by Mary Knetter

Created on: April 24, 2008   Last Updated: August 27, 2010

Throughout history, there have been entire dedications written to the manes and tails of horses. Even Medieval lore states that fairies ride the wind in the manes of horses, leaving their knots in the mane. So it's easy to see why we primp and preen over these lovely locks.

Tools

Fingers-Your fingers are often the best tool you can use to groom your horse's mane and tail. Using your fingers to delicately pull apart tangles damages fewer hairs and helps you feel the quality of the hair.

Brushes-There are brushes made especially for the manes and tails of horses, but brushes made for human hair are often cheaper and just as effective. Pick a brush that's made for working out tangles easily without breaking hairs.

Combs-Combs are useful for separating out large locks of hair. Again, there are combs made for horses and humans. You should avoid using a comb to work the tangles out of the horse's hair. Combs break too many hairs. So if you never use it to comb a horse's mane, whatever comb you can get cheap is fine.

Shampoo and Conditioner-A clean mane is easier to comb. Dirt and debris gets rinsed away and doesn't get caught in tangles, making them harder to work out. Conditioner helps lubricate the hair. Combing a mane or tail with conditioner in it is the easiest way to work out tangles and avoid breaking hair. Human shampoos and conditioners work well but remember the perfumes can attract flies and bees.

Hair Polish or Detangler-This product works wonders for removing burrs. It also works well for touch-ups when you're short of time.

Halter and Lead Rope-Pick a strong nylon halter and lead rope to use when grooming manes and tails. Use a quick-release knot to tie in case your horse spooks.

Getting Started

To start, select a quiet, spacious area to groom your horse. If your horse needs to be bathed, the wash area is ideal. That way when you are finished, dirt and hair can be rinsed away.

Gather your tools in one area. A grooming tote or pail works to keep everything together and easy to reach. Start by washing the mane and tail, then apply a generous amount of conditioner and leave it to soak.

Starting with the top of the mane, use your comb to separate out small locks of hair, about the width of one inch. Bring out your brush and, starting from the bottom, comb out the section of hair. Combing small sections at a time helps work out the knots and tangles easier.

If the hair has too many tangles, use your fingers to work out individual hairs until the tangle is

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