Horse Mane Thinning Comb? 102 Most Correct Answers

Is your horse or pony’s mane hanging on the wrong side or even on both sides? This is common, especially in horses with pony or draft horse bloodlines that have thick manes. Many horses have a mane that’s on the “wrong” side; How to tame a frizzy, two-sided mane so it lies neatly on the right side.

choosing the right side

In general, the mane that is on the right or offside is considered correct. If you enjoy horseback riding or perform in low-level shows, it may not matter which side your horse’s mane is on. At higher level shows where good participation is essential, your horse’s mane should lie flat on the right side of his neck. It may also need to be thinned and braided.

Teach your horse’s mane to lay properly before you thin it out, and you’ll have a little easier time getting it neat and even. Folklore suggests that a horse’s “handedness” is indicated by how the mane lies at the withers. If your horse’s mane is on the left at the withers, you may find that it works better on the left when riding. Alternatively, horses with right manes may perform better when riding on the right. However, changing the sides it lies on is unlikely to change your horse’s performance.

How to change the side your horse’s mane is on

Comb out the mane so that it is neat, free of knots and lies flat on one side of the horse’s neck. A conditioning spray can help loosen up tangles and prevent breakage, which can make a mane look frizzy. Once the mane is smooth, lightly dampen it (a sponge or spray bottle works well). Divide the mane up to the nape of the neck into about 1 to 2 inch wide sections.

Braid each section and secure with strong thread or elastic. You may want to pick up a packet of small braided elastics from your local tack shop. Do not braid the tuft of mane at the withers. It doesn’t matter if the braids look beautiful. They don’t even have to be particularly uniform in width or length; You only need them to keep the entire mane on your chosen side. The weight of the braids over a short period of time will encourage the mane to lie to one side.

After a week, pull out the braids, comb out the mane and, if necessary, re-braid it. Some thin manes will lay flat after a week, others may take a few weeks. If the braids fall out, start again by straightening and braiding the mane. If your horse has a particularly thick, untameable mane, the process can take much longer. It can be undone, so you may have to repeat the process from time to time.

This is the only time you’ll want to leave braids in your horse’s mane. Don’t leave the braids in and take them out occasionally for grooming, or leave your show-braided horse outside after the show is over. Leaving the braids in for long will cause the hair to break and tangle, giving your horse a frizzy, uneven mane. This doesn’t look pretty and will make you extra work untangling the knots.

MYTH: “Pulling a horse’s mane doesn’t hurt! They don’t have nerves in their hair follicles like we do.”

FACT: Horses have sensory nerves in their hair follicles. Mane pulling can cause discomfort or pain in horses.

While some horses are more tolerant of mane pulling than others, there are friendlier methods of trimming and thinning a horse’s mane. For example, backcombing the mane and then trimming the longer hair with a safe razor comb works just as well as mane pulling without causing pain to the horse. Here’s a clip of a mane being thinned out with a razor comb:

Here’s another clip (below) of the human mane trimming, showing the underside of the mane first being thinned out with a special tool before the mane is flipped back over to comb and trim. What is interesting in this clip is the behavior the pony exhibits once teasing begins: shaking its head, trying to move away while tied, tossing its head, biting the lead rope, threatening to bite the person, etc. All of these behaviors point to this out that the pony finds what is happening uncomfortable.

In this case, this may indicate a “pain memory”: the pony may have previously experienced traditional, painful mane pulling, and now (despite the considerate efforts of its handler to make grooming more comfortable) it expects pain when undergoing the procedure. In such situations, it is helpful to use counterconditioning to make the experience even more enjoyable for the pony. Counterconditioning is a technique used to alter an animal’s emotional response to a trigger. In this case, backcombing is the trigger that used to predict pain, and the pony still remembers. A counterconditioning program could be used to alter the pony’s emotional response, and teasing could begin by predicting treats instead. Counterconditioning is a useful tool to have in your training toolbox and it can be used to help horses overcome “pain memories” just like the ones we might see here.

For more information on this topic, see my British colleague Justine Harrison’s blog here. In this blog, Justine summarizes a forthcoming study that discusses signs of stress in horses that are being maned.

Until next time, please help bust this myth.

#doesmanepullinghurthorses #pullingahorsesmane #painmemoriesinhorses #horsebehavior #horsemyth

Jennifer specializes in articles about horse training, care and buying.

Fjord horse with its traditionally trimmed mane showing off the black and white striped self

Why trim a horse?

Horses are trimmed to make them look neater for the show ring and also for the convenience of their owners.

The following areas can be trimmed:

mane

tail

ears

whiskers

face

Legs

What is trimmed depends on personal preference and horse breed. (For example, trimming the legs of a draft horse is considered wrong.)

