manes

Manes are tufts of long hair growing from the neck region of certain mammals, most commonly the horse and the lion. In horses and donkeys, the mane extends along the neck crest and varies in length, thickness, and stiffness across breeds. Domestic horses may be kept with long, flowing manes or have the mane trimmed or styled (for example roached or pulled) to suit riding disciplines or show standards. Lions exhibit a male mane that encircles the head and neck; in many subspecies the mane is darker and fuller in higher-ranking individuals.

Functions: The purpose of manes differs by species. In lions, the mane is thought to signal fitness to rivals and potential mates and may provide some protection in bites during fights, though it also imposes energetic and thermoregulatory costs. In horses and other grazing mammals, the mane may help protect the neck from sun, insects, and abrasion and can play a role in social signaling; mane length and density are influenced by hormones and genetics and can reflect age, health, and breed.

Human considerations: In equestrian contexts, grooming, conditioning, and regular detangling are routine; the mane is often tied or braided to keep it out of tack, and certain breeds and competitions have preferred mane styles.

Other species: Manes appear in several other mammals to varying degrees, including some wild cattle breeds and certain wild equids, though not all species possess a prominent mane.