Things You'll Need
- tail wrap
- horse shampoo
- betadine solution
- echinecea
- garlic
- flaxseed oil
- kelp extract
- biotin
- cider vinegar
Instructions
Observe the horse's coat, tail, and mane. If the mane and coat are full and sleek, but the tail is thinning, there are two potential causes. First check all fences, stalls, and trees for strands of hair. The horse could be running its tail against these areas due to itching from buildup of dirt, oil or fungus around the tail base.
If your horse is losing tail hair due to rubbing, shampoo the base of of the tail thoroughly to get rid of built-up grease or fungus. Shampooing the length of the tail can tug hair, which causes additional hair loss. You can also bathe the tail base in a diluted solution of betadine to relieve itching. If tail hair loss occurs during wintertime and a horse tail bath is not practical, apply a full dose of betadine (follow directions on bottle) to the roots of the tail and leave on. Itching should cease within three to seven days and tail hair should grow back.
Tail hair loss can also result from excess grooming by another horse. While it is common for horses to groom each other, sometimes excessive mane/tail chewing can occur, resulting in rapid tail hair thinning. Wrap the horse's tail in cloth to prevent further chewing; also try moving the horse to another area if possible. Wrapping the tail also helps shield it from the elements, debris, tangles, and sun exposure.
Help thinned tails regain their former luster by giving horse flaxseed, biotin, and kelp supplements, all of which promote healthy cell and hair growth. Echinecea and garlic can be used to help stop itching, while cider vinegar is recommended for overall horse health.
Maintain a healthy, balanced diet to keep tail, mane, and coat full and sleek. Make sure the horse has plenty of water and room to graze. Horses should be given hay when indoors. Provide sweet feed and salt licks as well.