Manes!

I actually use a type of hair spray when doing my horses' manes. Its from loreal paris "Tangle Tamer", its like, $3 at the store, it smells good and it doesn't leave his mane gross. Here's a link:
http://www.lorealparisusa.com/_us/_en/default.aspx#page=top{nav|media:_blank|overlay:pro ductdetail//objectid+HCa1_13//|diagnostic|main:brandpage:lorealkids|userdata//d+d//}


And I also agree with the braiding/banding. That's what I do about a week before a show, leave it in for about 5 days, wash it(if you can) 2 days before, braid it the night of, and put a sleezy over it so it looks professional.

My horses mane does that too. Try pulling the parts that are on wrong side over to the dominant side and braid them. The braids should remain on the dominant side. Take the braids out after 2 or 3 days. Repeat after a few days.