Back in 2011 I got sick of breaking the hairs on violin bows and ordered an Incredibow. The hair is polymer filament, and it's very strong. I ordered a 29" Basic Omnibow, Featherweight, and it's been just what I wanted. I think I've broken something like three hairs ever, despite some rough chopping.

Thirteen years, and it could be new yesterday.

While they don't play identically to traditional bows and it takes a bit of adjustment, if people had been playing with synthetic hair historically I really doubt horsehair would take off today.