Body Hair/fur Info...

Horses have a variety of body hair types that serve different purposes. Here are some interesting facts about horse body hair:

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Did You Know...

Horses have two main types of hair: long and coarse guard hairs and short, fine undercoat hairs. The guard hairs protect the horse's skin from sun, rain, and other elements, while the undercoat helps insulate the horse's body and keep it warm.

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Also...

• The hair on a horse's face, legs, and lower body tends to be shorter and finer than the hair on its mane, tail, and back. This helps protect these areas from chafing and allows for better mobility.

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• Horses' hair can change colour with age or seasonal changes. For example, some horses may grow a thicker, lighter-coloured winter coat that sheds out to a sleeker, darker summer coat. Additionally, some horses may develop grey hairs as they age, which can eventually lead to a completely white coat.

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• Like human hair, horses' hair can be groomed and styled in a variety of ways. Regular grooming, including brushing and bathing, can help keep a horse's coat healthy and shiny.

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Here are a few added facts...

1.   Horses' hair can be used to create a variety of products, including horsehair jewelry, tail extensions, and even violin bows. Additionally, horsehair can be used in traditional crafts, such as the art of horsehair hitching, which involves weaving horsehair into intricate designs.

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2.   Some horses have unique coat patterns and colours, such as Appaloosas, Paints, and Pintos, which are characterised by distinctive spots, splotches, or patches of colour. These patterns are caused by genetic variations that affect the distribution and expression of the horse's pigment.

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3.   The hair on a horse's legs can grow in a variety of directions, depending on the horse's     breed and individual conformation. This can affect the way the horse moves and may also make grooming and trimming the leg hair more challenging. Some horses may also have feathering, which refers to long, soft hair around the fetlock joint and is commonly seen in draft breeds. Feathering can help protect the horse's legs from cuts and abrasions.