How many inches should I cut off her tail?

[fairhill]

For doing workers and equitation at PC/RC level - we know our showing limits

She's also going to be doing some dressage, but I guess her tail length isn't quite as important for that

Thanks

 

[kirstyfk]

I would say 3 or 4, but I like short tails

 

[Sparklet]

Opposite end of the spectrum - showing short tails and dressage long tails. Whichever way you go you will be wrong for one.

Its not obligatory in dressage but a very short tail gives an unbalanced appearance and makes them look tipped onto the forehand which is a definite no-no

 

[LouHardwick]

so that its about an inch above her hock.Remember to Put your arm under her dock before doing this- as other wise it will be too short when she is working and lifting her tail

 

[1588]

Arh............... no, 1" below her hock!!

Remember she will lift her tail slightly when ridden too. My horse is a similar stamp to yours and he looked awful with a short tail

 

[fairhill]

Thanks everyone! Was just trying to picture her with it above the dock... scary image.
I guess I'll take 2-3" off and see how it looks. I can always take more off later.

 

[AmyMay]

[ QUOTE ]
so that its about an inch above her hock

[/ QUOTE ]

No, far, far too short. It should sit around an inch or two below the hock when carried. A helpful indicator is to use the bottom of the chestnut in the hind leg.

 

[blackcob]

Get someone to put their arm underneath her dock to raise it to the height she'd normally carry it when moving while you're cutting it, otherwise it will be cut on an angle - looks slightly on an angle in that picture. I'd say an inch or two below the hock but it depends how high she carries it in movement.

 

[mickey]

You should take 2-3 inches off. When the tail is held up it should hang just below her hock (an inch or two). Definitely don't cut it too short

and then discover when she is working it looks short....you can always cut more off later...

 

[fairhill]

Thanks AmyMay - I'll use her chestnuts as a guide, good tip

 

[fairhill]

[ QUOTE ]
Get someone to put their arm underneath her dock to raise it to the height she'd normally carry it when moving while you're cutting it, otherwise it will be cut on an angle - looks slightly on an angle in that picture. I'd say an inch or two below the hock but it depends how high she carries it in movement.

[/ QUOTE ]

It is on an angle

It's too thick to cut all in one go, so is a bit haphazard at the moment, hence me wanting to sort it out before we go out anywhere

 

[AmyMay]

Use your clippers to cut it - rather than scissors.

 

[LouHardwick]

sorry- i have a typo- I meant an inch UNDER the hock!
must remember to read what i write!!

 

[archoak]

Yes below or just on when it's lifted

 

[Salcey]

I wouldn't go too short, remember its summer and she'll need it for swatting flies!

 

[Maesfen]

I like mine about the same level as the chestnuts, that way it'll not be too long or too short for either 'hobbies'!

Remember to cut it on the angle.

 

[fairhill]

This is how it looks level with the chestnuts - is that what I should be aiming for?

 

[AmyMay]

Level with the chestnuts when he's carrying it though - not stood still.

 

[Maesfen]

Depends how high he carries it and your preference too! I like it as what you've changed it to myself, it's how I do mine. After all, he's not an Arab so unlikely to carry it too high when it might look too short. You really need someone to trot him out for you or you lunge him then you take some pic's and then you can check but always take a little bit off at a time so you don't shock yourself too much!

 

[Weezy]

I just cut P's - it is WAY too short as I was talking to my friend at the same time and not paying attention to what I was doing

 

[showjump2003]

I don't do any showing with mine so it doesn't matter but I couldn't ever cut their tails short! I love long tails! lol