Forelock

The forelock[1] or foretop is a part of a horse's mane, that grows from the animal's poll and falls forward between the ears and onto the forehead.

Primitive wild equines such as the Przewalski's horse with a naturally short, upright mane generally have no hair falling forward onto the forehead.

However, the thick forelock is more prevalent in breeds developed in the cold, wet climates of northern Europe[2] and is minimal on wild horse subspecies and other equine species adapted to hot, dry climates, such as the zebra or donkey.

It tends to be fine and thin on many oriental horse breeds, even if they otherwise have long manes and tails.

[4] In competition the forelock is braided[5] for some events, such as those in the dressage and hunt seat disciplines.