Horse anatomy
Mane
The hair along the top of the neck. Protects the neck and helps with bugs.
A closer look
The mane is the long, coarse hair that grows along the top of the neck, from the poll to the withers. It usually falls to one side, and its length and thickness vary a lot between breeds. A short section just behind the ears is often trimmed so the halter and bridle sit smoothly.
Why it matters
The mane helps keep flies off the neck and gives some protection from sun, rain, and cold. Mane care is also part of show preparation, where manes may be shortened, braided, or banded depending on the discipline.
Care tip
Detangle the mane with your fingers before brushing, and hold the hair near the roots while you work out knots so you don't tug on the horse. A little horse-safe detangler can help with thick manes.
Common mistake
Yanking a comb straight through a tangled mane breaks the hairs, and mane hair grows back slowly. Work from the ends toward the roots in small sections.
Fun fact
Przewalski's horse, a rare horse from the grasslands of Mongolia, has a short mane that stands straight up, a lot like a zebra's.
Related lessons
In the news
Recent Horse Academy stories on this topic.