Need an answer to a ridiculously simple question!

[dark_prince]

What length should I trim my horses tail to?

I feel ridiculously silly for asking but I have had mixed answers!

I have a TB and his tail is currently past his fetlocks. I trimmed a little bit to neaten it up but I don't want to cut it too short and him look silly!

There is a girl on my yard who does a lot of showing and her horse's tail is just below the hock. Is this about the correct length?

 

[scardycat]

Whatever length you decide on, please remember to lift the tail to the normal position that your horse carries his tail before trimming, otherwise what might seem the correct length will be too short when he is in motion.

 

[dark_prince]

Whatever length you decide on, please remember to lift the tail to the normal position that your horse carries his tail before trimming, otherwise what might seem the correct length will be too short when he is in motion.

I always do this as he carries his tail high so want it straight when he's moving but don't know what length!

 

[Ginge Crosby]

Also - never, EVER trim it when wet - it shrinks an extra 3 inches and if you've done it too short you'll near enough dock the poor critter (I speak from experience!!)

I have a tb, and I wrap it around the hock then allow an inch and a bit, just in case, and it hangs at a nice height for him.

 

[touchstone]

A hands breadth below the hock is the correct length, get someone to stick their arm under his dock when you trim it and it will hang at the correct length when ridden.

 

[MissMoo]

I have a tb, and I wrap it around the hock then allow an inch and a bit, just in case, and it hangs at a nice height for him.

This is what I do too

 

[sophiebailey]

I always aim for the chestnut

 

[Goldenstar]

I like mine long very long ,but I cut the hunters tails shorter in winter they then have grown down by the fly season.

 

[zigzag]

Two inches below the point of hock (with tail held up)

 

[dark_prince]

Thanks people!!

 

[stencilface]

I do a hands width below the chestnut

 

[ozpoz]

It depends what you want to do with him. If you do dressage , then you'll want a long, neat dressage tail. If you show, you'll have it squared off just below the hock.
If you do neither of these, then it is entirely up to you!

 

[horseandshoes77]

Also - never, EVER trim it when wet - it shrinks an extra 3 inches and if you've done it too short you'll near enough dock the poor critter (I speak from experience!!)

I have a tb, and I wrap it around the hock then allow an inch and a bit, just in case, and it hangs at a nice height for him.

I did this too.... you would think I should have learnt my lesson when I cut my own fringe wet lol I really had to keep on top of my eyebrows then

 

[Technique]

I was always told a fist's width below the chestnut - worked for me at county level showing.