Horse anatomy
Forelock
The hair that falls between the ears and down the forehead. Helps keep bugs away from the eyes.
A closer look
The forelock is the part of the mane that grows from the poll and falls forward between the ears onto the forehead. Its thickness depends on the horse: some ponies and draft breeds have long, heavy forelocks, while others have short, thin ones.
Why it matters
The forelock gives a little shade and helps brush flies away from the eyes. It also sits right where the bridle's browband goes, so it needs to be neat and untangled for the bridle to fit comfortably.
Care tip
Work out tangles with your fingers first, then use a soft brush or wide-toothed comb, starting at the ends. When bridling, pull the forelock out over the browband so it isn't trapped against the skin.
Common mistake
Cutting a forelock very short to make it tidy removes some of the horse's natural fly protection. Always ask the owner first; many prefer to thin it gently or braid it for shows.
Fun fact
Some horses have a very thick forelock!
Discussion
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