How to Cut Horse Hair

A great amount of work goes into keeping up a show horse's appearance. Manes are generally pulled to keep them neat and tidy, but banging a horse's tail involves cutting the hair to keep the tail well-maintained and looking full. Banging a tail is a fairly simple process, but care must be taken to avoid removing too much hair.

Things You'll Need

  • Shampoo
  • Conditioner
  • Water
  • Brush
  • Clippers
  • Assistant
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Instructions

    • 1

      Wash the horse's tail thoroughly to remove any debris and dead hair. Be sure to rinse out all of the shampoo. Apply a conditioner and leave it in for the recommended time for the particular product. Rinse it out thoroughly.

    • 2

      Wring out the remaining water from the horse's tail and allow it to dry.

    • 3

      Brush out the horse's tail gently. Tail hairs are easily broken, so go slowly and use your fingers to work out larger knots and tangles.

    • 4

      Ask your assistant to hold the horse's tail up by the dock. The tail should be held where the horse normally carries it while in motion. This generally means that the tail will be lifted slightly and held away from the horse's body just a bit.

    • 5

      Hold the bottom of the tail together with one hand, and with the other, run your clippers horizontally across the very bottom of the tail. This will remove the longest hairs, creating an even finish to the tail.

    • 6

      Clip the stray hairs to the sides of the upper area of the tail, close to the dock. Clip in the direction of the hair's growth. Go sparingly here, and only use this technique to neaten the tail.