How do I wash my pony's thick mane?

Question

How exactly do I go about washing a very thick mane? Any advice at all will be greatly appreciated!

Answer 1

As you can see these are pics of my neddy's mane and its very thick...

http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m266/...

http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m266/...

I've previously used the 'Champion Tails' silver shampoo which is bright purple when it comes out but is fantastic for grey/ coloured horses and really brings back the whiteness but also adds a shine too.

When it comes to a show I wash his mane a couple of days before and focus on getting the roots clean and grease and dirt loose.  I then do it on the night before and stable him with a neck cover.

On the second wash, I start with his mane before any other part of his body.  I apply the shampoo and water as normal and once he is all soaped up and its is lathered up as much as I can get it, I run my hands down his neck and so his mane is lying all together on top of itself at the highest point of his neck (A bit hard to explain but hope you understand what I mean).  This makes it a lot easier as it is all gathered together and not all over the place.  It also keeps it as damp as possible as strands arent lingering to dry out.

I leave his mane in this position while I work the shampoo into his hair and its a nice break for him and me from the freezing cold hose - plus he loves the massage.

I then move onto all his tail and do the same and then finally work on his legs and body.

When it comes to rinsing I leave the mane until last.  Once this is the only part of him left to rinse I add more shampoo to his mane and lather up again using more water and once i'm happy i've got it all clean I then rinse it all out.  As the shampoo has had the chance to work at the grease and dirt for a while he should come out sparkling :)

Once he's in and drying out I use Eqyss Survivor degtangler which smells wonderful.  It isnt full of chemicals and does wonders with even the most knotted hair without leaving a synthetic feel on the hair.

Hope this helps and good luck!