horse/hair people: mane/tail question.

[Ginevive]

I want to do something with Emma's mane to improve its appearance. Admittedly, I haven't run a comb through it in months; bodily grooming and hoof picking, yes. Mane doting, no. Now, I don't know where to begin. I have a botle of that Fiebing's coat-shine stuff, but that seems to be more for afterwards.. and it'll probably be too cool out to bathe her with any shampoos. Any ideas as to where to go with this wild mane? She grows out a nice long one compared to many mares I've seen, but I want to make it at least sort of tame.. any advice on mane-pulling or easy-to-find at-home remedies would be appreciated. A pic:



tail:

[wolfy-hound]

First comb through it gingerly, to avoid removing any more hair than absolutely neccessary. I used Glo-Coat which is carried by PetEdge.com and it is a great detangler. Anyway.. once the mane is thoroughly combed, brush it for a while until it looks nice and smooth, then begin pulling a few hairs at a time on that longest section until it looks more even, and less scraggley. That one longer section will make it look kind of scraggley which is why I reccomend pulling it a little to shorten it. I would not reccomend clipping a longish bridle path, as her neck would look strange.

[Ginevive]

Well, I made good progress! I used the Fiebing's stuff, and combed through it with a regular brush, doing the "bottom to top" thing that I do on my own hair. It now feels all slick and shiny. I did let them out afterwards, because it stopped raining, so she'll probably roll in mud and ruin my hard work; but they're horses, you know? I hate when people treat their horses so artificially and don't let them be animals. I don't mind them rolling all they want; I can always clean them up.
I didn't pull any as yet; still naturally long, but it looks better and no dreads.. didn't tackle her tail yet, lol.
Cuesta's mane just sort of naturally stays a uniform length; and her tail, smoeone chopped last fall at a riding camp where she lived.. idiots. It is now growing out a bit though.

[Laooda]

I love "Show Sheen"... Alot of the stuff on the market will yellow a white M/tail.... That's awsome stuff to use after you get the tangles out... It'll keep stuff from sticking, staining their hair! GREAT on their body's too! Mud will brush right off... Just don't hop on bare back after you use it.... trust me! lol

[Ginevive]

I know the stuff you mean; it makes the hair all nice and shiny and repels stuff; it actually feels slippery afterward. This stuff I had is OK; not as good as Cowboy Magic, the last stuff I used, but this stuff really made detangling easier (the Fiebing's.)
My best friend came over yesterday and helped me give both of them makeovers, lol. She was never a horsey person and to see her having this much fun and she can't wait to come back; is she visiting me or the horses? lol. I love a rainy day when they're in their stalls and you can just mess around indoors w/ manes, tails, hoof polishing, etc. I am pretty weird w/ horses; most people are into riding more, but I am into the whole care/management thing alot more!

[little angels]

i would comb out the mane then pull it up (i have to say im a big believer in short pulled manes) i was always thought to do it straight after u exercise ur horse as the hair comes out easier and less painfully..also id to a little everyday not all in one g once u got it the desired way its easy to keep it neat