Burrs are one of the most interesting evolutionary designs that nature has conjured up to ensure that certain breeds of plant survive and thrive. Often seen as nature’s “velcro”, burrs are made up of seeds or plant parts contained in a pod surrounded by hooks. These little hooks are helpful for attaching to a moving host who provides a “free ride” for these burrs until they are eventually dislodged either on purpose or by accident, helping the plant to continue its lifecycle.
However, these innocent hooked pods can quickly become tangled in horses’ manes, tails, and coats leading to pain and discomfort. What might seem like a simple annoying grooming headache is actually something a little more serious. With many burrs having hooked spines they can penetrate your horse’s skin working their way deeper as your horse moves. These spines can cause irritation, inflammation, and even cause an open wound. In addition to the skin, manes and tails can get so tangled that it pulls the hairs so tightly it causes pain, and may even pull the hair out by the root. Needless to say these little hooked balls can cause your horse some serious discomfort, and it is important to remove them as quickly as possible. To help, here are some of our top grooming tips on how to deal with burrs!
Detangle: Grab your best detangler, condition, or grooming oil and begin by saturating a small area of the affected mane or tail. It is best to give it a few minutes before attempting to gently untangle a few hairs at a time with your fingers, or wide toothed comb. This can be a slow process, but by taking little sections it will give you the best chance of releasing the mane from the burrs and resulting knots.
Disposal: Burrs are often carrying seeds, and reproductive parts it is important to properly dispose of them to avoid inadvertently planting more pesky plants. Additionally a stray burr may work its way back on to your horse, their tack, and cause further problems down the line. We recommend using a container with a resealable lid (i.e. a peanut butter jar) that is no longer needed.
Soothe: Once dislodged, if your horse’s skin looks raw or damaged we recommend treating the affected area with an antiseptic and wound treatment. If you have any concerns about the look of any wounds resulting from the burrs be sure to contact your veterinarian for medical advice, and any further treatment that may be required.