How to stop horse rubbing tail in the stable

[Montysmum]

Hi

I have a horse who insists on rubbing the top of his tail against the wall everytime he is left in his stable. This drives me crazy as he is breaking the hairs at the top of his tail. Do you think it would work if I put a tail protector on? (like used when they travel) and also how long is it ok to leave them on for? Any other ideas welcome.

Thanks

 

[NOISYGIRL]

Buy a plant spray bottle, or use and empty fly spray bottle and put a bottle of TCP in it, top it up with water and spray the tail making sure it goes down to the skin, sounds like a bit of sweet itch. Anyway, I keep this solution handy and if he gets any fly bites I just give them a spray and they're gone by the next day ! It stinks but works

 

[Honey08]

You need to work out why the horse is itching really, and treat the cause. It does sound like sweet itch - does the horse have a fly rug on when outside? We use aloe gel on the top of the tail to soothe the itch, and feed piriton tablets in the feed too. Then we put a cream on when they go out against biting insects.

 

[Hoofprints in the Snow]

I sometimes put a little lice powder on the top of the tails this time of year. Even if they don't have lice it seems to soothe the area. The ones out all year get a dowsing all over with it.

 

[Rainbowrider]

Another suggestion is to check he has not got a pin worm. This can also cause them to rub. I had one horse, who I have owned for 15 years, and he has always been wormed properly who got a pinworm and rubbed his tail, only in the stable. None of my other horses had one either. Just one of those things.

Worth checking, as much easier to nip these things in the bud!

 

[jeeve]

My horse rubs out his tail, when I use generous amounts of sorbolene rubbed into his tail, (top part), he stops itching. Worth a try, for very little cost.