The horse’s tail isn’t just for show. It’s a crucial tool for communication, balance, and swatting away pesky flies and insects. So, keeping your horse’s tail healthy and well-maintained is an important part of their overall well-being.
A healthy tail isn’t only more comfortable for your horse, but it can also improve their appearance. A long, full tail can be a beautiful part of a horse’s conformation.
This guide covers the anatomy, function, care, and maintenance of horses tails, drawing from expert advice and practical tips. We’ll explore techniques for trimming, conditioning, and protecting the tail, equipping you with the knowledge to promote healthy, beautiful tails for your equine friend.
Understanding the horse tail: anatomy and evolution
A horse’s tail is more than just a pretty swish. Let’s take a closer look at the anatomy and how it has evolved over time.
Tail Anatomy
The equine tail contains around 15 to 21 coccygeal vertebrae, with most horses having about 18. Muscles, arteries, and specialized skin and hair structures hold these vertebrae together. The skin at the base of the tail is thick, offering extra protection.
The structure of the tail hair, which includes the medulla, cortex, and cuticle, contributes to different curl patterns. Most horses have straight tail hair, but some breeds have wavy or even curly tails. Healthy hair depends on sebum, an oily secretion from the horse’s oil glands.
Evolution of the Tail
As horses evolved, their tails changed. Originally, the tail aided in locomotion, but as horses began to rely more on speed, that function became less important. Today, the tail is primarily used for communication, protection from insects, and balance.
According to Deb Bennett, PhD, “Nature has a tendency to retain some evidence of the primitive.” This means that while the tail’s primary function has shifted, it still carries remnants of its original purpose.
How Horses Use Their Tails to Communicate
Horses use their tails to communicate with each other and with humans. They communicate with tail position, swishing, and clamping, and learning these cues can help you understand how a horse is feeling, both physically and emotionally.
Tail swishing usually means a horse is annoyed or uncomfortable. According to Katherine Houpt, VMD, PhD, “The activity is causing him either psychological or physical discomfort.” If you see a horse swishing its tail, it’s a good idea to try to figure out what’s bothering them.
Different tail positions can also signal dominance, submission, or alertness. A clamped tail, for example, might indicate fear or pain.
Maintaining a healthy horse tail: grooming and care
A healthy, flowing tail is a sign of a well-cared-for horse. Here’s how to keep your horse’s tail in tip-top shape.
Proper washing and grooming
Wash your horse’s tail only when it’s needed, and use a gentle shampoo made for horses. Wet the tail thoroughly, working the shampoo into the deepest layers of hair. Rinse well to remove all traces of soap.
After shampooing, apply a conditioner and let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing.
Never comb the tail when it’s wet. Start brushing at the ends and gradually work your way up toward the tailbone.
Use a brush with flexible metal tines and cushioned tips. Stay away from stiff plastic grooming tools, which can break the hairs.
Protecting the tail
Protect the tail whenever you’re transporting your horse or when they’re in a new environment. Check stall walls, gates, fences, trees, and brush for anything that could snag the tail.
Braiding the tail below the tailbone (using a loose braid and hair-friendly elastics) can help prevent injury and snags.
Tail bags can provide an extra layer of protection, but be sure you don’t attach anything around the tailbone, as this could cause discomfort or injury.
Tail trimming: Techniques and benefits
Many horse owners trim their horses’ tails for cosmetic reasons. There are also some health benefits to the practice.
When and why to trim
Trimming your horse’s tail to a few inches below the hocks in the fall, after fly season, may help the tail grow in thicker and healthier. Timing the trim for after fly season minimizes irritation to the horse. Trimming the tail on a regular basis has a cumulative effect, resulting in a thicker tail over time.
Trimming techniques
Always use very sharp hair-cutting scissors when you trim a tail. You can cut the tail straight across, as is done in dressage, or use a “chipping” technique that gives the tail a more natural look, as is often done in other disciplines. With the chipping technique, you snip into the tail about 1/4-inch deep at different spots along the bottom edge.
In general, you want to trim the tail to a few inches below the hocks, or at least five inches below the hock. Don’t cut it too short, as the tail is the horse’s primary defense against biting insects.
Preventing Tail Damage
You can protect your horse’s tail and keep it healthy by taking a few precautions.
- Avoid tail bags. While they might seem like a good idea, tail bags can actually cause a lot of hair breakage. Some horses lose a third to half of their tail hair because of tail bags.
- Use a fly sheet. Horses often break tail hairs while swatting flies. A fly sheet can reduce the need for swatting.
- Find the cause of tail rubbing. Horses sometimes rub their tails raw because of parasites, allergies, or skin irritation. Keep your horse’s underbelly, sheath/udder, and hindquarters clean, and talk to your vet about allergy management and protection from biting midges.
Putting It All Together
Taking care of a horse’s tail means knowing how it’s built, what it’s for, and how to groom it gently. Regular trimming, conditioning, and removing debris by hand will help keep the tail healthy and looking its best.
By preventing tail rubbing and breakage, horse owners can help their horses maintain healthy, functional tails. A well-cared-for tail not only looks good but also contributes to the horse’s comfort and overall health.