10 Tips for a Stunning Tail

As seen in the April 2019 issue of Horse Deals.

1. Watch your horse’s paddock mates. Ensure the horse’s paddock mates aren’t tail chewers. Calves and young horses are usually the culprits.

2. Trim the tail short when they are young or tuned out. Trimming it short prevents it from getting caught or knotted, and encourages the tail to grow thickly down. The tail takes around 13 days to grow one centimetre longer, so don’t cut it too short if you’re planning on competing any time soon.

3. Use a tail bag. Using a tail bag will keep the tail clean, and also protect it from sun bleaching, getting caught or chewed.

4. Worm regularly. Keeping your horse up to date with worming will help prevent them from rubbing their tail on posts or trees.

5. Wash the tail weekly. Using a good quality shampoo and conditioner will keep the hairs healthy and nourished. Ensure you clean all the way to the top of the tail to remove scurf and dandruff.

6. Leave in the conditioner for five or so minutes. When conditioning, leave the product in for five or so minutes before rinsing, which will add extra hydration
and shine.

7. Only brush the tail when it’s clean. If you brush the tail when it is dirty and dry you’ll break or pull out hairs that have taken a long time to grow. Pick any grass-seeds or sticks out of the tail with your fingers, and wait until the tail is clean to brush through it.

8. Spot test dyes first. If you plan on dying your horse’s tail, do a spot test first to ensure the dye creates desired result, and that they do not have a reaction to the product.

9. Wash out any products well. After washing the tail, or if you use any wax or spray to hold the tail in place for competitions, ensure you have washed the products out well to avoid irritation and itching.

10. Shine comes from within. Horses that are fit and healthy will have bright, glossy coats, and this healthy look will extend to the tail. If the horse is healthy within, tail hairs will be less likely to break and will have a lovely natural shine.

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