A tail grows back slowly, so every hair you pull out is missed for months. Mane and tail care is therefore mainly about detangling gently and protecting. In this collection you will find sprays, combs and bands to do that well, and for plaiting before a competition.
Detangling without damage
Work from the bottom up. First spray a detangler into the hair, let it soak in briefly and separate knots with your fingers. Only then use a comb or brush, starting at the ends. Never pull hard at the root.
Excellent Horse Detangle & Shine Spray comes in five scents (Creamy Coconut, Floral Vanilla, Lavender Fields, Sweet Watermelon and Tropical Dreams), in 50 and 500 ml, and as a gift set with five small bottles. Hi Gloss Hair Wax helps smooth down stray hairs.
Combs and bands
- Mane comb from Vplast in 100 mm (blue, green, pink, black) and 200 mm.
- Bands in silicone in white and black or in rubber, and Excellent Horse Rubber Bands in rainbow and black. Silicone bands are easy to roll back off without pulling hairs out.
- Curry comb with mane comb on one handle, handy in the grooming box.
Plaiting for a competition
For dressage, manes are often plaited into buttons, and sometimes for show jumping too. Choose bands in the colour of the mane for a neat result, or eye-catching colours for a clinic or show. Cut the bands afterwards instead of pulling them off. If you want to finish the look further, you will find stencils and glitter in show preparation.
Points to note
If your horse rubs its mane or tail bald on fences and trees, it is often a sign of itching. A detangling spray will not solve that; see care for itching and sweet itch and consult your vet. Shine spray makes hair slippery: do not apply it to the saddle area.
Related: grooming supplies and shampoo and coat care. The complete care range is under horse care.
Frequently asked questions
Can I brush my horse's tail?
Yes, but only after you have loosened the knots with detangling spray and your fingers. Start at the bottom and work calmly upwards.
Which bands are best for plaiting?
Silicone bands hold well and are easy to remove. Rubber bands are stiffer and are better cut than pulled off.
Why no shine spray under the saddle?
Shine spray makes the coat slippery, which can cause a saddle or saddle pad to slip.