Looking to grow a long, healthy mane and tail for your horse? I asked my fellow horse owners on Facebook & Instagram for their best-kept secrets, and in this post, I’m sharing the top methods they swear by! From diet and supplements to topical treatments and braiding techniques, here’s everything you need to know to help your horse’s hair thrive
But first, a quick disclaimer: I am not receiving any sort of compensation, monetary or otherwise, for naming any products listed in this post. Always do your own research and consult a vet before adding supplements or making changes to your horse’s care routine.
Diet: The Foundation of Hair Growth
First and foremost, your horse must have a healthy, balanced diet. This could mean different things for different horses, depending on their age, breed, weight, activity level, etc. Just the same as humans, don't go adding supplements before you assess their diet. Supplements are meant to supplement.
Top Rated Supplements
Suggested dose: 1-2 oz per day (adjust for your horse’s weight)
Promotes stronger hooves and hair growth
Be sure to research dosage for your specific horse
Supports both hoof and hair health
Often combined with other supplements for best results
A supplement that includes both gelatin and biotin, plus added vitamins
Highly rated by users, but pricier than other options
Consider trying gelatin or biotin first before investing in this
More than just a hoof & coat supplement—also contains:
Vitamins & minerals
Joint support
Probiotics & prebiotics
Topical Solutions
One of the best detanglers on the market
You will find it at nearly any tack store!
Listerine Original (the brown one) + baby oil 50/50:
Listerine helps kill fungus and dandruff
Baby oil keeps skin moisturized
Many owners apply this mix each time they redo their horse’s braids or bags
Works as a detangler and leave-in conditioner
Alternative to Healthy Hair—try both and see which works best for your horse!
Protective Methods: Bags, Wraps, & Braids
The best method depends on:
How much time you can dedicate to hair care
Your horse’s breed/genetics for hair growth
Your discipline (e.g., reiners often keep manes braided full-time with weekly re-braids and keep tails free flowing unless they're being worked)
Whether your horse plays in turnout (prone to rubbing/breakage)
Braiding & Rebraiding
Many horse owners braid their horse’s mane & rebraid weekly, applying moisturizer each time
Helps protect the hair from knotting and breaking
Tail Knots: A Step-by-Step Guide
This method shortens the tail to prevent stepping & breakage while still allowing movement.
Wash & Condition – Start with a clean, moisturized tail.
Section & Knot – Take small sections (~¼ inch) and tie them into figure-eight knots.
Secure – Tighten each knot and wrap with vet wrap to keep it in place.
Weekly Maintenance – Brush and apply conditioner to the free ends as needed.
Repeat – Re-knot as necessary for continued protection (usually monthly)
What this does is shortens the tail so it doesn't get stepped on & ripped out, but also allows your horse to still have some tail to swish flies with. The knots also add a little bit of weight that may aid in growth.
A protective wrap that helps prevent breakage
More secure than a traditional tail bag
Traditional Tail Bag:
Keeps the tail protected but needs to be redone frequently
DIY Tail Boot:
Braid your horse’s tail
wrap the braid up similar to this demonstration by the Tail Boot company here
Instead of using a tail boot, tie twine (about 3 feet long) into the braid
Wrap the tail with vet wrap to hold everything together
The twine allows your horse to swat flies while protecting the tail
Free-flowing:
Some of the best tails grow untouched
If you go this route, detangle & condition when necessary
Forelock Care
Forelocks require extra care, as they are more delicate than the mane and tail.
Avoid braiding or banding small forelocks unless it’s for a show
Treat long forelocks the same way you care for the mane
In summer, check if the fly mask rubs against the forelock, this can thin it out over time
Overall, keep them moisturized, cross your fingers, and pray every night for growth.
My Final Thoughts
Start simple—choose one or two products to test.
Ensure your horse’s diet is well-balanced before adding supplements.
Decide if you want a low-maintenance or high-maintenance hair care routine.
If you don’t see improvement in 6+ months, try a different method!
The best thing you can do? Stay patient, be consistent, and experiment until you find what works for your horse.
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