Help! Something destroying my horse's mane

[Fimbacob]

I have a traditional cob that I have started showing, so I really want to keep his mane in good condition. Last week I noticed a small chunk was only about an inch in length, but I could hide it with the rest of his mane but this morning about four to five inches of mane along his neck is now an inch short, but it is odd as it is underneath the long bit of mane and it doesnt look rubbed or anything. Could it be his field buddies as I have noticed them allogrooming. Would it be ok to do sausage plait and put cribox on it? Bagging his mane would last 5 minutes. Any other ideas??? Please help before he ends up bald!!! Thanks!

 

[WelshD]

Id say the first suspicion would be that he is rubbing it, my sweet itch pony arrived with a very blunt short mane in places where is tail looked obviously rubbed the mane didnt.

Ive never seen an adult horse chew anothers mane but guess its plausible - sheep and goats might if there are any around but i would imagine there to be some matted bits left

Could someone be snipping at it? Horsehair is popularly used in hair extensions - though theyd be more likely to take the lot or the tail

 

[mandwhy]

My 6yo haflinger has done the same to my 2yo welshie's mane, a few inches at the bottom. I think I'm going to try some sort of bitter tasting spray on it, bless them its nice that theyre grooming but I'd rather Manes stayed in tact!

They both rub a little bit on post and rail fence as well, by putting their heads through.

 

[mrsdoubtfire]

My greedy welshie has pulled out most of his mane by reaching through the fence to try and get some grass. His mane was really beautiful, but now it is about 1" long all the way up, my fence however is adorned with lovely grey hair!!

 

[Fimbacob]

Thanks for the replies. His boundaries are mostly hawthorn hedge and I have searched all perimeter for hair but only found a couple of strands. Have plaited up and coated in cribstop so will assess the evidence in the morning. Really hope this will crack it! I certainly hope no one is snipping at it WelshD, thats a scary thought!

 

[xxcharlottexx]

The pony stabled next to my horse insists on chewing/grooming my horses mane/top of neck when they groom each other so I wouldnt rule out his field buddies!

 

[Mardy Mare]

I bet its his field buddies too. I'm trying to grow my mares mane and she has a short bit a few inches up from her withers- hers is definitely from grooming!