In addition to their better-known involvement in farming and transportation throughout history, horses have also been a notable contributor to the textile industry. Horsehair, which comes from the manes and tails of horses, has been used to make a type of stiff cloth for centuries. This material is poorly suited for apparel and was once used to make shirts for those seeking religious penance. In the 1800s, however, horsehair cloth became a popular choice for upholstery. Today, horsehair is often utilized as bristles for paintbrushes, as a filler material, and as the strings of violin bows.