Lena on trimming the Fjord mane

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What kind of scissors work best to trim the mane?

Hi Lena -- I just bought a Fjord mare.... Do you recommend a scissors to use on trimming the mane? Should it be a serrated edge or would a smooth edge work also?

How long should the scissors be? I would think on the longer side so that I would be making fewer cuts. Or would a 4” serrated scissors work as well?

My breeder uses a Fiskar’s serrated edge scissors which I cannot find other than a 4” serrated scissors. His scissors looked longer than 4”.... --Mary

Hello Mary! THANK YOU for your question. It's a very appropriate and timely question.

The MWFHC has made a "How to trim the Fjord Horse and grooming tips" DVD. I think you might find it helpful. Purchase this DVD...

The Fjord mane is very special and unique. Keeping it trim and neat is tradition plus we all take pride in our breed, so hats off to you for wanting to know how to keep that mane trimmed.

Most people use a scissors, and many use the Fiskars brand. Some folks do use a clippers. I've only ever seen a smooth edge scissors used on the mane. But you said you have seen serrated ones used, so it sounds like either will work.

I'm not sure the serrations matter so much as the size. The very small Fiskars scissors are typically for the "fine trimming".

A medium to larger scissors, whatever best suits oneself, will work better for the rough work. If you choose a scissors that has a spring to keep the blades open, the scissors will be less tiring to use.

Just remember the larger scissors may not always be better! If your horse moves or your hands are not steady, you may end up with more of a problem to correct. I guess if one is really steady, the larger scissors would be faster, I'm just not sure they would be as accurate.

Practice, practice, practice, and REMEMBER it will grow back!

TAKK SKAL DU HA! Lena

How often do you trim a Fjord's mane?

Lena says: If you have the arc where you want it and would like to keep it that way, trim it every 2 to 4 weeks to ensure it will look the same. If you are just concerned with it staying upright and looking fairly well kept, once a month is a good idea.

What do you do if the mane falls over because it is too long to stand upright anymore?

Lena says: Sometimes you can save the mane by cutting it very short, but most of the time you will need to start over by roaching it. (Roaching means to cut the mane off close to the neck.)

A cattle clippers does the job the best, but you can roach with a scissors too. You may be able to roach the mane in a slight arc. The mane will grow back in about 3 months and look great.

What do you do with a really thick mane? It's so bushy! Lena says: Trimming a bushy mane fairly short will help. A longer mane can be a nightmare to maintain if it is bushy – a buzz cut will be more manageable.

This mare has a wide, bushy mane that curls over. It looks best if trimmed fairly short.

What do I do trim first – the black part or the white?

Lena says: Once you determine the length of the mane you want, start cutting a line in the white. You don't have to make the white part perfect to begin with – just get your length and arc started.

Then go back and clean up the white hair. THEN either trim the black a 1/4 inch above or trim it even with the white.

Why does my horse’s mane get so bushy in winter? Is there anything I can do to keep it looking good when I'm not out there as much in the winter? Lena says: The horse naturally grows lots of extra hair to keep it warm in winter. The quard hairs along the edge of the mane add fullness. Also, the horse’s hair is drier in winter, which makes the mane even more bushy and fluffy.	Fjord gelding playing in heavy snow.
Roaching the mane will make it almost maintenance free for the winter. If you live in a cold climate, roach it in November, and it will be January or February before you need to trim it again. You can also apply hair or mane conditioners to keep more moisture in the mane. That will make it a little less bushy.

Do you trim the mane when it is wet or dry?

Lena says: Some folks like to trim a damp mane, because the hairs stick together better. Others like to trim the mane dry, because dry hair lies more naturally. Either way, don't put any conditioner in the hair, because that will make it slippery and difficult to cut.

How tall should the mane be? Lena says: It depends on your personal preference and on the appearance of the horse. There is no hard and fast rule on how tall the mane should be. Masculine, drafty, or coarse horses should have a shorter mane to give them a more refined look and balance the appearance of the horse. A more refined or sport-type horse would benefit from a little taller mane to add substance to the horse.

Stallion with a thick neck and fairly short mane.

Fjord with a lighter body type. The mane is cut a bit longer and has a higher arc than the others.

Mare with a medium build. The mane is cut slightly longer with a gentle arc.

How much black should be showing? I've seen some manes with the white and black of equal length. Is that acceptable?

Lena says: If you are going to leave the black showing above the white, about 1/4 of an inch is appropriate. You can have the black trimmed in such a fashion that it changes height a little throughout from the poll to the withers. It also is appropriate to have the black and the white level across.

Does everyone always put an arc in the mane, or do some grow the mane out long? Lena says: Some owners do like to leave the mane long. We call them “hippy Fjords” all in good fun. This is acceptable, but trimming the mane in an arc is done for several reasons: First, it is a tradition that goes back to the days of the Vikings.	Fjord with a natural mane
Second, the Fjord Horse is the only horse with a two-tone mane, and we like to show it off. Leaving it long so it falls over doesn't allow others to see this unique mane. Lastly, the upright mane enhances the Fjord horse like no other. Done right, the Fjord horse with a trimmed mane stands out in a crowd and is easily recognized.

What will it look like if I grow it out long? Lena says: It will look like a wild pony mane, blowing every which way. It is much thicker than most horses’ manes and typically does not lay flat on one side. You will see both black and white in the mane, but mostly white.

A typical shaggy Fjord mane

Are there any other "cuts" that you can do to the mane besides the arc?

Lena says: There are some folks that are very creative and love to trim the mane in unique patterns. Your imagination is the limit, really. The traditional arc trim, however, is the most accepted trim for the show ring and the evaluation.

How long does it take to trim a mane?

Lena says: That does depend on what you are starting with. Has it been months or weeks before you last trim? A good guess would be 20 minutes for a touch up, to an hour or more for an intensive trim or correction.

When do you start to trim a mane on a foal? Lena says: THERE IS NOTHING CUTER THEN A FJORD FOAL!! Curly Q's on a young foal are so adorable. When the babies are 2-3 months old, their manes will start to get REALLY fuzzy, and you will want to trim then.

Fjord foal, one day old

The left side is always easier to trim it seems, why is that??

Lena says: Try buying a left handed pair of scissors and trim the right side of the mane with these scissors. It may be easier to cut that side of the mane this way.

Is my mane judged if I take my horse to a Fjord show?

Lena says: You only get about 2 minutes in the show ring, and the first impression that the judge has about your horse can make or break you.

In a performance class, the judge would not consider how you trimmed the mane, because your horse is being judging on how it performs, not how it looks.

In a halter class, the mane can definitely help or hurt you, as halter classes really are a "beauty" class where your horse is being judged on its conformation as an overall package. An unkempt mane can give a negative picture and detract from the horse’s conformation.

A showmanship class is judged 40% on the appearance and condition of the horse. Neatness counts! They won't judge on how "well" you trim the mane, but they will judge you on how cleanly you present your horse.