Horsey Tail advice needed!

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moocow

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My mare has a massive tangle in her tail so it needs sorting/ Just wondering if anyone had any advice regards washing her tail as she is only 3 and hasn't had her tail washed (by me) before. She is quiet and i can handle her tail fine. I was just spoilt with my last horse and washing his tail just meant holding up a bucket and sticking his tail in and giving it a good scrub!

Any advice would eb great.
 
tbh the best thing to do would be mane and tail conditioner for a few days the work it out with your fingers. If you really want to wash it then do it with asponge and keep the bucket close just see how she reacts to things as you go
 
Get a a couple of nice warm buckets of water ready and waiting and someone to hold your horse - don't tie her up.

Then wash as normal.
 
Thanks a million. It seems like such a simple task!!! Will give it a go at the weekend when I have OH to distract her at the front end! She is a good girl with everything so i don't want to mes that up by doing anything wrong with her.

Has anyone used glycerol for sorting out tail tangles?
 
With mine I just got on with it as I would any adult, but he has been an exceptionally easy youngster. Being timid and faffing can make them worse as they expect something bad to happen.

I personally would use warm water to start with (and still tend to unless very hot) and a jug so you can stand to the side and pour away, if she is ok, then try popping the tail in a bucket - again stand to the side. Have someone with you and if she does tie up, have her tied but easily able to be freed. I prefer to start as I intend to go on.

Lickits are a good bribe - I have had someone hold one for a difficult to clip horse before so they were busy licking away and forgot about the clippers.

Detanglers - baby oil/pig oil - cheap, carr & day conditioner (fairly cheap) or if you want the best detangler/conditioner/ on the market - and I have tried so many, then the equss survivor (seems expensive but goes a long way) from tailgator is the thing - great smell and long lasting shine, no damaging silicon and the hair detangles so quickly and keeps in great condition.

I have a gypsy cob with a huge thick mane and tail which turns into spirals so can say it works - takes minutes rather than an hour to get his hair looking great.
 
thanks a million for that. particularly re the products available. couldn't believe it when i saw her tail when i brought her in! Its a bird nest. Had a go at sorting it but just too tangled to do without some product.

Ta!
 
Can also recommend the Avon detangler comb - done carefully does not pull out the hair - I used one on my own long hair.

Hope all goes ok, be gentle, but firm and determined if she moves around keep moving with her and gently putting the water on so she realises that sooner she stands still, quicker it is done and you are not going to stop washing. If you use a hose, start with it on a trickle and let her have time to get use to it, avoid washing with cold water on cold days, they do resent it (as would I). Make it as nice an experience as possible, ie nice haynet, treats and praise.

If Chancer (he is three) wriggles he is now told very firmly to stand up but whilst getting used to being bathed I was not so concerned about him moving. Doesn't take them long to be good to bath if you keep with it and make it clear that it will happen so learn to like it
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Mine has been bathed since a yearling so now is very used to it and I can do him without any assistance and have done from the second bath onwards.
 
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