How to Train Your Horse's Mane to Lie Flat on One Side

Is your horse's or pony's mane hanging on the wrong side or even on both sides? This is common, especially in horses with pony or draft horse bloodlines that have thick manes. Many horses have a mane that is laying on the 'wrong' side; here's how to tame a frizzy, two-sided mane so it lays neatly on the correct side.

Choosing the Correct Side

Generally, the mane laying on the right or offside is considered correct. If you pleasure ride or show in low-level shows, which side your horse’s mane lies on may not matter. At higher level shows, where good turnout is essential, your horse’s mane should lie smoothly on the right side of its neck. It may also need to be thinned and braided.

Teach your horse’s mane to lie correctly before you thin it, and you’ll have a little easier time getting it neat and even. Folklore suggests that a horse's 'handedness' is indicated by which way the mane lies at the withers. If your horse’s mane lies to the left at the withers, you may find that it works better to the left when ridden. Alternatively, horses with their mane lying to the right may work better to the right when ridden. Changing the sides it lies on won’t likely change your horse’s performance, however.