Mane ’n Tail is honored to partner with 5* Three-Day Eventer Chris Talley, an athlete known for his commitment to horsemanship and the thoughtful development of young horses. His approach reflects a deep respect for both his horses and his team, always prioritizing the well-being of the horse and fair, patient training.
Family Ties
In 2018, Chris Talley first caught Mane ’n Tail’s attention at the Kentucky Three-Day Event, sporting a flying Blue Jay on the back of his show jacket on the jog strip. The story and meaning behind the embroidered Blue Jay spoke to devotion and family unity, values that closely align with Mane ’n Tail’s family-run roots and long-standing commitment to customers and team members alike.
Born and raised just an hour and a half from Mane ’n Tail headquarters, Talley has been an avid user of the products for years. He recalls a memorable moment when Mane ’n Tail was his saving grace.
“I was doing the best I could, but I definitely needed a saving grace. I sprayed the Mane ’n Tail Shine On before we went to the jog strip. He looked like he had been bathed a hundred times!”
How it All Began
Bitten by the horse bug at age four, Chris Talley began riding on a 27-year-old pony. That early partnership grew, and around age 12, he welcomed a mare from a local auction into the family. Unbeknownst to Chris and his parents, the mare gave birth just three months later to a beautiful foal, a surprise that would leave a lasting impression.
“Being in the breeding industry now, we are constantly watching the foal because so much can go wrong. It is funny to think back about how smoothly that foaling went in the field. The foal was up and feeding by himself!”
Setting the Standard
That moment may have foreshadowed the future. Today, Chris owns and operates a well-established breeding facility in Virginia, focused on developing the next generation of eventing horses. His career includes top performances at the Young Event Horse Championships at Fair Hill, multiple top finishes at the CCI3* and CCI4* levels, and representing the United States overseas at events.
Chris emphasizes horsemanship and teamwork above all else. His commitment to developing young horses slowly and fairly is evident in competition, and he consistently credits his team for their dedication and hard work. These shared values reflect what matters most at Mane ’n Tail: a strong team, thoughtful care, and a continued focus on creating quality products customers can trust. Like Chris, Mane ‘n Tail is committed to shaping the future for generations to come. We ride with you!
