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  Discussion on Rubbed out mane
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New Member:
bcreaves

Posted on Friday, Feb 23, 2007 - 5:27 pm:

Can anyone offer suggestions to prevent rubbed out mane areas? I've got a gelding who always thinks the grass is greener on the other side of our pipe fence and every spring-fall has a 6 inch bald spot right on his lower neck where his neck rubs the pipe. He doesn't rub anything as if he's itchy. This truly only happens from putting his head though the fence trying to get at what must be much better grass in his opinion. Short of running a hotwire all the way around at that level, does anyone have other suggestions? Has anyone tried those stretchy neck covers? I'm not currently showing him, but would like to and at this point I've either got to show a horse that looks seriously goofy, or roach his mane, which I also think looks a bit odd.
Member:
judyhens

Posted on Saturday, Feb 24, 2007 - 12:30 am:

Hi Caren,
Welcome! We also have Andalusians in Texas and have experienced the exact same phenomenon. With mares we roach anyway prior to the show season. The stallions present a much bigger problem. You really want that mane long and flowing for the shows. We put a strand or two of hot wire on the paddock fences and it seems to work. Each stallion has an acre or so. We have pipe fence also, with some cables and ended up putting up five foot horse wire to (hopefully) solve the problem. Initially our ranch was on the coast and the humidity played a roll in their itchiness. Which doesn't sound like your horse's problem anyway. Now we are in central Texas (near Austin) and life is much easier re: pretty manes and tails! We have tried those stretchy neck covers (Sleezys I think). They managed to wear through those rapidly. Braiding only allowed them to rub out large areas quicker. Hot wire and or horse wire has largely solved our problem.

Good luck! Where are you located? If you are ever in our area, you are welcome to come by and see our horses. Aren't Andalusians wonderful?!!!!!

Judy
https://www.ranchodellago.net/
New Member:
bcreaves

Posted on Saturday, Feb 24, 2007 - 8:32 am:

Thanks, Judy! My folks are in Wimberley, not too far from you. I'd love to come down and visit your ranch!! We're in Bartonville, just south of Denton.

I have so enjoyed our Andalusians, but haven't yet ventured to show in the breed shows. My background is Combined Training/Jumping, although I've also developed an interest in Reining/Cutting. When I was a kid I remember seeing roached manes on occasion, but haven't seen one in a long time in the show ring. I know it really isn't of big significance in performance classes, but I just really prefer a tidy mane to a roach. I have a feeling hotwire will be our best solution, too. Thanks for the advice!
Member:
cspanhel

Posted on Saturday, Feb 24, 2007 - 9:26 am:

A friend recommends using those spot on fly repellants, and when we tried it with my stallion, it did seem to work. I've also tried a mixture of baby oil and listerine rubbed into the crest of the mane, but that didn't work very well, though provided some relief from itching. Low tree limbs are a big problem for me...and if not limbs, then the trunks. Too many trees to trim or fence off...

I am near Wimberley--may daughter goes to school there, so please stop by when you down this way!

cynthia
Member:
judyhens

Posted on Saturday, Feb 24, 2007 - 10:02 am:

Good morning Caren and Cynthia!!!! Caren, Cynthia has an Andalusian with one of the longest manes I've seen. You would enjoy seeing her horses also.

Reining is definitely entering the Andalusian world. Have you gone to the National show in Ft. Worth? You will see many different disciplines there. There is also going to be a regional show in Ft. Worth later this spring. You might want to attend that also. There are usually demos on Sat. night which are great fun.

Errr...three of our sons are doctors also (family practice, dermatology, and a resident in anesthesiology). Two of them are pretty tired all the time! One youngest has a passion for horses and will always make time for them. I would think in your field, evenings and weekends might be tough for riding....

Come visit!!!

Judy
https://www.ranchodellago.net
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