you find that to be true with your girl?
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Member:
Jvinoly
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Posted on Wednesday, Apr 30, 2003 - 5:58 pm:
We bought a 2 year old "gentle giant", too, and now he's coming 7. He is a Belgium/QH, and "Gentle" is the last word I would use to describe him, but lots of energy and attitude sure fits. His mane is roached just because of all that wiry bedhead hair that interferes with the reins. BTW, he is also very dominant and pushy with the other horses. I think its B/C he's so much bigger.
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Member:
Cassey
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Posted on Wednesday, Apr 30, 2003 - 8:28 pm:
Aimee and Jim,
Well, I think the myth of the gentle giants is being put to rest via this thread! My mare is very dominant, but in a very solid, determined way. Seldom any drama,unless the other horse basically asks for it (any by not yielding to Cassey's mere physical presence is apparently asking for it big time), and even then it's more threat than substance unless absolutely necessary. Mind you, I watched her disclipline a bratty youngster the other day with tooth and hoof, and it wasn't a pretty sight. Much to my surprise, the youngster walked away physiclly unscathed but much meeker and respectful. Usually though, the "look" and a squeal is all it takes to send the other horse scrambling away. She definitely tries to get away with pushy stuff with me, too, but I have learned much over the past year or so and have fewer problems now. She's never been aggressive, but boy is she a master at avoidance and ignoring! And when she's wound up, watch out...getting her to refocus is tough. She also tends to be hyper alert in strange surroundings,or when it's windy; I wonder if it's her alpha mare instincts kicking in in order to "protect" the herd in unfamiliar or dangerous circumstances. Interesting though, she is always on her best, most gentle behaviour when my kids are near her or riding her, and gets a soft look in her eye when she looks at them. I tell them she must think of them as foal type creatures
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Member:
Nonie
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Posted on Wednesday, Apr 30, 2003 - 9:19 pm:
Well I have met Cassey and she is GORGEOUS, and very well behaved. I can see how she is a powerhouse underneath, though, and I would not want to be a bratty youngster getting in her way. LOL.
She is a beautiful, solid horse and the flowing mane and tail suit her perfectly. And her eye is GREAT, just as Dee described, beautifully soft and kind.
I hate to pull manes and have let my Connemara's grow out since her surgery last June (I guess I kind of have a Goliath complex--LOL). At the new barn where we board, many of the horses are Arabs and I have subtly implied that it is traditional for Connemaras, like Arabs, to let their manes go "au naturel." Of course I am making all this up, but it seems to give my decision extra "authority."
Zoe
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Member:
Fpony
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Posted on Wednesday, Apr 30, 2003 - 9:36 pm:
Holly,
Now that the weather is finally staying nice here in New England (knock on wood!-hope i didn't just jinx us!)I'm going to try to "rope braid" Dante's mane!He seemed a little jealous when i put Foxy's (my pony) new Boett fly blanket (looks like a complete wrap!) on Foxy. Kim
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Member:
Hwood
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Posted on Wednesday, Apr 30, 2003 - 9:51 pm:
Have fun, Kim . . . . Maybe you could post a photo of Dante, all braided up, when you are done (?) . . . . (I'm not willing to trust that we have nice weather yet . . . . . even though we DID get three days of sunshine . . . ) I think it is going to be a few more days of greyness now.
Holly
By the way . . . . how long is Dante's mane?
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Member:
Cassey
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Posted on Wednesday, Apr 30, 2003 - 10:44 pm:
Zoe, you are the best! Saying such kind things (albeit all so true ) about my girl will only win my undying admiration and devotion! If I were those people at your barn I would listen to your every word...and speaking of beautiful horses, Molly and Taz are, in a word, wonderful. Lucky us, eh?
Dee
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Member:
Fpony
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Posted on Thursday, May 1, 2003 - 12:30 pm:
Holly-His mane is about 12 to 13 inches( I just sinfully trimmed it up to even it out-looks nice though)Maybe I could use some gel to keep the whispies away?!
I promised not to complain about the weather unless it DrOps below 40 or snows. Then I might have to hurt myself somewhere on the back 40!!
I'll send a picture if i ever get the time to play in the barn! Kim
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