Taming a wild rose

[mouse]

We've got some native/wild roses in the garden. I think they're Nootka or possibly baldhip. For the most part they're lovely, big strong canes, covered in simple pink blossoms in spring and never ever get rust or black spot. The problems are the canes are 8'+ high, the thorns are huge and they send out constant runners. For the most part I keep the runners in check, though I'm a little astounded at how far out they get.

The biggest issue is how the heck to prune them. I don't want to destroy the graceful arches of these canes and turn the whole thing into a snarly bramble. But the previous owner planted them all around the mailbox and the mailman is ready to kill me. Do I selectively take out canes or just trim back where they're in the way? I hate the poky bare bit where I clip, followed by an ugly mass of side shoots. I must be going it wrong.