by Kathy Webb

Created on: December 31, 2006   Last Updated: May 26, 2010

A long flowing, shiny mane and tail is a worthy goal for every horse owner. In reality, achieving that goal can be very difficult, even seeming impossible at times. Horses, like other types of livestock, love to roll in the mud, wander through weeds and underbrush, and rub on the occasional available fencepost. These natural behaviors can easily devastate manes and tails. But, never fear, no matter the climate you live in, or how your horse is kept-stabled or pastured-there are several things you can do to help preserve those fragile manes and tails. If done consistently, you will see, over time, the growth of the long and flowing tresses you hoped for.

One thing you need to realize is that that "100 strokes each night" advice may be good for little girls, but it is definitely not great for horses. Even careful brushing will inevitably break and pull out hairs from your horse's mane and tail. There are times of course when you will want to brush, such as before a show, but limit these times as much as possible. A once a month shampoo (during the warmer months) can be a good time to remove tangles. Carefully shampoo your horse's mane and tail with a horse product of your choice. Make sure to rinse all the soap from his hair when you are finished. Apply a good cream rinse-Suave works well-or use a horse detangling rinse. After three to five minutes rinse well. Allow the mane and tail to dry completely. When it is totally dry, apply a good detangling spray such as Showsheen or Johnson and Johnson's. Then carefully and gently brush the hair using at least as good a quality hairbrush as you would use on your own hair. Do not force the brush through tangles; carefully pick these apart by hand.
Harsh winter weather can be very hard on your horse's mane and tail. Dry cold temperatures can cause the hair to become very brittle and break easier than usual. Allowing mud to dry in manes a tails is the perfect way to ruin a great tail. Mud drys out the hairs, creates impossible tangles and makes it especially easy for hairs to catch on fences, gates, and buckles. Keeping the tail wrapped during winter turnout will go a long way to helping you keep your horse's tail long and beautiful.

Using a tail bag or wrap can be a good way to prevent tangles and breakage any time. Catalogs and tack store carry several types of wraps. Many work well, but all tails should be unwrapped, lighty shook out, and rewrapped at least once each week. This practice will help prevent breakage before

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