How to get a good thick tail?!

VioletStripe

VioletStripe

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My Connemara has a rubbish tail compared to other Connies I've seen! Any tips? I have huge tail envy at some of the horses on my yard and I want a really awesome tail (for my boy... not on me :eek:) Thanks very much for any tips!
 
I was always told, plenty of conditioning spray and a run through with your fingers. Never to use a brush or comb if you are trying to thicken/grow the tail or main.

I used to have a pony who made my hair look thick! Her tail was shameful!
 
Never brush a tail is my tip. Handpick it through with your fingers a few hairs at a time. Keep it clean and conditioned.
 
Horse tails are a bit like human hair - you get what you're born with. Some have a naturally thinner tail than others. You can make the most of what you've got - but you can't change it.

Ditto the reccommendations about not combing the tail. If you must brush do it gently. Lost of conditioner - human or horse. There might be a coat supplement out there somewhere - although I'm a bit sceptical about supplements!
 
My PBA grew a rubbish wispy tail. In the end I cut it short (and I mean above the hocks :eek:) in the autumn after the flies had gone and by spring it was looking good. I did this several years in a row and in the end he had a decent tail.
 
Wash it once per week to keep scurf at bay, use lots of tail conditioner spray and then only use your fingers to keep the knots at bay, do NOT use a comb or brush except for shows/comps :)
 
Shay said:
Horse tails are a bit like human hair - you get what you're born with. Some have a naturally thinner tail than others. You can make the most of what you've got - but you can't change it.
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True, but you can def get them thicker with good maintenance. I had a Welsh A with literally a few strands for a tail, but with what I have said above he actually grew a proper tail :)
 
VioletStripe said:
Haha that's my favourite thing to groom gone then! :p It's the only thing he'll stand still for ;) Thanks very much for the recommendations - shall lock away my mane and tail comb :D
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If he likes having his tail groomed you will probably find that handpicking it will send him to sleep. It has that effect on mine.
 
My only tip is don't have a tail-eating horse! My mare had a beautiful tail until Hubby's mare got hold of it and ate half of it. :( It's now in a tail bag permanently, I take it out every fortnight to condition and finger brush it and then back in it goes. It really does help and I use the three 'tube' tail bags that you plait and fold up so there is no risk of them treading on it. There are tassels attached to bop the flies with though. :)
 
Whoops - I've read the posts about not brushing a tail but my Shire had a half eaten tail when she came. Everytime I groom her, I spend a hell of a lot of time brushing hers with a cheapo wide-bristled hair brush & bargain conditioner from Tesco mainly because it makes her relaxed before I try hoof picking etc. I've also trimmed half an inch off every couple of weeks or so as well and her tail has come back incredibly well.
 
Good diet really helps too. I have a NFx who was born on the New Forest so she came to me with half her tail cut. It has now grown out, got a lot shinier and very slightly thicker. I think it is down to a change in diet.
 
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