Tail plaiting for turnout.

[Damnation]

I have a TB mare who's tail isn't paticularly thick so I don't like to brush it too often. I will wash it and condition it every few weeks and give it a comb through but that is it.
However in between washes it looks disgusting and forms dreadlocks, for a relatively thin tail it is horrible to get a brush through even when I have washed it. (Hence defeating the purpose of not brushing it because I end up ripping lots of tail out when I try and get a brush through it!!)
I was wondering if there is anybody out there that plaits tails for turnout? Would this be a safe option to do? (Getting tail caught on things etc).
I would be doing this just to try and keep her tail relatively knot free without having to brush it (because it is quite thin and I want to entice it to get thicker!!).
Obviously I would replait it when she comes in etc.
Izzi

 

[Enfys]

In the UK I used to plait tails for turnout as a matter of course (small white horses, deep brown mud) and I never, ever, had a problem with them catching on anything. I plaited, then doubled up and tied the tail in a knot, so they were completely out of the way.

I have two mares with plaited tails at the moment, not because of the mud but just to stop the blasted foal from eating them. They are not knotted, but still no problems.

If you thought that plaiting might damage the hair perhaps a tail bag would be a better option, although I have never used one so can't comment on the use of them.

 

[Nina76]

I often plait for turnout, expecially if I know I won't have much time next time I ride, and since she's always rugged now she gets quite mucky around her bum I think the H/W tailflaps prevent her tail lifting fully!

 

[BigRed]

My mare's tail is relatively thin, so I don't brush it out every day. I wash it regularly and then I spray one of the detangler products on it, to stop any dreadlocks or knots forming, it means you don't lose so much hair when you do brush it out.

 

[Theresa_F]

Why not invest in a tailbag - tailgator do really good ones. No only will the tail not get full of mud and dirt, it will be tangle free and given a chance to grow thick. You could also try using megatek to enourage the hair to be thicker and stronger and more growth.

Personally I would recommend the fold option - you can then have the tail folded up and out of the way. You can also ride with it - if you have a scatty type, lunge them first with the bag on so you know you will not have any problems.

My cob's tail is bagged nearly all the time as it is so long and thick, in the summer he just has the top third out to swish with.

I also bag our clyde's tail in winter to keep it clean.

Very simple, wash, condition, plait and pop in the bag. Every couple of weeks, take out the bag, comb through and condition and pop back in. Rub megatek into the top of the tail and you can comb through as well.

Cairo's tail really improved for being bagged during the winter.

 

[Joss]

I find that if I wash & then put in conditioner (I like Carr, Day & martin Mane & Tail COnditioner best) I then leave the tail to dry before brushing it out. I use an Oyster Tail brush which gets the tangles out without pulling out hair.

Dont try & keep the tail too long, chopping off the end keeps it thicker. I like mine to hang at 'chestnut' level i.e just below the hock, when it is being carried.

My horse has got twice as much tail as he used to have.

 

[Damnation]

Thanks guys - I forgot to add that I do use detangling products on my mares tail but nothing seems to keep it nice!
What I think I will do is plait it for the time being and then after christmas I may invest in a tail bag (I'm a wee bit broke atm!!!)
Thanks guys

 

[CrazyMare]

I have a mare with a white tail. I plait hers then put it in a bag - I used to just plait it and leave it but found it did get quite knotty.

I HATE the mane and tail conditioner sprays - buy human conditioner and leave in spray (cheapy ones are fine), condition tail after washing with normal conditioner, leave on while you groom/strap/hot cloth, then rinse out, comb out, then spray leave in conditioner on, plait and put into a bag.

Tails are much thicker, cleaner and more manageable.

 

[Cuffey]

Never tried it myself but some folk recommend putting baby oil onto clean tail to stop dreadlocks forming and help detangle those already there

 

[MagicMelon]

I have plaited before, I always do if they're stabled the night before an event. And have done so for turnout also with no problems. I generally try to keep my shetlands tail plaited all the time as its so damn thick and she pees in it

Its much tidier for the farrier as well

I do usually put baby oil in their tail after a wash as well as it seems to repel dirt quite well and moisturises the hair.