Mane and tail
( number of products: 11 )
Caring for a horse's mane and tail comes down mainly to detangling, and before competitions plaiting is added to that. Detangling is made easier by a mane and tail conditioner for horses, which also gives the hair shine. Doctor Horse makes it as the Mane & Tail spray, in a classic version and with glitter. LiK mousse makes button plaits easier to put in, and silicone bands secure the finished plaits.
Mane and tail conditioner for horses
Mane & Tail conditioner is a vegan leave-in spray. The silicone oil emulsion forms a smooth layer on the hair that reduces friction and prevents tangling, while panthenol smooths and strengthens the hair. As a result, knots are easier to comb out, the hair is soft and shiny, and dust clings to it less. The conditioner works on both dry and damp hair, so it can be used straight after a bath.
Spray the mane and tail generously and evenly. After about 2 minutes you can start combing, gently, from the ends upwards. Do not brush the dust off the horse at that point, because it would stick to the damp conditioner. The conditioner is also suitable for the longer hair on the legs.
Mane & Tail with Glitter cares for the hair in the same way, but also leaves a fine silver glitter on it that shows in sunlight and under camera flash. On black and bay horses it gives a subtle sheen, while on greys and palominos the effect is more noticeable. It is a version for everyday use as well as for competitions, shows and photo shoots. Together with five shades of glitter mist and the hoof oil with glitter, it makes up the Glitter Set. For a horse with particularly sensitive skin, a patch test before first use is a good idea. Both conditioners are available in 500 ml and 100 ml sizes.
Plaiting a horse's mane for competitions
When plaiting, the hair often slips and escapes from your fingers. Vegan LiK mousse contains acacia resin, which binds the strands together, so they are easier to hold. It does not set straight away, so the plaits can be adjusted without hurrying. Nor does it stick the hair stiff or leave residue, and once the plaits are undone the mane only needs brushing through, as long as not too much mousse was applied. It is particularly handy with a mane that is thin, slippery or freshly washed. It should be applied to a dry mane, though, because on wet hair it can become diluted and hold the plaits less firmly. LiK mousse, dry shampoo and silver glitter mist are also included in the Grey Horse Competition Kit.
A finished plait is secured with a silicone band. Unlike ordinary elastic bands, it does not catch in the hair and pulls out strands less often. The bands come in four colours, 500 bands to a pack. White and clear suit light manes, black suits black and bay horses, and brown suits chestnuts. Plaiting one mane into button plaits takes 15 to 40 bands, depending on the length and thickness of the hair.