Should you pick or brush your horse’s tail?
This really depends on your discipline, and depends on how much of a rebel you want to be. I say that only a little bit jokingly…
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- Every Show Jumping Groom I have ever known swears by only picking the shavings and grass and hay bits from tails, never brushing. Most of the Dressage Grooms I know employ a method of adding product and brushing.
- I know event Grooms that do a combo of the two techniques, and I know Saddlebred Grooms that sweat by knots, and I know some Grooms that don’t do a darn thing until show day.
It’s like their tails are velcro and the universe is sticky stuff.
To pick or brush your horse’s tail
- Tail picking takes a bit of time and patience. But, if you keep the tail clean and conditioned, the shavings slide out easily and tangles are avoided. Dirty tails are sticky tails! I also think that a picked tail looks natural, and perhaps a bit fuller. This may be a bonus for the wispy tailed horses out there.
- Brushing your horse’s tail can leave the tail untangled and sleek, which looks good on a lot of horse rear ends. It’s best to start from the bottom and work your way, perhaps with the help of some shine product to coat the hair or a bit of detangler. Your choice.
But here’s the one thing to remember…. and this applies to all methods of tail maintenance…
- HAIR WILL FALL OUT. That’s how hair works… it grows, it stops growing for a bit, it falls out to make room for a new piece of hair. It happens to us, it happens to our horses. For more on how hair grows, and how to maximize growth, read this gem.
Minimize breakage and tangles
- The falling out is generally totally out of our control. So play around with picking, brushing, bagging, different products, and find what works for you.
- Generally speaking – keeping the tail clean, soft, and conditioned will take you far.
- Daily attention is also a huge factor – no good can come of attending to your horse’s tail once a month.
- When your tail grooming method goes against the grain of your discipline’s usual methods, we will know just how much of a rebel you really are.
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Brighten duns, palominos, and golden colors.
For dark bays, black points, and black horses
This waterproof tail bag is especially great for white and gray tails.
Gentle and effective detangling for your horse's mane and tail.
Protect your horse's tail during travel.
Cover scars and enhance your horse's color with this medium brown shade.
Omega 3's plus gut health support in a delicious cold milled flax formula. It's delicious and it will turn your horse's coat into a mirror.
Thank you!
