Because tail bags are simple and inexpensive to make yourself, you won't have to spend all your show winnings on this convenient tail enhancer. With a few stitches, a few supplies and a little time, your tail bag will be complete and your horse will have a thicker, cleaner, more luxurious tail.
Things You'll Need
- Lycra fabric (1/3 yd.)
- Sewing machine
- Thread
- Measuring tape
- Scissors
Instructions
Measure the length of the horse's tail. Begin at the tail base and measure to the end. Subtract three inches from the total length. This should be the length of your material.
Cut out the material at the measured length, by 10 inches wide.
Fold the material in half with the right sides together. Pin the material in place to keep it even during sewing.
Sew 1/4 to 1/2 inch from the cut edge. Backstitch at the beginning, then sew all the way down the long side as well as along the bottom. Either a square or rounded corner can be used; for the rounded corner, sew in a curve instead of an angle. Back stitch at the end. Consider using a zigzag stitch or sewing a second time directly over or next to the original sewing line for added durability.
Turn the resulting tube inside out. At the top, cut three tabs, each five inches deep. If your horse has an exceptionally thick tail already, you may need to cut these tabs longer. Take a pair of scissors with you to the barn and adjust as needed.
Condition and braid your horse's tail and slide it into the bag. Wrap each tab around the tail and tie it off. You may need to cut the tabs a bit longer to reach all the way around the tail. An alternative is to weave the tabs through the tail and tie them together in square knots. There is no specific way to tie the bag, so just experiment with what works best on your horse. Braid the tail again every week or two to prevent the hair from breaking.