I have used scissors, but cut from top down into knot. Seems to lose less tail hair that way. Yes lots of detangler or conditioner. Lucky my gelding doesn't get witches knots or the like. Whew.....

Any suggestions for when the burr becomes wrapped in hair on the tail and it resembles the size of a baseball? Do you need to use a scissors and detangler?

Been there! I use the CB Magic to comb out as much as I can, then...... I wear a pair of vinyl gloves inside deer-skin leather gloves. I do have to wear a well worn pair of gloves to be able to use the liner, but it works for me, and I rarely get a prickler in my fingers/hands since I started doing this. I love the suggestion of using a dinner fork too!

Hi 57, I have had good luck with "The Stuff" it's a detangler with silicone. Use a regular eating fork to pry the burrs out. It separates the hair and keeps your fingers picker free. But in case one of those bad boys finds it way into your skin, use duct tape, it should pull right out. Hope all is well, Lisa

Try liquid Downey.

I discovered today that my horse has a burr in his tail the size of a baseball. Not sure where to even begin. Someone suggested to cut through the middle of it. She has the most gorgeous tail so I am hesitant to cut, but this isn't going to come out with just detangling lotion. Any idea about cutting if i have too?

I use baby oil.it ischeapand kleeps their skin sofT.

THANKS everyone! Gifted..right you are...I did say "me"....CC3..okeedokee...and Lazytsha..YES.. KILLING them buggers is the TRUE solution. Got stocked up on mane/tail detangler, weed killer, rubber gardening gloves (they keep the burrs off my fingers, at least) and have decided that washing my burr removal clothing seperately is a Good Thing too.. Last year was an introduction to Burr Hell for me. I hadn't had to deal with them on this scale before I moved to this place in MN. The pastures here on the property had been neglected, and I didn't pay attention soon enough, etc., etc., but this year will be a much different story. I think I'll post a picture of one of the pony's from last year for laughs...some of you will laugh in comiseration, others will cry "EGADS girl! How'd you let it get so bad??" And some of you will just shake your head and tease me...lol

57, if you're talking about getting the stickers out of your hands, and don't want to dig with a needle, give this a try. It works on people as well as animals. There is an old time product called Icthamol, it's been around for years. I found a 1 lb. jar of it at a vet/feed supply place, but it can be ordered in some tack or vet supply catalogs. It's black and smelly, but it has amazing drawing powers. I've used it many times to draw out an abcess, splinters, even a stubborn zit that won't come to a head, LOL. Just use a tiny bit if it's on you (not the horse), and cover it with a bandaid. Whatever is in the skin and needs drawn out will come out, usually within 24 hours. I discovered this from desparation one time, had a wound that healed on the outside first, and was turning to blood poisoning on a weekend, with a red streak started. I opened the wound and applied this, (due to no insurance for the ER) then saw my regular doctor on Monday. After his surprise that Icthamol still existed, he told me it was an old but very good product, and it saved me a trip to the hospital because it stopped the blood poisoning. Good luck! Jacquie

hey gf, when I get burrs in my hair I usually just suck it up and carefully slide them out one at a time with my fingers. I've found a little mane and tail conditioner on the strands underneath can help it slide better,just work it in like a normal hair wash and leave for about an hour....dont use too much though or you'll jusat gum up. As for not getting the barbs stuck in fingers....couldn't say...I think I'm still pulling out pieces from three years ago;)!! I just try to take my time and work slowly, then I don't get stuck as bad. Once I do though, I find using a small sewing needle can pop the pieces out of skin no problem..just don't go deep;) The same proceedure for slivers. Or if they arnt painful just leave them to work out on their own just keep an eye on them. I hope I answered what you were asking...pretty sleep deprived so I could be way off LOL. Good luck!!