What to trim the mane with

In general, a horse’s mane is not trimmed to full length. Instead, the mane is thinned out or pulled with a pull comb.

Trimming the mane with scissors tends to make the mane tufted. It’s also hard to even get it. A trimmed mane can also stand upright on a maned hawk. (Some horses have manes that definitely don’t lie flat).

The bridle path

However, it is common to clip off a small portion of the mane behind the ears. This is called the “bridle path” and is designed to make the bridle easier to put on and take off.

Some people cut off as much as six inches for a bridle path. I personally think that looks really silly, but some swear by it.

Removing the mane

Finally, sometimes the mane is removed altogether. This is known as ‘hogging’ in the UK or ‘roaching’ in the US. Mane roaching can be done if the horse’s mane just doesn’t look good no matter what you do with it.

Also, some people believe that a horse with a combed mane is cooler and take it off for the summer. In Britain, hunting butts and working butts have traditionally had their manes combed to make their necks look more arched. Colored cobs, on the other hand, are always presented with a full mane.

The forelock is always removed in cockroaches, but may or may not be left in other breeds. Some people believe that removing the forelock makes the horse’s eyes more susceptible to insects. Mules are also traditionally cockroached as they tend to grow a thin, upright donkey-type mane.

In some breeds, the mane should remain “full”. This is commonly done in Arabians and is traditional in most northern European pony breeds, with standards specifying the maximum size of a bridleway as the only mane cutting, trimming or thinning permitted.

Dude String mules with three-layer tail Self

trimming the tail

Again some breeds shall be shown with a full tail. However, even in such breeds, it is normal to trim the tail just enough so that it doesn’t drag along the ground and get dirty.

Banged cocks

Most riding horses have their tails banged.

To hit the tail:

Have a helper lift the tail slightly.

Then wrap your hand around the tail about 4 to 6 inches below the hock and simply clip it straight.

The tail should be raised to allow the tail end to sit properly when riding. Horses raise their tails when they move.

Some people prefer to layer the tail on the side, which they feel looks more natural.

Pulling the top of the tail is sometimes done, but most people prefer the look of a full tail and braid it to show it off.

Other styles

Some draft horses have their tails shaved down to the dock. This is considered a more humane alternative to tail docking, and is intended to prevent the tail from snagging on a harness or farm machine.

Tail shaving is also traditional in thong mules. The term “shavetail” comes from the fact that a fully shaved tail indicates an untrained mule.

When handling big strings, shaving the tail in layers is still sometimes used to indicate the mule’s training or job:

Completely shaved for the untrained

One layer for pack

Two layers just for Wrangler

Three layers for dude mules

trimming the ears

Trimming a horse’s ears is somewhat controversial. Some people believe ears should never be trimmed. Others remove hair from both the outside and inside of the ear.

The traditional method, however, is to hold the horse’s ear together and trim off just the messy, excess hair.

Trimming the inside of the ear removes the horse’s protection from flies and can increase the risk of ear mites. A horse with trimmed ears should wear a fly veil when showing. It’s much easier not to trim the ear in the first place.

Trimming just the excess looks just as neat.

Trimming the whiskers

Horses have whiskers on their muzzle and around their eyes. While they’re not as long or delicate as a cat’s whiskers, they do serve a purpose.

However, many people clip their show horse’s whiskers off. I personally oppose the practice, although slight trimming for cleanliness is acceptable.

The horse needs them to navigate the stable in the dark, and they don’t look ugly with a full moustache. Of course, if you’re not showing it, just leave the whiskers alone.

Face trimming

Some horses grow shaggy hair under their chins and jaws. For shows, it is often advisable to cut off this long hair, which makes the horse’s head look more noble.

This hair can be trimmed with scissors or with small clippers, much like a dog’s.

Resident ponies should not have their face trimmed, and I wouldn’t trim if you have a horse that lives outside all winter as they will appreciate the extra warmth.

When using scissors, always use properly curved trimming scissors for your horse’s face, not straight scissors. It’s far too easy to accidentally stab your poor horse with straight scissors.

trimming the legs

All horses get feathers around their pastern. This feathering is traditionally removed from light horses. It is often very minimal and just looks messy.

Many people also believe that removing the spring reduces the risk of cracked heels or “mud fever” i. H. cracked skin on the back of the fetlock.

My personal observation is that if the horse is a draft horse or pony with a lot of feathers it is best to leave it on as moisture does not get to the skin, but for light horses it is best to take it off.

Draft horses and pony breeds should not have their feathers removed or trimmed in any way. Full feathering is part of the breed standard for these horses.

Some draft horses, ponies, and corncobs may have so much feather that you can’t really see their hooves.

