Shorten the mane without pulling
You can easily shorten your horse’s mane without pulling, and you can do so with many different tools. Don’t forget that roaching is also an option.
Jump to videos and shopping
Options for shortening the mane include:
- A mane blade. These lovely toothed blades do wonders for shortening a mane. You use it like you are going to pull the mane, but instead, just lob off the ends. Grab a bit of mane, and use the blade to backcomb or “rat up” the section until you are holding just a few hairs. Then use the blade to slice off the ends. This gives the edges of the mane a natural look. Brush out, repeat up and down the mane.
- An old clipper blade. You can use the same technique here. Grab a section of mane, backcomb, chop off the ends. Brush out and work your way up and down the mane.
This is the mane blade – it’s hinged, so you can fold it up for safe storage.
Use scissors to shorten a horse’s mane.
- Cut a blunt edge on your horse’s mane. This requires razor-sharp scissors, and you may want to use your spare hand to gently press down on the mane as you work across.
- You can leave the blunt ends, or you can add texture in the way your hairstylist would by cutting tiny angles off the blunt ends.
- There’s also the option of using your scissors as you would use the mane blade or clipper blade to rough up the edges slightly.
- You can also reach for the mane blade or clipper blade to put a natural finish on the ends after a blunt scissor cut.
Using thinning combs that don’t pull hair out
- Horses with thicker manes typically require some amount of pulling, either all the way up and down the mane, or simply in the middle section where the mane likes to get a bit fatter. Pulling will even out the thickness of a mane, which helps greatly when braiding. BUT – you don’t have to pull. Try a thinning comb, like the Solo Comb.
- Try it if you like! Part of the dilemma for many manes is that they are thick in the middle of your horse’s mane and thinner towards the ears and withers.
- These specialty combs remove the thickness without pulling, which might work well for you. If you will be braiding, definitely try this. A horse’s mane looks much better when the braids are equal thickness and size all along the neck.
Mane trends change
- There was a time, not too long ago, when using scissors to create a blunt cut of the mane was absolutely shocking. Not these days!
- There are lots of styles and trends and techniques – there are no “right” or “wrong” ways to keep your horse’s mane. Just do what you like, and how you like it!
Using scissors
Use a mane blade
Use an old clipper blade
Click these links to shop for horse supplies. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases, which are not a penny more for you. I couldn’t be more grateful for your support! You can also visit my Amazon storefront here: PEG storefront.
Brighten duns, palominos, and golden colors.
For dark bays, black points, and black horses
This waterproof tail bag is especially great for white and gray tails.
Gentle and effective detangling for your horse's mane and tail.
Protect your horse's tail during travel.
Cover scars and enhance your horse's color with this medium brown shade.
Omega 3's plus gut health support in a delicious cold milled flax formula. It's delicious and it will turn your horse's coat into a mirror.
Thank you!
