How to Keep a Horse's Tail Long & Beautiful

To the competitive equestrian and the amateur rider, a horse's appearance serves as a barometer of the kind of care and attention paid to the animal. A glossy coat, polished hooves, and gleaming mane and tail shows that your horse receives the proper nutrition and grooming necessary to stand out among the competition. For a long, beautiful tail, you should treat your horse's hair as you would your own.

Things You'll Need

  • Appropriate nutrition
  • Wide hairbrush with flexible pin bristles or wide-tooth comb
  • Moisturizing shampoo and conditioner
  • Detangler or leave-in spray conditioner
  • Tail bag
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Instructions

    • 1

      Feed your horse with hays and grains containing optimal nutrition. Biotin and pyridoxine -- vitamins B7 and B6 -- aid in hair growth and enhance your horse's skin and coat. The trace minerals copper and zinc contribute to coat and hair quality, while adequate protein, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, and amino acids lysine and methionine keep the tail and mane healthy and shiny.

    • 2

      Brush the tail every two to three days with a wide brush with flexible pin bristles or a wide-tooth comb to stimulate circulation and remove dead hair. The time in between brushings allows the natural oils in the tail to accumulate in the hair shafts.

    • 3

      Wash and condition your horse's tail at least every two weeks with a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner. Using human hair products from your local drug store can save you money and time.

    • 4

      Use a detangler or leave-in conditioning spray on the tail after washing, and comb through the hair with a wide-tooth comb. Some detanglers come with a shine component to help the tail shine for horse shows.

    • 5

      Work out any large knots, burrs or foliage with your fingers before brushing or combing your horse's tail. On particularly stubborn knots, use your shampoo or conditioner to help separate the hair during washing.

    • 6

      Bang -- or crop -- your horse's tail at the level of its fetlock. While the tail is wet, and after combing or brushing, cut the tail on a straight line approximately 6 inches above ground level. Banging makes the tail appear thicker and keeps the ends from dragging on the ground.

    • 7

      Cover the tail in a tail bag when showing or competing your horse to keep it clean and tangle-free.