How to wash a mane and tail

Keeping manes and tails washed and conditioned on a weekly basis will help to minimise hair loss, particularly when looking after long and full manes and tails.  Brushing out will become effortless rather than becoming a mammoth job!

How to wash a mane and tail

1. For best results use warm water. Not only is this more pleasant for the horse, but it will help to lift the grease and dirt more effectively than when using cold water.
2. Choose a good quality horse shampoo for washing. We have a great selection of shampoos to choose from that will condition the hair as well as wash. Lavender shampoo is one of our favourites, as well as being effective it is gentle on sensitive skin.
3. Damp the mane and tail and then apply shampoo directly to the mane if particularly dirty or dilute by squirting into a bucket of warm water. Massage in well, getting right into the base of the mane and tail.  Rinse off and towel dry.  A second wash may be required if the mane or tail is particularly dirty or stained. 
4. Comb the mane gently through using a mane comb, this will encourage it to lay over to the correct side. Apply plaiting wax or a gel, to encourage a smooth finish and add extra hold if the mane is looking like it will have flyaways.  Apply Tame the Mane once the mane is dry and brush through one more time.  This will give it a final condition and will make it easy to brush through on a daily basis.  Apply every Tame the Mane every few days and in between wash times.
5. For tails, spin the bottom half of the tail to remove as much of the water as possible and towel dry. Apply a tail detangler, to make it easier to brush through. We recommend Smart Grooming’s Xtreme Detangle.  This will make it easy to detangle all long hair and is particularly good on tails. Use a Mane and Tail brush that has soft teeth, so that they don’t tear the hair.  Hold the tail near the bottom and brush a small section, gradually working upwards.  This way you won’t pull out precious long hair.  Apply a further spritz of Xtreme Detangle once the tail has been worked through and give a final brush out.
6. If the tail is tidied, or shaped in any way at the top, apply a tail bandage to encourage the hair to lie down smoothly whilst the tail is still damp. Remove after an hour to check the shape and tidy accordingly if required.