Manes - silly question

[Solveig]

Ok this is a silly question really but i have always wondered...
Is there a reason why we train a horses mane to lie on the right? I know tradition says so - but my last mares mane was on the left when she was young so i trained it (with lots of hassle) to sit on the right.
Now my new youngsters mane is the same and im thinking why fight with nature - will i be frowned upon for having it on 'the wrong side'?

 

[Damnation]

I was told that because we do most things on the left side of the horse the mane sits on the right to stay out of the way.. correct me if I'm wrong

 

[hadfos]

Have no idea,lol!!I am of the impression that lay it on the side it lays best,or you will always be fighting a mess!

 

[richjpeckham]

Tradition and practicallity I think. But who cares - I've got a mare and hers just goes bushy if you try and comb it to the correct side, always has!! Unless it really bothers you, let it hang where it likes!

 

[ann-jen]

I think it was to do with cavalry soldiers - they usually carried a sword in their right hand and the reins in the left hand and so the mane was trained to the right so it didn't get tangled in the reins.