[spiritpony]

I've been thinking that I have been looking at this short forelock puzzle from the wrong perspective. Maybe it isn't the nutrition that is the issue but the management.

For those of you who have horses with long forelocks, like at least down to the eyes, could you share some info?

What type of feeders do you use?
What type of hay dispensers do you use?
What type of fencing do you have, and if electric, how far from the ground is your first strand of tape or wire?

I ask this because I have a sneaking feeling that they are somehow rubbing them off or accidentally bumping the fence when browsing the edges of the dry lot, and the hair is breaking off as a result. (fried???)

The reason I've come up with this crazy idea is that years ago I had a lovely Arab mare that due to lack of room I had to sell. Several months later I had the opportunity to go and visit her and her new owner and I was flabbergasted at how long her forelock had grown, like almost to her nostrils. I could never figure out "why" the difference. Her new owner said she was not giving her any special supplements for the hair growth..........and my pony that I have had for just over a year came to me with a longer forelock than she has now

Just grasping at straws, I guess, but maybe I need to change my hay feeders (large tubs mounted on the floor, although I wasn't using them when I had the Arab) or do something different with my fencing.

Any input will be greatly appreciated

[AllAroundRdr]

Keep in mind, no matter how 'ideal' of a living area or feed program you have, some horses just don't grow forelocks (or manes, or tails). I have a mare in particular who has the ability to grow a horribly thick and long tail and mane, but virtually zero forelock. I've had her for almost 10 years and over the years she's gone from a metal feeder, to a half barrel on the ground feeder, to no feeder, to a corner feeder and nothing changed as far as hair growth. I can apply as much MTG or other "potions" and mixtures and the end result is still the same. -- God bless forelock extensions when it comes to showing!

Originally Posted by spiritpony

I've been thinking that I have been looking at this short forelock puzzle from the wrong perspective. Maybe it isn't the nutrition that is the issue but the management.

For those of you who have horses with long forelocks, like at least down to the eyes, could you share some info?

What type of feeders do you use?
What type of hay dispensers do you use?
What type of fencing do you have, and if electric, how far from the ground is your first strand of tape or wire?

I ask this because I have a sneaking feeling that they are somehow rubbing them off or accidentally bumping the fence when browsing the edges of the dry lot, and the hair is breaking off as a result. (fried???)

The reason I've come up with this crazy idea is that years ago I had a lovely Arab mare that due to lack of room I had to sell. Several months later I had the opportunity to go and visit her and her new owner and I was flabbergasted at how long her forelock had grown, like almost to her nostrils. I could never figure out "why" the difference. Her new owner said she was not giving her any special supplements for the hair growth..........and my pony that I have had for just over a year came to me with a longer forelock than she has now

Just grasping at straws, I guess, but maybe I need to change my hay feeders (large tubs mounted on the floor, although I wasn't using them when I had the Arab) or do something different with my fencing.

Any input will be greatly appreciated

[18thTomorrow]

hm. weird.

my horses both have really long forelocks...jez i have to braid it, otherwise it covers her eyes and cheeks entirely.

all of my management is really basic. I throw the hay on the ground. I give them feed in rubber pans on the ground. my fence is just plain electric wire and t-posts. The first wire is about 1.5 feet off the ground or so. i have one horse that literally kneels down to nibble grass under the fence, and i doubt she touches it at all but if she is, that's not affecting her at all...

sorry I can't be of more help!

[Fudge Lova]

some people prefer everything all natural so let it grow long,if u dont keep pulling it of corse its gng to grow long but within reason,i think thats a bit too long :P

[prairienights]

This picture is ugly, but you can see his forelock, it's pretty long.

He gets average quality hay, 2lbs of TC lite everyday, and turn-out 24/7. Our fences are just electric wire. I comb his mane everyday, but I rarely comb his forelock, just because I think it looks better messy, it looks too flat when it's combed. And I don't use any products for it. I think it's largely just genetics, he's always had a long forelock.

[GingerSnap]

I won't be of much help, because haflingers are known for there long manes and tails. But we do have hot wire and panels. I feed grass alfalfa mix and 2 cups of BOSS twice a day.



Picture on left is Libby as a 5 yr old, pic on right she's a yearling.

Still has tons of forelock

[naughtygirl]

Charlie has a long forelock and a super think mane, but his tail is horrible!!

Not the best photos, but ya get the gist

[haunani]

How often did you brush/comb her forelock compared to the new owner?

[PNHPlatinum]

I ride a 17 year old draft X mare that has one down to her nose!

What type of feeders do you use? she get a little handful of oats, litle scoope of vitamins and minerals and apple cider vinegar(not measured)

What type of hay dispensers do you use? They get hay on the ground

What type of fencing do you have, and if electric, how far from the ground is your first strand of tape or wire? It page wire is some spots, the rest is barb wire, 2 strands, its about 1 1/2 -2 feet from the ground

[babyruth]

Suri has got a great forelock! It was better before dad started landscaping it during the show season, but it is getting better again. She has such a thick mane and forelock and they grow fast and beautiful, but for some reason her tail didn't get those characteristics.

Her forelock will get blown over behind an ear and I swear she looks like a Donald Trump impersonator!