A horse's individual hairs are broadly known as horsehair, while distinct collections of hair on the horse's body have specific names such as the mane and the tail.
Understanding Horsehair: A General Term
The term "horsehair" generally refers to the hair collected from a horse, typically from the mane or tail, after it has been shed or shorn. This natural fiber is known for its strength, elasticity, and durability.
Horsehair has been utilized for centuries in various applications:
- Upholstery: It provides firm, resilient padding for furniture, known for its longevity.
- Brushes: Used for artistic paintbrushes, specialized cleaning brushes, and even shaving brushes.
- Textiles: Woven into fabrics for specific garments, wall coverings, and decorative items due to its unique texture and sheen.
- Musical Instruments: Crucial for the bows of string instruments like violins, cellos, and basses.
Specific Types of Horse Hair on the Animal
While "horsehair" is the material, the hair on a living horse has different names depending on its location and characteristics.
The Mane
On horses, the mane is the hair that grows from the top of the neck of a horse or other equine, reaching from the poll (the top of the head) to the withers (the ridge between the shoulder blades). This significant growth of hair also includes the forelock or foretop, which falls between the horse's ears and onto its forehead. The mane serves several purposes, including providing protection from insects and the elements, and in some wild equines, it plays a role in displaying health and vigor.
The Tail
The tail of a horse consists of long, coarse hair that grows from the dock, which is the bony part of the tail. Unlike the mane, which grows continuously from the neck, the tail hair can reach considerable lengths and often sweeps the ground in un-trimmed horses. The primary functions of the tail are to swat away flies and other insects, and it also serves as a vital communication tool, expressing the horse's mood or intentions.
The Body Coat
The body coat refers to the shorter hair that covers the majority of the horse's body. The texture, length, and density of this hair vary significantly depending on the horse's breed, season, and climate. For instance, horses develop a thick, insulating winter coat in colder months and shed it for a finer, shorter summer coat. The body coat provides insulation, protection from minor abrasions, and contributes to the horse's overall appearance and health.
Other Notable Hair
- Feathers: Some horse breeds, particularly draught horses like Clydesdales and Shires, have long, silky hair on their lower legs and fetlocks, known as "feathers."
- Whiskers (Vibrissae): These are stiff, specialized sensory hairs found around the muzzle and eyes, which aid the horse in navigating and sensing its environment, particularly in low light.
Practical Insights and Uses of Horsehair Material
Beyond its natural function on the horse, horsehair is a valued material in various industries. The type of hair collected often dictates its use.
| Hair Location | Characteristics | Common Uses (after collection) |
|---|---|---|
| Mane | Typically shorter, coarser, and slightly wavy | Brushes (scrubbing, shoe polish), mattress stuffing, insulation |
| Tail | Longest, strongest, straight, and resilient | Musical instrument bows (violins, cellos), upholstery, weaving for durable fabrics, fishing line, artificial hair for dolls |
| Body Coat | Finer, softer, and much shorter | Padding, felt production, less common for direct fiber use compared to mane and tail hair |
Maintaining a Horse's Hair
Proper care of a horse's hair, whether it's the mane, tail, or body coat, is crucial for its health and appearance. This involves regular grooming routines:
- Brushing: Daily brushing removes dirt, debris, and loose hair, distributing natural oils for a healthy shine.
- Washing: Occasional bathing with specialized shampoos helps keep the coat clean, especially for show horses.
- Conditioning: Products designed for manes and tails can prevent tangles, breakage, and promote healthy growth.
- Trimming/Clipping: Manes are often trimmed or "pulled" for aesthetic purposes or practicality (e.g., to prevent interference with riding equipment). Tails are often trimmed to prevent them from dragging on the ground and collecting debris.
