Most, if not all of our employees here at Big Dee’s are true horse-people. Meaning they have owned, worked with, and/or show/shown horses. Many have been involved in the horse industry for numerous years. Within that knowledge, we’ve all had personal experiences with horse related products. We know what products really work and we want to share our experiences with our customers!
Big Dee’s Marketing Assistant, Mollyann Piunno was excited about sharing her two favorite products that she uses to help keep her Gypsy Stallion, FF Chavo, looking like “Fabio!”
FF Chavo as a 3 y/o, before discovering Omega Horseshine!
Growing out Mane & Tail
Having a “hairy” breed in which mane, tail, and feather are important staples within the breed standard, I have tried several different products in effort to find the best match for my Gypsy Stallion. I wanted to touch on two products that I feel contribute the most to my stallion’s beautiful hair. I freely admit that when I run out of either of these products, panic soon follows! They are that good! Since I’ve been called upon on several occasions by our showroom staff to come to the showroom to help a customer with questions on hair care, I feel it only appropriate to start with a review of my two favorite products.
A 5 year old Chavo & Mollyann
Hair Growth
The most important aspect in getting a horse’s mane and tail to grow is to maintain the proper balance of moisture and nutrients needed for healthy hair growth. One product that I use to provide the needed nutrients for a healthy coat and skin is Omega Horseshine made by Omega Fields. I am really big in trying to find the most natural products for my horses, especially when it is something they are going to be ingesting. I feel I’ve hit the jackpot since I started using Omega Horseshine.
This non-GMO all natural product supplies a positive punch of vitamins and minerals that every horse can benefit from. Not only does it restore and promote strong solid hoof growth, soothe aching muscles, strengthen the immune system and helps prevent sand colic, but it also provides the powerful nutrients for growing a healthy coat and keeping skin smooth and properly moisturized. Everyone that I have suggested this product too has told me that they see a huge difference in as little as 2 weeks!
Mollyann & Chavo, with Dressage Trainer, Victoria Patterson-Pirko AFTER discovering Omega Horseshine!
Grooming
Aside from regular grooming and bathing, the single most important topical product that is absolutely vital in keeping my stallions mane, tail, and feather looking luxurious in the show ring is Carr & Day & Martin’s Canter Mane and Tail Conditioner. Not only does this product keep him tangle-free, but is adds a layer of shine while truly conditioning the hair. What sets this product apart from some of the other mane and tail products is that this product is one of the few detanglers made without any drying agents. Many horsemen do not realize how important it is to use a product that doesn’t contain silicone based products when you are trying to promote hair growth.
While silicone products DO add a high level of gloss and shine, they do so by coating the hair follicle with a form of liquid plastic. This coating actually traps air and moisture out, which prohibits the hair from gathering the proper level of moisture for healthy growth. In turn, prolong use of these kind of products will actually cause breakage and become counter-productive when trying to grow a long and luxurious mane and tail.
Chavo at age 7. (Note: Chavo’s feathers are clipped off in this picture)
I have a QH gelding that has lost a lot of the hair on the top of his tail due to being “denerved” before I bought him – any recommendations on what might help it grow back.
Hi Michelle, thank you for reading our blog and your inquiry! Before trying to offer any suggestions, do you mind answering a couple questions about your gelding? How long have you owned him? Do you happen to know if the “denerving” was a permanent block? Sometimes with permanent denerving, there is significant buildup of scar tissue at or around the dock of the tail. And while I hate to be the bearer of bad news, where there is scar tissue, you will find that hair cannot grow because the hair roots/follicles have been permanently damaged. If you are unsure whether the procedure was a permanent “denerving,” there is a fairly easy way to determine the answer to this. Temporary “denerving” typically lasts for about 6 months, so if you have owned your gelding for more than 6 months and this hair loss has not improved at all since you’ve owned him, the “denerving” was likely a permanent procedure. However, IF you haven’t owned him for very long, and you know that the procedure was temporary, there is still hope! What products, if any, have you already tried and for how long? Did you see any results, even if minor?
~Mollyann
I have found genetics to be the most important factor regarding a horse’s ability to grow a long mane and tail.
The second most inportant factor is diligent care on the part of the owner to protect the hair grown by grooming regularly and using wraps, etc. to protect the hair.
The third and least important to my way of thinking is the “brand” of “product” used for washing, grooming and maintenance. Two of my favorites areold standbys–MTG by Shapley’s and Healthy HairCare Moisturizer.
These two products have been around a long time beause they WORK. They are reasonably priced as well.
As far as shampoos go– I use Orvis Soap– another old time favorite. I realize that you all carry many different brands and need to sell your stock. But my money is on th old favorites.
So glad to read your thoughts Mrs. Hamilton AND that you took the time to read mine! 🙂 We are like minded! 🙂 Yes, first is genetics, if it is in their genetic make-up, then they have the ability to have it. If not, then the best one can do is to make sure they get the proper nutrition and grooming to help them grow what they are genetically capable of.
I love MTG! I use it to protect my horse’s feather and skin during the winter and muddy season! It is amazing stuff, it keeps the snow and mud from clumping and breaking off the feather, plus the sulfur keeps the skin healthy and fungus free!! The only downside, in my opinion, is it smells terrible and is hard to apply, but I will continue to use because it is well worth the results!
I also use Orvus Paste in my “Secret Whitening Shampoo” recipe and I recommend it often to people looking to deep clean, but I also recommend to follow it with some kind of conditioner as I have found, at least with my own horses, that it can be a bit harsh when used straight.
I tried Healthy Haircare Moisturizer, but it just wasn’t compatible for my horse. 🙁
~Mollyann
I have a kiger mustang,with string Andalusian and Spanish barb lines,with a full thick main,I had just got,into riding him about months ago,and . I thought’thought’ my brushing it would help maintain it RIPPING HALF OF IT OUT OVER TIME! X( including he gourgous highlights,its jet black with caramel streaks,,I started using MTG today and will keep you guys posted with before and after pics, I am only able to see him a few times a week, I made an arrangement for him to not be out in the new mexico sun all day ,by having him n his own stall, I was wondering if there is something else I should do besides hand brushing and using the MTG for now? 🙁
Also he does have a small bit of feathering behind his hooves, I wonder if I could grow that out? ,if you Google ‘Kiger mustang’ you can see what I mean, he has striped legs,and a strong sloped nose and a thick main ,that I have ruined 🙁 I hope to bring it’s Andalusian charm back,his name is Mario
Most people will put a long mane in protective braids and undo them once a week to was, condition, and deranged. Brushing often is not recommended, as you can do more harm than good. The tail is best kept in a tail bag. Keep in mind this regimen is for horses who are stalled. I would not recommend leaving your horse in a pasture with braids as they can get them caught in fences.