Yes : ): hot towel and a good scratch per pull, less hair per pull, too. Might take a bit longer but the horse/pony will tolerate it better, well.... more do than don't this way but for some, just nothing works. I have heard that a little bit of diluted dish soap, Dawn specifically, worked into the crest [only] has been known to calm the sting/itch.Take care not to over use as it will make the rest of the mane too slippery. I know of folks that will buzzcut the under half of a REALLY thick mane but the grow-out phase is rather Medusan and is not a first choice for most. If one pulls by hand, tape primary fingers : ). A little bit of diluted vinegar can ease the itch, too, and leaves a really shiny horse. It rinses off easily and does nice things for the coat.