What to do with his mane?!?!?

Ok, I have a horse who likes scratching his mane out... He has a gorgeous multi colored mane, and is very long & thick, which also falls on both sides.... BUT, in some spots its really short, some places even sticking up!! I have no clue what to do with it... I considered using MTG, but you can't use it in direct sunlight.... :S So I've been thinking of roaching it after my last show(which is next weekend). I don't think he would look that bad, since he is half Norwegian Fjord.. One thing he's REALLY SCARED of clippers.. But I wanted to work on him with that anyways....

Well, what would you do?? I've attached a couple pics to show his mane. Hope it helps... Thanks in advance!

Yeah if you don't want to use the MGT I say roach it after the show season ends and let it grow through fall and winter. By mid spring you should have a nice lookin mane. The look will just bring out his inner Fjord =] and I think he will look absolutely adoreable! Make sure once it grows out to train the hair to fall on the right side. He so freakin cute btw!

I agree with nonipony. It will look better in the long run if you roached it.

Thanks guys! :] I think that's what I'm going to do.... Is there any more ideas from anyone else??

Oh and any tips on getting him use to clippers?? :S

I'd roach it too. It will be easier to train & maintain in the long run.

As far as getting him used to clippers it's like anything else horse. Slow and steady. First you let him see them and smell them, rub the body of the clippers up and down his mane with them turned off. Get him used to them rubbing him and the cord dangling down his side (I've never had cordless clippers).

Then you step away from the horse (horse tied up, always practice safe handling) turn them on...and wait for the reaction, if he freaks, I wouldn't shut them off right away. Keep them in your hand and let them run (I'd keep the cover on them or a blade guard in case he wants to sniff them while running) When he calms down and looks at you, I'd shut them off...then turn them back on in a few seconds (8 or 10 you want to keep his attention on the clippers)..see what he does, once he doesn't care about them running, you can touch the body of the clippers to his mane...once he doesn't care about them running on him, you'll be ready to roach.

Please note that this, like any new skill can take one day....or 20 days.

Be patient and post pics!!!

If he just plumb flips out. You can always use scissors, though that will take a few days to get it trimmed just right..and you'll need really sharp scissors that will hold a sharp edge, the ones in the kitchen drawer most likely won't get the job done well.

Thanks. I will definitely post pictures :) Hahah I can't wait to see what he looks like..

Im excited too!! XD pics pics pics!!

If you can't get him used to clippers, old manual sheep shears are awesome for hogging manes.

Also, be careful about standing in the way of his front feet. I had a horse that would strike out when I turned on the clippers. And, if you can, start by rubbing the clippers around on his body before moving up towards his head.
When I first clipped my mare, she was drugged up because she was having her wolf teeth pulled, so we decided it would be a good first time and she has never ever had a problem with clippers.