How to Remove Cockleburs From a Horse's Mane

Horse owners know that leaving a horse out in a field to explore and play at will typically results in the animal coming in covered in dust, dirt and mud from poll to hoof. Additionally, the seeds of the cocklebur plant, a native North America species indigenous to many pastures, sprout tiny spurs that adhere to the tails, feathers and manes of horses and can create skin health issues if allowed to linger in the hair for long periods of time. Developing a technique that allows you to remove the burrs from your horse's mane, while keeping the mane long and full, becomes a necessity to many owners.

Things You'll Need

  • Halter with lead rope
  • Liquid cream rinse, commercial mane-and-tail product, vegetable oil
  • Horse shampoo
  • Mane brush
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Instructions

    • 1

      Put a halter on your horse and tie the lead rope to a secure fence post. You can also tie it in its stall or place the animal in cross ties.

    • 2

      Spray the knots holding the burrs with a liquid cream rinse or a commercial silicone mane-and-tail product. You can also use a light vegetable oil. Soak the knots liberally, rubbing the liquid through all of the hair surrounding the cockleburr.

    • 3

      Grasp the knot in your nondominant hand and begin gently pulling small strands of hair out of the burr with your dominant hand. Proceed removing all of the hair around the cocklebur in this fashion until it is completely free of hair.

    • 4

      Move on to the next knot using this technique until the mane is totally clean of burrs.

    • 5

      Wash, rinse and brush your horse's mane in your usual fashion.