Under your horse’s tail

 

As tempting as it is to routinely skip grooming this area, it’s just as important to clean and inspect under the tail as the eyes and hooves. A lot can go on under your horse’s tail – some things are benign, and some are downright dangerous.

 

Train your horse to be touched everywhere

 

  • Daily handling and grooming of your horse’s tail area is also a requirement for safe horse handling. It’s unacceptable for a horse to tell you what you can or can’t look at or touch. This is immediately evident when that untouchable area becomes injured and needs daily attention and medication. Train your horse NOW to avoid unraveling your relationship when you need to medicate or handle those untouchable areas LATER.

 

 

gray horse tail tumor

Small growths like this can easily be handled before they grow and cause major problems.

 

When it comes to the area under your horse’s tail, you might find:

 

  • Dirt, crusty sweat, flaky skin are all common. You can also find ticks, cuts, sores, rubbed skin between butt cheeks, and even growths.

 

  • You may also find some emergencies – like a prolapsed rectum or uterus. Prolapsed means that what should be inside is now outside. If you ever watch your horse pass manure, you will notice that at the very end, you can see some pink or reddish tissue. If it stays out, it’s a life-threatening emergency. The same is true for your mare’s reproductive system under the tail.

 

  • You may also find that your horse’s manure has changed and left some streaks on your horse. This is a sign something is going on – pay attention! It could be as simple as a new delivery of hay, but it’s always good to notice any changes.

 

Clean under your horse’s tail 

 

  • If everything looks peachy keen, you don’t use shampoo or detergents or soap. Water can take any flakes, dirt, or dried sweat. A rinse with warm water, or a soft sponge or fuzzy washcloth will do. There is no need for a brush or a curry comb here, either.

 

gray horse butt cheeks under the tail

Sweat and friction can often cause the butt cheeks to lose hair and create sores. OUCH.

 

When to call the vet

 

  • Call the vet when you notice major differences in the hair, skin, or tissue.

 

  • Mares often have discharge during their estrus cycles, so pay attention to the pattern. Baby wipes are great for this time to clean up any discharge.  Unusual or foul-smelling discharge should be looked at by your vet. 

 

  • You may also find that much further down between the butt cheeks, sores and rubs can happen. Friction from sweat and dirt and exercise can rub away the skin, a little bit of ointment helps to heal these sores and provide some grease to prevent new ones. I like to use body glide for runners and hikers here.

 

gray horse tail and butt

Know your horse’s normals

 

Any new growths, discharges, sores, or questions that you find need to be discussed with your veterinarian. It’s all about keeping your horse healthy – from top to bottom and front to back!

 

go-shopping

 

If you want to pick up some of that blister be gone stuff for butt cheek sores, here’s a handy link for you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases, but it’s ZERO extra cents to you. And I thank you!

 

Friction blocking stick to prevent rubs

 

 

Handy cloths for all things horse grooming

Larger sponge for bathing and grooming

 

 

Thank you!

 

 

 

inspect under your horse's tail for bugs, tumors, and skin problems