Detangle with fingers first, work from the bottom up, use a detangler, and avoid over-brushing. Keep the skin clean, protect against rubbing, and be patient, since hair grows slowly.
Detangle gently
Start by separating knots with your fingers, then use a brush or wide-toothed comb from the bottom of the hair upward in small sections. Ripping a brush from the top down tears out hair and thins the mane and tail over time.
Use a detangler and the right tools
A spray detangler lets the brush glide through and reduces breakage. A soft brush or your fingers is kinder than a fine metal comb for everyday care. A good grooming kit includes suitable brushes for mane and tail work.
Keep the skin healthy
Thick hair means little if the skin underneath is itchy or dirty. Wash the mane and tail dock occasionally with a gentle equine shampoo, rinse well, and dry the dock. Persistent rubbing usually points to sweet itch, lice or a dirty, sweaty dock rather than a grooming issue.
Protect against rubbing and breakage
Fly control cuts the tail swishing and mane rubbing that cause bald patches in summer. In muddy or thorny turnout, some owners plait or bag the tail to protect it. Do not braid too tightly or leave plaits in for weeks, as this stresses the roots.
Be patient
Mane and tail hair grows slowly, so length comes from protecting what is there rather than forcing growth. Good nutrition supports strong hair, and gentle, consistent care does the rest.
