How to Remove Burrs From Horses
When your horse comes up to you with burrs stuck to different parts of its body, it can be really disheartening. Not only are burrs often difficult to remove, but doing so can break the horse's mane and tail hairs. Burrs also can irritate a horse's eyes, ears, and nose. It might be tempting to cut out really awful mats of burrs, but with patience and proper grooming technique, this usually isn't necessary.
Detangling Burrs From Hair
If there are only a few burrs and they’ve been in a short time, you can probably pull them out with your fingers. But really thick mats of burrs might need a more aggressive approach.
The easiest way to break up a mat of burrs is by dowsing the area with a detangler or baby/mineral oil. This is an especially useful grooming tip for addressing the mane and tail areas. Let the oil or detangler sit for a bit to soften the burrs before you start pulling.
Start from the bottom of the mat, and gradually pull apart the hairs while dislodging the burrs. Very gently brush the hairs as you go, being careful not to break them. Don’t be tempted to use a metal comb or rake, as these tend to break the hair. Grooming sprays can help, especially ones containing ingredients that make the hair slippery.
The burrs and grooming products can be irritating to your hands, so keep a good pair of gloves for this job. A close-fitting pair of rubberized gardening gloves can offer enough dexterity while protecting your hands.
