How to Get Snarls Out of Horse's Tail

If you dote on your horse like many horse owners do, the sight of an unkempt tail, full of burrs, snarls and tangles, tells you that the horse has not been cared for properly. To get rid of that unsightly look, groomers must arm themselves with the proper tools to create a flowing tail without removing too much hair. Keep your horse's tail looking its best with a regular grooming method.

Things You'll Need

  • Horse conditioning spray
  • Wide-tooth comb
  • Narrow-tooth comb
  • Fly spray
  • Wrap bag (optional)
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Approach your horse by its head. Glide your hand over your horse's body to let them know where you plan to go. This will help prevent the horse from getting startled. Position your body on one side of the horse's haunches and use one hand to pull the tail over to where you are standing.

    • 2

      Spray the horse's tail beginning at the tip and working up to the dock with a silicone or conditioning spray. Use enough spray to completely coat the individual hairs, but not too much spray where the tail is dripping wet. Run your hands through the tail to coat each hair with the spray.

    • 3

      Grasp the bottom of the horse's tail with one had and hold a wide-tooth comb in the other. Working upward, carefully comb the hairs straight. Comb your way up towards the dock, gently teasing the snarls out of the tail.

    • 4

      Switch to a narrow-tooth comb for difficult mats or tangles in your horse's hair. Remove any debris such as twigs, shavings, dirt or leaves as you comb.