This article is accurate and truthful to the best of the author’s knowledge. It is not intended to replace diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, prescription or formal and individual advice from a veterinarian. Animals showing signs and symptoms of stress should be presented to a veterinarian immediately.

© 2012 Jennifer Povey

Jess on November 24, 2018:

when to trim horse feathers

Anon on 04/01/2018:

While it’s okay to trim a horse’s tail to straighten it, PLEASE DO NOT trim your horse’s tail…. It’s there to help the horse in a number of ways, including fighting flies. No whisker cutting either. Illegal in Germany…

Jade0215 on July 02, 2012:

You have a lot of great information here, keep up the good work!

Ann1Az2 from Orange, Texas on July 02, 2012:

Very interesting! When we had horses I never trimmed my horse’s mane or tail because they were long and red. Sometimes I’ve cut a bridal path, but that’s about it. My husband’s horse that had Thoroughbred in him looked much better with a combed mane because it never lay flat. My son’s horse was a Paint (or Pinto) and his mane was long and beautiful, but it parted down the middle, half on one side, half on the other. My son liked it – that was the main thing! Aligned, interesting and useful.

sethpowers from Virginia on July 02, 2012:

Very informative, good job!

There are two main types of mane and tail combs – plastic and metal.

A comb is often used on the mane to remove tangles, but care should be taken to minimize pulling hair out of the mane. Knots or large tangles should be combed through and never clipped from the mane or tail.

Tails should be encouraged to grow long and full, so combs should not be used. A preferred method is to spray the tail with some type of detangling solution and then use the stiff brush or gently part the tangles with your fingers. Conditioners can also be used on the tail to keep it tangle-free.

For more grooming information, see How to Groom a Horse and Grooming for Success.

3. Nutrition – feed and supplements

If your horse is deficient in nutrients, this can delay regrowth and affect the condition of the mane due to a mineral or vitamin deficiency. To encourage regrowth, try using some supplements packed with goodness!

Another thing to check is the quality of the hay/haylage they are eating. Soaking your hay/haylage can sometimes pull the nutrients out of the forage. It can be difficult to find good quality hay/haylage all winter long. This is because crops and foliage are the worst. Therefore, using a dietary supplement may be the best answer to improve their diet.

Browse our dietary supplements here.

Browse our feed here.

4. Lichens!

A good way to keep your horse’s remaining mane from further damage is to keep it in braids. This can be difficult for those with very sparse manes, but try to work with what you have! For the areas of the mane that cannot be braided, we recommend not brushing or combing the hair. As harsh as this is (and however messy/shaggy the mane gets as a result), it reduces the amount of hair that falls out and also reduces scalp damage.

5. Avoid this while riding…

It is common for many riders to place their hands on a horse’s neck. Whether it’s because you’re a novice horseman, you’re on a relaxing trail ride, or you’re holding on to the mane while jumping. If you find that your horse’s mane is thinning or falling out, try to minimize contact with the mane.

6. Mane Conditioning Products

Using products for your horse’s mane will improve the quality of the mane from root to tip. Keep your horse’s mane in good condition to reduce damage and shedding! When using mane care products, avoid excessive brushing of the mane. You could maybe use your fingers instead for a softer touch.

Jennifer specializes in articles about horse training, care and buying.

Fjord horse with its traditionally trimmed mane showing off the black and white striped self

Why trim a horse?

Horses are trimmed to make them look neater for the show ring and also for the convenience of their owners.

The following areas can be trimmed:

mane

tail

ears

whiskers

face

Legs

What is trimmed depends on personal preference and horse breed. (For example, trimming the legs of a draft horse is considered wrong.)

What to trim the mane with

In general, a horse’s mane is not trimmed to full length. Instead, the mane is thinned out or pulled with a pull comb.

Trimming the mane with scissors tends to make the mane tufted. It’s also hard to even get it. A trimmed mane can also stand upright on a maned hawk. (Some horses have manes that definitely don’t lie flat).

The bridle path

However, it is common to clip off a small portion of the mane behind the ears. This is called the “bridle path” and is designed to make the bridle easier to put on and take off.

Some people cut off as much as six inches for a bridle path. I personally think that looks really silly, but some swear by it.

Removing the mane

Finally, sometimes the mane is removed altogether. This is known as ‘hogging’ in the UK or ‘roaching’ in the US. Mane roaching can be done if the horse’s mane just doesn’t look good no matter what you do with it.

Also, some people believe that a horse with a combed mane is cooler and take it off for the summer. In Britain, hunting butts and working butts have traditionally had their manes combed to make their necks look more arched. Colored cobs, on the other hand, are always presented with a full mane.

The forelock is always removed in cockroaches, but may or may not be left in other breeds. Some people believe that removing the forelock makes the horse’s eyes more susceptible to insects. Mules are also traditionally cockroached as they tend to grow a thin, upright donkey-type mane.

