How to Comb a Pony

Grooming your pony is an essential part of its care. Brushing the coat ensures it is clean and healthy. It also makes the saddle pad, saddle, and girth more comfortable when the pony is tacked. Combing is another important aspect of grooming, and it helps to maintain the mane and tail. When working with an uncombed mane and tail, it is important to use the right technique and equipment so the hair can be cleaned, combed, and untangled without being damaged.

Things You'll Need

  • Mane and tail shampoo
  • Deep conditioner
  • Soft towel
  • Detangling spray
  • Oster mane and tail brush
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Instructions

    • 1

      Clean the pony's mane and tail with a shampoo to remove all the dirt. Work the shampoo through the hairs, from root to tip. Rise with warm water until all the suds are gone.

    • 2

      Use a deep conditioner to soften and strengthen the pony's hairs. Follow the directions on the conditioner you choose to use to determine how long the product should sit on the mane and tail before being rinsed. After rinsing the conditioner, pat the mane and tail down with a soft towel to remove excess water.

    • 3

      Apply the detangling spray to the mane and tail. Allow to sit for about 30 seconds. Using your fingers, work through the hairs to loosen tangles and knots. Apply more detangler as needed. Use your hands to smooth out the hair until you can run your fingers through the mane and tail with ease. Allow the hair to completely dry before combing.

    • 4

      Divide the mane into small sections. Use the mane and tail brush to comb through the hair, section by section. With each section, begin combing about halfway down the length of the hair, and gently pull the comb down. When that part of the section is easy to comb and free from any tangles, comb down from the root of that section. Break the sections up into smaller pieces, if necessary. Work in this manner until you can comb the mane easily, without hitting any snags in the hair.

    • 5

      Move to the tail and divide it into small sections. Work with a brush to comb one section at a time, gently moving the brush downward. Comb until the tail is free from tangles and knots.

    • 6

      Comb your pony regularly to keep the mane and tail free of tangles. Regular brushing helps avoid damage and breakage to the hairs.