[Icrazyaboutu]

I have always known that when you roach a mane you don't cut off the forelock. Is that wrong or right? Thank you!

 

[smrobs]

I think a part of it depends on what breed or discipline you are involved in. Most of the horses that I see on here are left with the forelock, though I have seen a couple with it roached as well. When we trim our mules, we cut the forelock off.

 

[Icrazyaboutu]

I just mean in general. I think it is more pretty and looks more taken care of with the forelock. You said you cut your mules, what about your horses?

 

[CloudsMystique]

The Saddlebreds who have roached manes (3-gaited and equitation) always have their forelocks roached. Andalusian mares almost always have roached forelocks, too. Polo ponies always have them roached as well.

I roached my gelding's mane and took his forelock off. I personally think it looks better without a forelock... especially if the horse has a thick forelock.

 

[Icrazyaboutu]

I think the only way I would be able to roach them completely(forelock off) would be if they have a sucky forelock. I like Dozer's all long and a lot of people tell me not to trim either of my horses' forelock even though Bart's is so wimpy.

 

[ridergirl23]

whenever i roach i never roach the forlock, but thats beccause the forelock like, does not grow back on all the hroses ive had

 

[PechosGoldenChance]

I don't do either to my horses, since they have trouble growing long manes/tail in the first place (except for Pecho). But if I had a horse that was bred for it like fresians and what not, I have to say, I probably wouldn't take off all the forlock, just enough to clean it up and make it look nice and sharp instead of poofy. Thats just me though, I'm not sure how they are required for shows, they probably would have to come completely off I'd assume.

 

[smrobs]

I have never actually roached any of my horses so I don't know if I would leave the forelock or not. I think it would depend on the individual horse. If he had a nice forelock, I would probably leave it and if it was short or scraggly, I would probably shave it too.

 

[Lis]

Curious, what is roaching? Is it the american term for hogging?

 

[My Beau]

Curious, what is roaching? Is it the american term for hogging?

Yes, it is

 

[Lis]

Thank you.

 

[OdinsOwn]

I roach my horse's mane but always leave his forelock- which is rather long.... I think he looks odd without it

 

[wild_spot]

I ALWAYS leave the forelock. I think it looks funny with no forelock - Plus I show ASH and it is standard practice to roach but leave the forelock.

 

[Beau Baby]

some do some don't. When a Fjord's mane is roached so it will grow straight up again the forelock is left alone.

 

[Icrazyaboutu]

ya same here. I just don't see the point in roaching the forelock. To me it makes them look weird without it. I don't mean to offend anyone who roaches the forelock, its just my opinion.

 

[OdinsOwn]

I think it depends horse to horse anyway. There was a clyde/tb with a roached mane and forelock and he looked incredibly cute like that. I think my horse just has an abnormally large head that looks lost without it, which is why I keep it as long as possible too-- to hide some of his head

 

[Tripp]

Honestly it can go both ways. My guy is a curly and sheds out his mane and tail, so he gets his mane and forelock roaches as it's pretty much roached already with him shedding... I prefer them both roached, however its always up to the owner.

 

[Lis]

It depends on the breed. Here in England it tends to be the mediumweight/heavyweight cobs that have the mane hogged and usually the forelock is taken off as well. I don't think I've ever seen one with the forelock left on.