How to Take Care of Your Horse’s Thick Mane
Thick manes are often a grooming challenge – mainly because they tend to act like two or three manes instead of one. They are also a bit trickier to braid, trickier to train to one side, and trickier to keep clean. But there are some things for making a wacky thick mane more manageable.
Do these things with a thick mane:
- Bridle path. Any mane is going to create a lump under the crown piece of your horse’s bridle. A thick mane makes an even bigger lump, so clip that bridle path! It’s a lot more comfortable for your horse.
- Keep the mane as clean and slick as possible. But not so slick that your reins are slippery. A clean and slick mane tends to be more controllable and not so wild by laying a bit flatter.
Some options for managing a thick mane:
- Roach it. Getting rid of all of it might be the most comfortable thing you can do, especially in summer!
- Let it grow long. The longer a mane is, the easier it is to tame to one side, if you’re into that sort of thing.
Long-ish and loose braids. Very helpful for riding, and taming the mane to one side.
- Keep it loosely braided. Think mane taming braids, but for mountains of hair. Wide and loose braids are comfortable and keep things contained. You may want to use human hair ties instead of braiding elastics for extra oomph.
I like to use human hair ties, if I need more I can check the cat’s stash of them under the furniture.
- Thin it out. This means pulling. There are TONS of techniques for shortening manes, but only one way to truly thin it out – and that’s by pulling. I owned a horse would fall asleep during a mane pulling sesh. Other horses, not so much. Decide if this is right for you and your horse, and proceed accordingly. Tons of info on mane maintenance here, and check out the videos below for ideas, too.
- You can also use one of those solo combs to thin the mane without pulling, but I think the base of the mane gets wild with this technique. You are essentially buzzing some of the mane at the base, which leaves a lot of really short hairs. This definitely works for some horses, though!
- Do nothing. There’s something to be said for a bit of chaos atop your horse’s lovely neck. And, it gives you something to hold onto if you need it.
Click these links to shop for horse supplies. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases, which are not a penny more for you. I couldn’t be more grateful for your support! You can also visit my Amazon storefront here: PEG storefront.
Brighten duns, palominos, and golden colors.
For dark bays, black points, and black horses
This waterproof tail bag is especially great for white and gray tails.
Gentle and effective detangling for your horse's mane and tail.
Protect your horse's tail during travel.
Cover scars and enhance your horse's color with this medium brown shade.
Omega 3's plus gut health support in a delicious cold milled flax formula. It's delicious and it will turn your horse's coat into a mirror.
Use code LIV for savings at wahlpro.com
- Cordless 5-in-1 clipper for precise finishing work on horses
- Adjustable blade (#9, #10, #15, #30, #40) for flexible trimming
- Lightweight design for easy control and less hand fatigue
- Dual batteries with quick swap for extended grooming time
- Quiet, low-vibration motor for sensitive horses
- Ideal for bridle path, face, ears, muzzle, and fetlocks
Use code LIV for savings at wahlpro.com
- 2-speed motor (6000 & 8000 RPMs)
- 4-hour cordless runtime + corded option
- 5-in-1 Diamond Pro blade stays cool and sharp
- Textured housing for comfortable control
- Travel lock for safe transport
- LED screen with speed, battery, and maintenance info
Use code LIV for savings at wahlpro.com
- Powerful motor glides through coats
- Textured grip for better control
- Up to 3 hours cordless + corded option
- Digital display with battery + maintenance alerts
- Travel lock for safe transport
Use code LIV for savings at wahlpro.com
- Upgraded brushless motor (3,700 & 4,500 RPMs)
- Textured housing for secure, comfortable grip
- Constant Speed Control powers through thick or matted coats
- Corded + cordless use with quick-charge battery
- Up to 2 hours cordless runtime
Use code LIV for savings at wahlpro.com
- #10 Prime Series German high-carbon steel blade for durability
- LOCKGUARD tech prevents hinge closure for easy blade changes
- Lightweight, slip-resistant design for better control
- Constant Speed Control powers through all coat types
Use code LIV for savings at wahlpro.com
- Powerful, quiet motor with 7,200 SPM and reduced heat
- Adjustable cutting lengths (#30, #15, #10) for versatile clipping
- Lightweight design for controlled grooming and finish work
- Ideal for fetlocks, bridle path, face, ears, and detailing
- Includes adjustable blade, blade oil, and cleaning brush
Use code LIV for savings at wahlpro.com
- Powerful motor up to 6,000 SPM with cool, quiet performance
- Up to 2 hours cordless runtime with Lithium Ion battery
- Quick-adjust blade (#10, #15, #30) for flexible cutting lengths
- 15-minute quick charge gives ~10 minutes of extra use
- Ergonomic design for comfort and control during grooming
These wildly powerful shears are great for thick coats, and when I say thick, I mean it.
Use code LIV for savings at wahlpro.com!
- Keeps blades lubricated for cooler, smoother cutting
- Helps blades stay sharper for longer use
- Recommended after each use for best performance and longevity
Use code LIV for savings at wahlpro.com
- 2-minute hospital-grade disinfectant for fast, effective cleaning
- Kills bacteria, viruses, and fungi on contact
- EPA-certified formula for trusted disinfection
- Safe for grooming tools and workstation surfaces
Choose your size and use code LIV for savings at wahlpro.com!
Use code LIV for savings at wahlpro.com
Use code LIV for savings at wahlpro.com
- Glide-through cutting for smooth, efficient clipping on all coat types
- Easy detachment and adjustment (#9, #10, #15, #30 & #43)
- Always cool-running blade set for consistent performance
- Ideal for bridle path, ears, muzzle, fetlocks, and finish work on horses
Use code LIV for savings at wahlpro.com
- Powers through all coat types with 3 high-speed settings
- #10 Prime Series German high-carbon steel blade for durability
- LOCKGUARD technology prevents hinge closure for easy blade changes
- Replaceable drive tip system for quick, simple maintenance
- Rubberized no-slip grip for comfort and full control
- Lightweight design built for all-day grooming use
Use code LIV for savings at wahlpro.com!
Use code LIV for savings at wahlpro.com
Use code LIV at wahlpro.com for savings!
- Includes #10 wide Prime blade
- LOCKGUARD technology for secure blade hold
- Two speeds (3,000 & 3,700 RPMs)
- Two lithium-ion batteries, up to 3 hours each
- Wide blade version of the KM Supera
Thank you!