How to keep a long mane in good condition?

MrsElle

MrsElle

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Chubby Chops has long flowing locks, that, if they belonged to a human would be in dire need of a good trim :D We are talking faded, dry ends, and the whole lot just looks a bit raggy.

Any tips on keeping a long mane looking sleek, shiny and healthy?
 
Good feeding. Hair grows from the inside. You can try some human hair conditioner on the ends, or baby oil. And not brushing it helps too, finger-pick the tangles out.
 
Cortez, what do you use, or recommend feeding? :) BOSS? Flax? Corn oil?
 
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Deffo linseed/flax. Seaweed supplements worked well for general wellbeing and especially coat condition when I was in US (think it was called "Source").
 
Both of my boys have long good thick manes.

What I find best is to keep them plaited (in lots of plaits). I undo and wash every 2 months approx. I just use normal tesco shampoo (88p!) as go through so much :D then I use Eqyss products (as no silicone etc!).

Feed wise - I only give them HiFi and vit/min supplement. Seems to be good enough for mine.

Here are their manes.....





 
Sorry don't have anything to offer, but I'm very interested to see any advice, we have a cob with flowing locks, a bit dry at the moment but they have grown tremendously in the 2 years we've had him (fed hay/haylage and a couple of carrots and a salt lick). My biggest worry is that when he goes out full time this weekend some lovely pony will chew it off!!! (he's currently turned out with my snobby mare who tolerates him as a field companion but wouldn't chew his mane). I'm a bit scared to plait them for any length of time because he likes a good scratch and again I'm scared of them snapping off.
 
fishy said:
Sorry don't have anything to offer, but I'm very interested to see any advice, we have a cob with flowing locks, a bit dry at the moment but they have grown tremendously in the 2 years we've had him (fed hay/haylage and a couple of carrots and a salt lick). My biggest worry is that when he goes out full time this weekend some lovely pony will chew it off!!! (he's currently turned out with my snobby mare who tolerates him as a field companion but wouldn't chew his mane). I'm a bit scared to plait them for any length of time because he likes a good scratch and again I'm scared of them snapping off.
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A few people have said this about plaits, but I have never had this problem. You just make sure they are NOT tight at the top of the plait so it is pulling on their crest (as that makes them annoying for them).

I also use hoods, the lycra headless Snuggy Hoods are great. So in winter my gelding has one on under his combo rug (as he is a mud montster and loves to rub his neck into the ground!).
 
I use Fructis Sleek and Shine for dry/damaged hair Shampoo and Conditioner on my Clydesdale - her mane is around the same length as yours. Wash with the shampoo and then condition with the same. Leave in for around 20 mins before rinsing out.
 
Thanks all, and lovely photo's SpanishNeddy :)

I will try plaiting, I think it will give some relief when it is hot too, all the horses I have had with heavy long manes have got very sweaty underneath when it is warm. Will also try various shampoos and conditioners, see what will work for us.
 
I used to coat in baby oil which did the job in winter but I use argan oil now (they sell it in Aldi for 3.99 and lasts ages!) Which really makes a difference to dry brittle ends, it is lovely. I have never done a proper wash on it (might do now it is properly warm) and definitely minimise brushing, just pick tangles out. Use a razor comb dragged down the hair to take off the worst ends.

I also feed linseed even if just a small handful when they can't have too many excess calories.

I do get bits broken by saddle and rugs though so shorter at that end but think I'm gonna have to live with it!

I find leaving it loose better than plaiting, she lives out if that makes a difference. I do sometimes do plaits for fun and leave them for a day or so and nothing terrible happens though!
 
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