Trimming a tail

[RunawaySally]

My mare needs her tail trimming but not sure the right way to do it - I don't have anyone to help hold it up while I trim it straight, and I don't want it wonky if I try it on my own! Has anyone got any tips? Also the top of her tail is quite bushy and she started to rub it a couple of weeks ago but it seems ok now since a good shampoo - do I trim it with scissors or pull it, and does this hurt?! She a bit of a wuss....

 

[MrsMozart]

For the length, take the entire tail and pass it round a hind leg, then hold the tail in one hand and trim it just below the level of the hock. This will give you a tail that then hangs to about half way between hocks and fetlocks.

Most people pull the top of the tail; you can use scissors, but it makes it look weird m'thinks

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If the tail is really thick and heavy, use a rake on the underneath to thin it. But do it easily and gently or you'll end up with a baldy!

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[RunawaySally]

Excellent, thanks!

 

[emma69]

Another way to do it is the hold your arm under the dock, lifting the tail (thus recreating where the horse carries it when working) and cut to the hock.

 

[kellyeaton]

i put my arm under the dock so it rsises the tail to the point you want to cut it so you can see the length!

 

[gails]

If you are worried about it being wonkiy, when you decide on the length, tie a hair band around and then cut it