What should I do with my horse's mane this summer?

Question

I live in Australia, and we're coming into the hot weather now. I've got a gelding with a very thick, dense mane.. and he's been sweating under it during the winter. My problem is, I don't know what to do. Should I cut it, or hog it, or leave it long so he can shake away the flies? I've only had him for 6 months, so I'm not sure what he goes through. I will continue riding, so would he be more comfortable if it was shorter?

I don't care what his mane looks like, I just want him to be in as much comfort as he can be in the heat.

Thanks. ^^

Answer 1

My mare has a very thick mane also, I pull it to shorten it and thin it. It wouldn't be wise to hog it, he needs it especially during summer to help with flies.

Some horses don't like their mane's being pulled throughpast bad experiences or not doing it correctly, I think you can get thinning combs (kind of has a blade in the comb) that thin the general thickness of the mane. You should be able to get them from your local tack store / saddler.

Pulling is where you hold small sections and tease the shorter bits up and litterly pull the longer bits out. If you're not sure it's best to ask someone experienced in doing it as you can upset your horse if not done the nice way. I do mine once every couple of weeks, just a little at a time so she doesn't get upset and so I don't hurt her.