In some breeds, the mane should remain “full”. This is commonly done in Arabians and is traditional in most northern European pony breeds, with standards specifying the maximum size of a bridleway as the only mane cutting, trimming or thinning permitted.

Dude String mules with three-layer tail Self

trimming the tail

Again some breeds shall be shown with a full tail. However, even in such breeds, it is normal to trim the tail just enough so that it doesn’t drag along the ground and get dirty.

Banged cocks

Most riding horses have their tails banged.

To hit the tail:

Have a helper lift the tail slightly.

Then wrap your hand around the tail about 4 to 6 inches below the hock and simply clip it straight.

The tail should be raised to allow the tail end to sit properly when riding. Horses raise their tails when they move.

Some people prefer to layer the tail on the side, which they feel looks more natural.

Pulling the top of the tail is sometimes done, but most people prefer the look of a full tail and braid it to show it off.

Other styles

Some draft horses have their tails shaved down to the dock. This is considered a more humane alternative to tail docking, and is intended to prevent the tail from snagging on a harness or farm machine.

Tail shaving is also traditional in thong mules. The term “shavetail” comes from the fact that a fully shaved tail indicates an untrained mule.

When handling big strings, shaving the tail in layers is still sometimes used to indicate the mule’s training or job:

Completely shaved for the untrained

One layer for pack

Two layers just for Wrangler

Three layers for dude mules

trimming the ears

Trimming a horse’s ears is somewhat controversial. Some people believe ears should never be trimmed. Others remove hair from both the outside and inside of the ear.

The traditional method, however, is to hold the horse’s ear together and trim off just the messy, excess hair.

Trimming the inside of the ear removes the horse’s protection from flies and can increase the risk of ear mites. A horse with trimmed ears should wear a fly veil when showing. It’s much easier not to trim the ear in the first place.

Trimming just the excess looks just as neat.

Trimming the whiskers

Horses have whiskers on their muzzle and around their eyes. While they’re not as long or delicate as a cat’s whiskers, they do serve a purpose.

However, many people clip their show horse’s whiskers off. I personally oppose the practice, although slight trimming for cleanliness is acceptable.

The horse needs them to navigate the stable in the dark, and they don’t look ugly with a full moustache. Of course, if you’re not showing it, just leave the whiskers alone.

Face trimming

Some horses grow shaggy hair under their chins and jaws. For shows, it is often advisable to cut off this long hair, which makes the horse’s head look more noble.

This hair can be trimmed with scissors or with small clippers, much like a dog’s.

Resident ponies should not have their face trimmed, and I wouldn’t trim if you have a horse that lives outside all winter as they will appreciate the extra warmth.

When using scissors, always use properly curved trimming scissors for your horse’s face, not straight scissors. It’s far too easy to accidentally stab your poor horse with straight scissors.

trimming the legs

All horses get feathers around their pastern. This feathering is traditionally removed from light horses. It is often very minimal and just looks messy.

Many people also believe that removing the spring reduces the risk of cracked heels or “mud fever” i. H. cracked skin on the back of the fetlock.

My personal observation is that if the horse is a draft horse or pony with a lot of feathers it is best to leave it on as moisture does not get to the skin, but for light horses it is best to take it off.

Draft horses and pony breeds should not have their feathers removed or trimmed in any way. Full feathering is part of the breed standard for these horses.

Some draft horses, ponies, and corncobs may have so much feather that you can’t really see their hooves.

This article is accurate and truthful to the best of the author’s knowledge. It is not intended to replace diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, prescription or formal and individual advice from a veterinarian. Animals showing signs and symptoms of stress should be presented to a veterinarian immediately.

© 2012 Jennifer Povey

Jess on November 24, 2018:

when to trim horse feathers

Anon on 04/01/2018:

While it’s okay to trim a horse’s tail to straighten it, PLEASE DO NOT trim your horse’s tail…. It’s there to help the horse in a number of ways, including fighting flies. No whisker cutting either. Illegal in Germany…

Jade0215 on July 02, 2012:

You have a lot of great information here, keep up the good work!

Ann1Az2 from Orange, Texas on July 02, 2012:

Very interesting! When we had horses I never trimmed my horse’s mane or tail because they were long and red. Sometimes I’ve cut a bridal path, but that’s about it. My husband’s horse that had Thoroughbred in him looked much better with a combed mane because it never lay flat. My son’s horse was a Paint (or Pinto) and his mane was long and beautiful, but it parted down the middle, half on one side, half on the other. My son liked it – that was the main thing! Aligned, interesting and useful.

sethpowers from Virginia on July 02, 2012:

Very informative, good job!