The mane of a horse has served so many purposes for us horse-crazed people. We’ve learned how to French braid on a horse’s mane, and they’re a means of security when high tailing it bareback full speed across an open field. We take pride in our horse’s manes and can even become a little obsessive when it comes to brushing. Here are some of our favorite horse breeds with unique manes. Can you imagine having one of these long-maned horses?

1. Friesian

The Friesian is one of the most majestic horse breeds. They originated in Friesland, a province in the Netherlands, and they appear like a light draft horse; jet black with matching black feathers and a long, thick, mane and tail. Friesians are known for their graceful movement and high stepping trot, and theyt look like they stepped right out of a dream from the Middle Ages.

2. Gypsy Vanner

The Gypsy Vanner looks like a small draft pinto with long feathers and a magnificent long mane and tail. The origin of the Gyspy Vanner is fascinating, and the horse has quite a unique background. The breed was bred for over a half a century by Gypsies of Great Britain to create their vision of the perfect horse to pull their wagons. And what a horse they created!

3. Andalusian

The Andalusian is a horse of Spanish descent, its name in Spain is “Pura Raza Espanola,” meaning Pure Spanish Horse. The breed was used in war but was deeply cherished by the people. Andalusians are usually born brown and their color changes to gray as they age. Their manes are long, thick, and flowing. The Andalusians were so precious to the Spaniards that they were unable to leave Spain until the 1960s.

4. Haflinger Horse

Sometimes called a pony, the Haflinger is only 13hh to 15hh, but don’t let their height fool you, they are small but mighty. Built stocky and tough, the Haflinger originated in the mountains of Austria and was used for pulling plows in the fields and for driving. Docile and loving, Haflingers make the perfect babysitter. They are palomino in color with a gorgeous thick white mane and tail – the perfect blonde horse!

5. Rocky Mountain Horse

The Rocky Mountain Hose is known for its distinct color, as they are darker brown in color and have a flaxen mane and tail. Originating in the hills of Kentucky, the Rocky Mountain Horse is gaited and is versatile – a horse for all occasions. During the day, they were used as workhorses for pulling or working cattle but could also be used for riding and pulling buggies. Rocky Mountain Horses are unique and there are only about 20,000 in the world, half of them residing in the hills of Kentucky where they were found. 

Horses with long manes give off a certain appearance, one that we think about in our dreams and see in fairytale books.

The long flowing locks make these horses look so majestic. Can you imagine all the care that goes into these long locks? So many hours brushing and braiding – a young horse-loving girl’s dream!

About the Author

Dani Buckley is a small-town resident in Montana. She is a veterinary technician manager and mom of eight four-legged kids – 5 dogs, 1 cat, and 2 horses. When she moved back home to Montana, her horses and her dogs moved with her (Carbon and Milo). The pack grew by three when she moved in with her boyfriend, Cody. Altogether there is a German Shepard (Lupay), a Border Collie (Missy), a Blue Heeler (Taz) and her two adorable mutts.

Her horses are her free time passion – Squaw and Tulsa. Dani has owned Squaw for 17 years and this mare has made 2 trips across the country with Dani! Squaw is a retired rodeo and cow horse. Her other mare, Tulsa, is an upcoming ranch horse. The girls have an unmatched personality and bond with Dani. She has been around horses her entire life and rodeoed throughout highschool and beyond. Now, she enjoys riding on the ranch, working cattle and trail riding.

Sources: [1}, [2], [3], [4], [5]