Horse Mane and Tail Info

A horse's mane is the hair growing from its neck, and includes the forelock.

It is believed by some that one of the functions of the mane is to keep a horse's neck warm. It also helps protect the horse against flies.

The mane is usually much thicker than the horse's overall coat. Some breeds of horses, and some individuals within breeds, have significantly thicker manes than others. Some show horses have manes that reach almost to the ground!

It is possible for a determined owner to greatly improve any horse's mane, even one that is thin or scraggly in appearance. For tips on this, see related lenses listed below.

A horse's tail is in many ways more important, and more expressive, than the tails of some other animals.

Anatomists say the tail is an extension of the horse's spinal column, and, indeed, it contains a series of vertebrae -- up to 18 or more. Horse tails also consist of muscles and their ligaments, arteries, skin and hair.

The hair of a horse's tail is interesting. It is made of keratin, and is closer in substance to our fingernails (or to its own hooves) than it is to the hair on our head. A strand of horse tail hair contains three distinct layers; the middle layer governs whether the hair curls or is straight -- this, in turn, is mainly dictated by the breed of horse.

Like that of the mane, a horse's tail is capable of being greatly enhanced in appearance by its owner.

The length and fullness of a horse's mane and tail are determined by genetics to a great extent. Many horses, though, have a genetic potential that is not being fully expressed. A knowledgeable owner who can bring out this potential in a horse can astound people (including competition judges!) with the magnificence that was inside the animal, just waiting to be discovered.

Careful grooming and general good care are the first steps toward enhancing a horse's mane and tail.

Once you are satisfied that you are keeping your horse in tip-top condition, health-wise, and providing proper care of its mane and tail (as well as the rest of its coat, of course) you can look into adding special nutrients to its diet and topical solutions designed to aid in hair growth.

The resource given in my "big arrow" link below describes how one horsewoman has made an art of growing manes and tails, even on average horses, that take people's breath away. Please check it out if you are interested in doing the same.

Sometimes, despite our efforts, a horse's mane and tail become quite damaged looking. There may be thin patches, bald spots and areas of distinctly uneven growth. Such damage can be caused by the horse itself.

Horses will wear down or tear out their hair, including in their mane and tail, by scratching against things. A common but often overlooked reason is ticks, mites, or fungus on the skin. Worms and other internal parasites can also cause the skin to itch and the horse to scratch to try to relieve the itching. If you find stray horse hairs on objects such as trees or fences, that's a sign that your horse is scratching itself.

When your horse's mane and tail simply won't grow out like you think it should, check for scratching and the parasites that cause it. Ask your veterinarian to help diagnosis this and to provide the appropriate remedy.

Once you understand the importance of a horse's mane and tail, and learn how to bring out their maximum beauty, you might discover that your knowledge is worth money.

People who make themselves experts in growing "unbelievable" manes and tails on their horses are able to purchase average or nondescript animals and sell them later for considerable profit. At the very least they in a position to offer their mane-and-tale expertise to other horse owners, who may be quite willing to pay for it. If you've ever wished you could make money from your love of horses, it's something to think about.