Episode #149: Do We Care About Your Horse’s Hair?


Ever wondered why your horse’s mane flips stubbornly to one side or suddenly switches direction? In this episode, we dive into the fascinating world of mane direction, a quirky topic that sparks curiosity among horse owners and equine bodyworkers alike.

We start by exploring the science behind why a horse’s mane falls the way it does, tracing it back to embryonic development where hair follicles and whorls are set in motion around 30-60 days of gestation. With a nod to equine behavior research and fun facts about hair whorls potentially hinting at temperament, we unpack how genetics and biomechanics shape this small but intriguing part of your horse’s anatomy.

Whether you’re a rider puzzled by a messy mane or a bodyworker looking for clues, this episode offers a fresh perspective on what your horse’s hair might reveal about their body.




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Please note: The ideas expressed in this podcast are opinions only, and are not substitutes for proper veterinary care, veterinary medicine and other forms of bodywork. The opinions are not intended to be prescriptive or diagnostic in nature.

Judith Rathbone