Mane/Tail Advice for my Mare?

I am looking to grow out and improve the health of my mustang mare Gypsy's mane and tail. She has a nice, thick tail, however it's as long as I would like it to be. I have braided her tail and put it up in a tail bag without vetwrap because it caused her to lose some hair when it got wet last year. I let it out every week or so. The tail bag doesn't really stay on though, however!





Her mane is very thick and often ends up on both sides of her neck. However, it is puffy and crazy! I used Show Sheen and Cowboy magic all last summer because I didn't know of its silicon content. So, it has gotten pretty dry. :( Also, she rubbed out a small chunk of mane, and I am not sure what to do! She won't be shown until late spring/early summer, so I have some time to get her mane even.







My main problem is that Gypsy lives outside 24-7 and it FREEZING here, so washing her would be impossible. Also, she has never been blanketed because she grows a thick winter coat already. Any suggestions would be appreciated, but PLEASE excuse her condition in these photos! It's winter, and I only get out to the barn about once a week with school. Thanks! -Julia (and Gypsy )

You're right she does have a lovely thick tail and mane! MTG works wonders and is worth every penny in my opinion. Also you could try working some MTG into her tail then bagging it. Bags are easy to make and relatively inexpensive to buy, and they are worth their weight in gold!

Good luck! I'm sure the other members here will have tons of great advice. Welcome to the board!

Thank for you the welcome :)

I found M-T-G for sale on this website for cheaper than anywhere else I've seen it. http://ozbo.com/076022-Original-M-T-G-Cond-Oz.html

Is this a reliable website? Has anyone used it before? I'm only questioning it because I've never heard of this site, the the price comes to only $20 with shipping!

Hmm I haven't used them before but you can't go wrong with sites like Horse Tack, Horse & Equine Supplies - Statelinetack.com or Horse Supplements, Equestrian Clothing & Horse Tack - SmartPak

Oh thank you, that's perfect! I forgot to check State Line Tack, it's almost as cheap there anyways!

Just bumping this thread to ask what the best mane, tail, and coat care products are to use. I'm looking for a shampoo and conditioner (or combo if that's best?) Since my mare is a dark bay/black, I would like her to stay a little darker in the summer, so I have been looking at the Gallop color enhancing shampoos. Has anyone used them?

I use Shapeley's (sp?) Mane-And-Tail shampoo and conditioner and it's worked very, very well for me in the past. You can buy it at the local wal-mart in the pet area... it's usually around the dog shampoo, and it can be used on people's hair as well.

Oh, okay thank you! Is that the same maker of M-T-G? I will have to check that out.

My M-T-G finally came in the mail today, and I can't wait to use it tomorrow! How do you apply it? Does anyone have any tips or tricks? Is it okay to apply in the cold? (I live in WI.)

You canwear gloves to apply it (I don't, the smell doesn't bother me). Shake it up really, really well, and just make sure you get it down to the skin so it will encourage hair growth. You can also put it all over the mane and tail (which is what I do).

I usually apply it in the afternoons. It has sulfer in it (I think) and it can burn them if it's applied and then left in direct sunlight... so I usually apply it when the sun is setting.

You can use it once a week (which is what I do when I use it) or everyday, though it is very greasy... I use it year-round (not constantly, but I use it just whenever I feel like it, hot weather or cold weather... in fact, I used it on my gelding just earlier today...).

You may wantto do a skin test first, just put some on the tailbone (or somewhere) and keep an eye on it for a day or so for an allergic reaction before you use it all over...

And yes, I'm pretty sure MTG and Mane-and-Tail shampoo and conditioner are by the same maker...

Thank you very much! I had no idea about the direct sunlight thing, so I just applied it tonight when it was starting to get dark! I only put it on her little bald section of mane, but I'm not sure that I put enough on to really test it. I did rub it in, though. (Which my mare didn't seem to like, so hopefully she wont' have a reaction!) Thanks for all the info, my girl is a Gypsy too!