A horse's mane is hair that runs along the entire body of the animal: from the back of the head to the tail. Responsible for performing several important functions: from protective to aesthetic and decorative. For your mane to look healthy, it needs regular quality care. This includes daily cleaning, washing, cutting and even styling. Correct implementation of the full range of procedures guarantees the health of the animal’s skin.
Why does a horse have a mane?
The main function of hair on a horse’s body is protection from external influences. At the same time, the mane acts as a decorative element, an indicator of thoroughbredness and an indicator of the horse’s health status.
More details about the protection function:
- In winter it protects the horse's skin from hypothermia.
- In summer, it absorbs sweat and prevents overheating (by fanning the horse, it cools down).
- Drives away flying blood-sucking parasites.
- Protects against moisture during heavy rainfall, as the hair repels water.
Another function is decorative. At exhibitions and hippodromes, people always pay attention to the beauty, length, and well-groomed mane of a horse. Also, based on its condition and quality, the presence/absence of diseases, dietary features, and maintenance are determined. Therefore, a horse’s mane is one of the main indicators of an animal’s health.
Basic rules of care
Under the dirty, tangled, unkempt hair of a horse, a favorable environment is created for the active growth and reproduction of fungal and other harmful microorganisms. Therefore, regular maintenance is mandatory for reasons of hygiene and health. All procedures should be carried out in a clean, well-lit and spacious area.
Cleaning
Conducted daily. The necessary attributes are a comb, a brush with natural bristles, a napkin or microfiber cloth. Before cleaning, the horse’s mane is carefully examined, lumps and tangles are manually straightened, and specks, straws, and other debris are removed. Next, they are divided into several small strands, each separately combed with a special comb.
Indicators of a good comb:
- spaces between teeth;
- ends rounded;
- suitable material - wood;
- complete absence of jagged edges and sharp elements.
Gently comb the horse's mane with a comb. After it begins to pass freely through the horsehair, take a brush. The procedure is completed by treating the skin under the nape with a damp cloth.
the washing up
Veterinarians recommend washing horse hair only when it is very dirty.The approximate frequency for working horses is once every 14-15 days, for horses – no more than once a month. This procedure is required before scheduled exhibitions or competitions, but it is not recommended to wash the animal more than once every 5-7 days.
For high-quality and complete cleansing, special products are required. Women's shampoos and gels are not recommended for animals, as they greatly dry out the skin.
It is more convenient to wash by helping with a brush and watering the horse with a hose. All strands should be thoroughly washed and rinsed, and combed after drying. Additionally, the mane can be treated with conditioner or 2-3 drops of any natural oil can be added to it. In winter, washing is prohibited; an alternative is regular wiping with a damp cloth or soft brush.
Additional procedures
To make your horse's mane look more beautiful and attractive, you can cut it, style it, or create an original hairstyle. Each procedure requires patience and accuracy from a person.
A haircut
There are several haircut options - radical, original or regular end alignment. Horses' hair is quite hard, so it is better to use well-sharpened garden scissors or any large scissors. There is no need to completely restrict the animal’s movements during the procedure. It is enough to tie it with a chumbur (the cord is no longer than 2 m).
It is recommended to trim a horse after running or other physical exertion: at this time, the pores are enlarged, and the pain threshold for accidentally pulling out hair is significantly reduced.
Haircut technique:
- Lightly wet the strands first.
- Present the end result. Keep in mind that after drying, the hair will become slightly shorter.
- Start from the occipital area.
- Smoothly move to new zones - withers, back.
- Trim the main length.
- Then carefully examine the result and remove all irregularities.
Original haircuts - curly patterns on the horse's mane in the form of a zigzag, checkers, hearts. To trim a horse like this, you will need experience or special skills.
How to braid
The horse's long hair is braided to protect against various mechanical damage. It is important to check the condition of the braids daily and reweave them at least 2 times every 7 days. To make strands more manageable, it is recommended to use products with a conditioning effect (for easier combing).
Hairstyle variations:
- Braids. Classic option. You can make one in the center or several on the sides. The braiding is standard: divide the mane into 3 strands, alternately weave them together. Use ribbons or elastic bands to secure.
- Western hairstyle. Separate several thin strands and secure them with elastic bands at the root zone. Next, put on several more pairs of elastic bands along the entire length, keeping equal spaces between them.
- "Hunting". The basis is a different number of strands, but strictly a multiple of 3. Each curl is braided into a braid with a ribbon, the end of the braid is masked inside the next one.
To add volume to your horse's hair or make it wavy, just braid classic braids at night, and unbraid and comb them in the morning. For the best effect, the mane should first be slightly moistened with water.
A horse's mane performs aesthetic and protective functions. The hair protects the animal's skin from hypothermia, overheating, heavy rainfall, and blood-sucking insects. In order for the mane to reliably perform all its functions, it is important to wash, clean, and comb it regularly.To create an attractive or unusual look, you can get a haircut or braid your mane.
