To trim or not to trim: what suits your horse's mane?

Why horse owners trim manes

The most commonly cited reason is practical: long, full manes get tangled in the reins, matt in wet weather, and take a lot of time to brush. Especially with sport horses worked daily, a short or thinned mane wins out over a decorative flowing one. Dressage horses traditionally have a plaited mane, which requires hair roughly 10 to 15 centimetres long. Show jumpers more often go with a short clipped or pulled mane of 4 to 6 centimetres. Outside of sport, personal preference is the biggest factor — there is no medical reason to trim unless the mane is causing skin problems.

Clipping, pulling, or thinning?

There are three widely used techniques, each with its own pros and cons:

• Clipping with scissors or clippers: quick and easy, but produces a blunt, less natural result.
• Pulling (pulling comb): removes hair from the root, giving a thinner and more wavy result, but can be uncomfortable for the horse.
• Thinning with thinning scissors: a good middle ground, less taxing than pulling, suitable for horses that don't tolerate pulling.
• Razor comb: a popular alternative to pulling, produces a similar effect without tugging at the hair.
• Leaving it completely alone: a perfectly fine choice for breeds such as Friesians, Andalusians, and Icelandic horses where long manes are breed standard.

When is trimming not a good idea?

For some horses and situations, it is wiser to let the mane grow. Horses kept outside without a rug use their manes as protection against rain and cold — particularly along the neck. In winter, a full mane provides insulation that you shouldn't simply remove. Horses with thin or slow mane growth also need careful handling: aggressive clipping or pulling can slow hair growth even further. Show classes often have specific rules as well; always check the class requirements before you trim.

Keeping the mane in good condition

• Comb the mane at least 3 times a week with a wide-toothed comb to prevent tangles.
• Use a detangler or mane oil sparingly — too much product makes the hair greasy and brittle.
• Braid the manes in loose plaits for horses kept out in the field to prevent the hair from breaking.
• Rinse the mane thoroughly after washing; soap residue irritates the skin and causes flaking.
• Check the skin under the mane regularly for tangles, fungal issues, or eczema, especially during damp periods.

Tracking mane growth in your horse profile

Changes in mane growth or quality can be a sign of a deficiency in biotin, zinc, or protein in the diet. By keeping care notes in the EquiSight horse profile, you can quickly spot whether there is a pattern behind any issues. Record when you trimmed, which products you used, and whether there were any skin problems. If you have doubts about nutrition or health, you can ask targeted questions through EquiCoach based on your horse's profile.

A practical step-by-step guide to trimming

Trimming for the first time? Follow these steps:

• Step 1: Determine the desired length based on discipline — 4–6 cm for jumping, 10–15 cm for plaiting in dressage.
• Step 2: Wash and fully dry the mane; wet hair cuts unevenly.
• Step 3: Comb out all tangles before you begin.
• Step 4: Cut in small sections from back to front, checking the length regularly.
• Step 5: Avoid thin patches by not cutting too deeply into one section — work in layers.