How To: Trim a Mane

   So, last week we learned how to pull a mane. And while I will always say to do this first and get as far as you can. Sometimes cutting the mane is just the way things need to go. There are a few instances where cutting the mane is the better option. The first, if you are trimming the mane of a jumper. Jumper manes are typically longer and they want a more straight across look to them. Another reason to pick up the scissors is if your horse already has a really thin mane and pulling out any hair would leave them bald. No one likes that look so cutting the mane is the obvious choice. The third reason would be if your horse is totally throwing a giant temper tantrum about you pulling their mane and restraining them is no longer an option. Depending on how important them behaving for mane pulling is, you could give them a sedative to help calm them down. Using a sedative though requires professional help and you should always ask your trainer to administer the drug at the correct dosage. 

   So, for any of the reasons listed above you've decided to cut your horse's mane. Never, I repeat NEVER cut your horse's mane with the scissors parallel to the mane. Cutting like this will result in a very choppy and uneven mane that when you try and fix it will just end up getting shorter and shorter. Also, for safety if your horse were to suddenly move you could end up stabbing them.

   The correct way to hold the scissors would perpendicular to the mane. You want to cut up into the mane instead of across it. This way, as you can see in the clip on the side, if the horse is to shake their head or move you can safely bring your hand away from the horse. 

   Cutting up into the mane also creates a more natural look to the end result. And because you aren't cutting straight across it also thins the mane a tiny bit letting the mane lay on the horse's neck in a more relaxed way.

   To the left you can see an example of a jumper mane that has been cut. If you are trimming a hunter mane you will still want the length to be the same as discussed in the pulling post. 

   If you have any questions please feel free to reach out and contact me or leave a comment!