Dry, Brittle Mane and Tail

[zingomom]

Hi all,

I need a bit of advice from all you Kiger experts. Banner's mane and tail are very dry and brittle, so even though I've been using loads of different conditioning products on him, the hair continues to break off. Because he's also had dry, flakey skin in those areas, I had him on sea kelp for a few months and that seems under control now. A lot of my neighbors have suggested that I just don't brush him out for awhile, but since his favorite activity besides eating and getting into things is rolling, he's a mess! I know flax seed and biotin are supposed to help, but there are a million products out there so I was hoping you all could recommend something that actually works. Thanks for the help! --Carol

[dunbnwild]

I've had good luck with the Eqyss products-(black bottles with neon writing)-mine used to rub their manes and I used the itch stuff--and it worked quickly. It's a gel so it is a little messy.

One of my show friends taught me that when combing manes and tails you should use a product like Cowboy magic--rub it through the hair and then gently finger comb until your fingers slide through smoothly before using a comb on it--to never just start combing or you'll pull out and break the hair. It does make the mane and tail look awesome.

[DianneC]

I'm not sure about using human products on horses, but hair is hair I figure. I got a new product at Hairmasters called "It's a 10". My hairdresser said that it was very popular and I like it. I bought a bottle and used it on my horses' manes and tails too. Its says use it on wet hair, but theirs was dry. They didn't like the fragrance much, especially the boys...too sissyfied for them. But it worked great. Its supposed to: repair dry, damaged hair, add shine, detangle, control frizz, seal and protect hair color, prevents split ends, stops hair breakage, creates silkiness and enhances natural body. Probably makes you smart too. Several horses, Quil especially, have lots of hair with a little curl in their tails that makes brushing them out a pain, several days later they were still not in a tangle.

[zingomom]

Thanks for the tips. In addition to using topical conditioners, I am also thinking about trying a supplement called Omega Horseshine. I've heard it can also really help. Has anybody used that before?

[DianneC]

I've used it and it really does make them glow. The real benefit is all the omega 3s in it and its anti-inflamatory properties. I didn't notice a difference in manes and tails but wasn't looking for that. It does make sense that it would help.

[Michelle Clarke]

I use about a cup of black oil sunflower seeds and 1/4 cup whole flax six times a week in everyones feed. I use it for nutritional benefits, but everyones manes and tails are slick and shiney plus their coats repel grime and dirt is easy to brush off. Skin and hair are a direct reflection of what is going on inside the body, especially if there is a deficiency. If you are feeding anything with molasses or soy, you are feeding against yourself for healthy hair. Molasses will cause "grease" to appear along the roots of the hair and that leads to flakiness and summer itch. Alot of horses are allergic to soy, so that will also show up - I've seen that mostly manifest as dryness.

[zingomom]

Thanks Michelle. I also have my crew on a cup of black oil sunflower seeds daily, but haven't yet tried flax. My quarter horses had noticeable improvement in their manes and tails after a month or two on the sunflower seeds, but there's been no change to Banner yet. We don't use any soy-based products so it's not that, but I have been known to give the occasional molasses cookie out as a treat, so maybe I'll switch back carrots again and see if that helps.

Banner's coat is glossy and beautiful, and his hooves are nothing short of amazing. It's just his mane and tail that are so brittle. I also believe there might be some sort of nutritional deficiency going on. I just can't quite figure out what it is. It's quite frustrating, but it's nice to be able to get solid tips and ideas from you all.

Thanks again. --Carol

[angelsdream]

Have you tried Chia Seed? Has loads of Omega 3 in it, which helps the mane/tail just shine and helps keep from getting tangled up cause it's so slick. Has loads other benefits as well! You should check them out!