Product Review: ManeStay

A product that could give you peace of mind during the worst of times.

“The ManeStay is intended for use when you’re faced with an emergency and need to put identification on your horse.” – I.C.E. Products USA

We introduced the ManeStay in July of this year, and as promised, have been able to test and publish our review on our own horses!

There are two parts to the ManeStay. The first is the connector, consisting of an ABS plastic shell and an internal stainless steel compression spring that supports a “hook.” The second is a stainless steel ring connected to Cal Fire rated material. When the material is unfolded, you can use a Sharpie to write down emergency contact information. Flame and heat resistance information can be found on the company’s website.

Sierra View Ranch developed the product specifically with wildfires in mind, but I think the product could be used just as successfully for the flooding and hurricane evacuations that are more common in my region.

The ManeStay isn’t small at 8.75 inches, but it is very light, weighing in at only 1.5 ounces. The bright yellow is highly visible, even from a distance. Here’s an instructional video from the manufacturer, I.C.E. Products USA.

During testing, my horse was turned out 24/7. The first time I applied the ManeStay, using the manufacturer’s instructions, the product stayed in his mane for over three days. Though it slipped down the lock of hair, it didn’t fall out. It also didn’t pull any mane hairs despite being left unattended for so long and despite Spiderman rolling like a maniac in the sand after a few rain showers.

I tested the product a second time, attaching it improperly by not twisting the lock of mane hair before attachment. The ManeStay remained in place overnight, but then fell out by noon the next day.

The third time I tested the ManeStay, I washed and conditioned Spiderman’s mane. This was the worst of the three tests with the product staying in only a few hours. I definitely would recommend using the product on a “dirty,” coarse mane.

Out of curiosity, I attached the ManeStay to my polo mare for a fourth test. Since polo ponies have roached manes, I used it in her tail. I do think the primary weakness of the ManeStay is that it is designed for horses with long manes only, since it is recommended you apply the device 3″ down from the crest of the neck. It stayed in Lumpy’s tail without problem, but she wasn’t thrilled. She has particularly sensitive skin, so that doesn’t surprise me. Still, if it was an emergency I think the device could work in a pinch.

The ManeStay could be a valuable tool in every horseman’s emergency “go bag.” Used alone or in conjunction with the more typical methods of writing phone numbers on hooves and hide paints, horses will be identified much more quickly by emergency responders.

For more information, check out I.C.E. Products USA.

Go Riding.