The forelock is the section of a horse’s mane that falls forward over the forehead, between and just below the ears. It is the equine equivalent of a human fringe — a natural extension of the mane that grows from the poll and drapes down onto the face. Whilst it might appear to be a purely aesthetic feature, the forelock serves practical functions, and its management is an everyday part of horse care.
The Practical Function of the Forelock
The forelock’s primary practical role is protection. It helps shield the horse’s eyes from sunlight — horses are sensitive to bright light and have limited ability to squint — and provides some defence against flies and insects that congregate around the face. In summer months, a horse with a full forelock will frequently flick it or toss its head to use it as a fly deterrent. For horses kept in fly-prone environments without fly masks, a good forelock offers meaningful relief.
It also offers a degree of weather protection, helping to channel rain away from the eyes during wet conditions. This functional role explains why many native and warmblood breeds naturally grow quite substantial forelocks.
Forelock Grooming and Presentation
For everyday turnout, the forelock is typically kept clean, detangled, and free of bedding material. A wide-toothed comb or dedicated mane comb works from the ends upward to avoid pulling and breakage. In horses that spend time in rugs or headcollars, the forelock can become compressed and ruffled — a quick comb through before ridden work is standard practice.
For competition, forelock presentation varies significantly by discipline:
- Showing: The forelock is often carefully plaited to lie flat and neat between the ears, matching the style of the rest of the mane. Hunter and native classes have their own traditions — native breeds are often shown with unplaited manes and forelocks.
- Dressage: Plaiting is standard at affiliated level, with a neat forelock plait completing the overall turnout.
- Show jumping and eventing: Plaiting is common at higher levels but less strictly enforced at unaffiliated competitions.
- Racing: Thoroughbreds are typically not plaited, and the forelock is left natural.
Forelock Variations Across Breeds
Forelock length and density vary considerably by breed. Heavy native breeds such as the Shire, Clydesdale, and Fell Pony typically grow thick, abundant forelocks, often with significant feathering that complements the overall impression of dense mane and tail. Fine-coated Thoroughbreds and Arabs often have lighter, more sparse forelocks. Some individual horses grow very little forelock regardless of breed — a quirk of genetics rather than any health concern.
Certain breeds are shown with pulled or thinned manes but an untouched forelock, creating a deliberate contrast. In others, the forelock is grown long as part of the breed’s traditional presentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I trim my horse’s forelock?
Trimming is a matter of discipline norms and personal preference rather than necessity. If the forelock grows so long it covers the horse’s eyes and impedes vision, a light trim is sensible. For horses in heavy fly pressure without fly masks, preserving a reasonable forelock length makes the horse more comfortable. For showing purposes, specific presentation rules for the class should guide any trimming decisions.
My horse’s forelock is very sparse — is something wrong?
Not necessarily. Sparse forelocks are often simply a genetic trait, particularly in finer-coated breeds and some individual horses. However, if the forelock has noticeably thinned over time, it is worth ruling out rubbing (from a headcollar or fence), sweet itch, or skin conditions. A horse that consistently rubs its head may lose forelock hair through friction rather than any deficiency.
How do I keep a long forelock from tangling in the bridle?
The easiest method is to lay the forelock beneath the browband before putting the bridle on, ensuring it sits flat against the face rather than bunching under the headpiece. For horses with particularly long forelocks that persistently tangle, a loose plait or braid can hold it neatly in place during ridden work without the need to trim it.