Horse's mane: what is it for, how to braid and cut, care rules

Horse's mane is a hairline that runs along the entire body of an animal: from the back of the head to the tail. Responsible for several important functions: from protective to aesthetic and decorative. In order for the mane to look he althy, it needs regular quality care. This is daily cleaning, washing, cutting and even styling. The correct implementation of the full range of procedures is a guarantee of the he alth of the animal's skin.

Why do horses have a mane

The main function of the hairline on the horse's body is protection from external influences. At the same time, the mane acts as a decorative element, an indicator of thoroughbredness and an indicator of the he alth of a horse.

Details of the protection function:

In winter, it protects the horse's skin from hypothermia.
Absorbs sweat in summer, saves from overheating (fanning, the horse cools down).
Repels flying blood-sucking parasites.
Protects against moisture during heavy rainfall as hair repels water.

Another function is decorative. At exhibitions and hippodromes, people always pay their attention to the beauty, length, and grooming of a horse's mane. Also, on the basis of its condition and quality, the presence / absence of diseases, features of the diet, content are determined. Therefore, a horse's mane is one of the main indicators of an animal's he alth.

Basic care rules

Under the dirty, tangled, unkempt strands of the horse, a favorable environment is created for the active growth and reproduction of fungal and other harmful microorganisms. Therefore, regular care is required for reasons of hygiene and he alth.All procedures should be performed in a clean, well-lit and spacious area.

Cleaning

Held daily. Necessary attributes - a comb, a brush with natural bristles, a napkin or a microfiber cloth. Before cleaning, the horse's mane is carefully examined, lumps and tangles are manually straightened, specks, straws, and other debris are removed. Then they are divided into several small strands, each combed separately with a special comb.

Indicators of a good comb:

gaps between teeth;
rounded ends;
suitable material is wood;
complete absence of notches, sharp elements.

The horse's mane is carefully combed with a comb. After he began to freely pass through the horse hair, take the brush. The procedure is completed by treating the skin under the scruff with a damp cloth.

Wash

Veterinarians recommend washing horse hair only when it is heavily soiled. The approximate frequency for working horses is 1 time in 14-15 days, for horses - no more than 1 time per month. This procedure is mandatory before scheduled exhibitions or competitions, but it is not recommended to wash the animal more than once every 5-7 days.

Special products are needed for high-quality and complete cleansing. Women's shampoos and gels are not recommended for animals, as they dry out the skin.

More easier to wash by helping with the brush and watering the horse with a hose. All strands should be thoroughly washed and rinsed, combed after drying. Additionally, the mane can be treated with conditioner or add 2-3 drops of any natural oil to it. In winter, washing is prohibited, the alternative is regular wiping with a damp cloth or soft brush.

Additional procedures

To make the horse's mane look more beautiful and attractive, you can cut it, style it or make an original hairstyle. Each procedure requires patience and accuracy from a person.

Haircut

There are several haircut options - cardinal, original or regular alignment of the ends. Horse hair is quite coarse, so it is better to use well-sharpened garden shears or any large scissors. It is not necessary to completely restrict the movement of the animal during the procedure. It is enough to tie it with a chain link (the cord is no longer than 2 m).

It is recommended to trim a horse after running or other physical exertion: at this time, the pores are enlarged, the pain threshold for accidental hair pulling is significantly reduced.

Cutting technique:

Wet the strands lightly beforehand.
Present the end result. Keep in mind that the hair will become a little shorter after drying.
Start from the back of the head.
Smooth transition to new areas - withers, back.
Cut the main length.
Then carefully examine the result, remove all irregularities.

Original haircuts - curly patterns on the horse's mane in the form of a zigzag, checkers, hearts. To cut a horse like this, you will need experience or special skills.

How to braid

They braid the horse's long hair to protect it from various mechanical damage. It is important to check the condition of the braids daily, weave them at least 2 times in 7 days. To make the strands more manageable, it is recommended to use compositions with a conditioning action (for easier combing).

Hairstyle variations:

Braids. Classic variant. You can make one in the center or several on the sides. Weaving is standard: divide the mane into 3 strands, alternately intertwine with each other. For fixing, take ribbons or elastic bands.
Western hairstyle. Separate a few thin strands, secure them with elastic bands at the root zone. Next, put on a few more pairs of elastic bands along the entire length, keeping the same gaps between them.
"Hunting". At the base there is a different number of strands, but strictly a multiple of 3. Each curl is braided into a braid with a ribbon, the end of the braid is masked inside the next one.

To add volume to horse hair or make it wavy, it is enough to braid classic braids at night, and in the morning unweave and comb them. For the best effect, the mane should first be slightly moistened with water.

A horse's mane performs aesthetic and protective functions.The hairline protects the skin of the animal from hypothermia, overheating, heavy rainfall, blood-sucking insects. In order for the mane to reliably perform all functions, it is important to regularly wash, clean, and comb it. To give an attractive or unusual look, you can make a haircut or braid the mane.