by Deborah Messner

Created on: June 17, 2008   Last Updated: June 25, 2009

There is nothing prettier than a horse with a soft, flowing, luxurious mane and tail. Whether you are grooming your horse's mane and tail for the show ring or home, it's important to follow some important steps in getting that picture-perfect look.

Mane and tail health begins with your feeding program. Like humans, horses will grow better overall hair coats if their diet consists of good quality, essential nutrients. I have always had show horses, so keeping their diets as nutritionally balanced as possible has always been a priority. Feeding good-quality hay and grain is essential to creating the building blocks and proteins necessary for healthy hair. For active show horses, I often add a coat conditioning supplement to their feed, for those horses that need a little extra shine and boost. Some of my favorites are DAC Oil, HealthyCoat, and Super 14. Many coat conditioners are available at horse supply stores, and do wonders to help create a great foundation for a healthy mane and tail. Also be sure your horse is on a regular deworming schedule, to help reduce or eliminate tail rubbing.

Keeping your horse's mane and tail clean will also help in maintaining that soft, silky look. A gentle shampoo and conditioner used once or twice per week will ensure that your horse's mane and tail stay in top condition. Mane and tail hairs break much easier when they're dirty, so keeping them clean is essential to keeping them healthy, just like human hair. There are many good equine shampoos and conditioners available on the market. My favorites are Orvus Paste, Ultra Conditioning Shampoo, and Cowboy Magic. After 20+ years in the horse industry, I have yet to find a better all-around mane and tail conditioner than Cowboy Magic Rosewater Demineralizer and Conditioner. I don't keep any other kind of conditioners in the barn any more!

If at all possible, avoid brushing or combing a dirty mane and tail. If you're unable to wash and condition first, be sure to add a spray-in conditioner or detangler before attempting to brush or comb. Using plastic, large-toothed combs are the best way to avoid as much breakage as possible. Horse mane and tail brushes are fine to use, as long as you start at the bottom and work your way slowly toward the hair's source to minimize breakage. If you have large snarls or wind knots in the mane or tail, try using a little baby oil to soften the bad area, or put conditioner directly on the snarl and work slowly through, just like you would your own hair,

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