The Horse Forum banner
Status
Not open for further replies.

How to brush a horses tail properally

4K views 29 replies 19 participants last post by  fanning farms 
#1 ·
1. If your horses tail is not brushed often spray detangler in it make sure you spread it out on both the top and bottom of the tail.
2. Start at the bottom and work your way up untangleing all the knots!
-Make sure you stand of to the side of the horse
Posted via Mobile Device
 
#6 ·
I tend not to brush the tail too often, as I agree that the brush will break hairs and make it thinner. I have untangled many a tail by using my fingers, from the top one hair at a time. you end up with black horrible greasy fingers and the horses tail looks lovely.
I would then try to spray in a detangler or baby oil or even some human hair conditioner. that would keep it tangle free for a good while longer.
the one hair at a time thing does take a lot of time but I've usually done it when heading for a show as it does make the tail look fabulous. its a nice thing to do on a hot summers day too, when you're just hanging with your horse.
in the winter when theres mud clinging up the tail I would just brush the bottom out to get rid of the worst tangles, I also tend to trim the tail shorter in the winter to get it out of the mud.
 
#8 ·
You will find a large amount of people are extremely well versed in the sciences of grooming around here from a lot of heavy showing activity. ;)

I will run my hands through it or pick it, but I don't brush. Coconut oil on mane and tail and then bagged/socked up. redone once or twice a week and before shows, that's a whole different ball game.
 
#9 ·
when i worked at the stables for my neighbor (she is an extreamly knowledgeable horsewoman who has been breeding and showing successfully since she was a young girl, she's now 80 and very set in her ways) she gave me a right rollicking for brushing the tail. i was told to use my fingers, wash it and condition it.
 
#12 ·
Brushing can break or pull out their hair. If you put conditioner in first, less breaks or pulls out. Not any different than our own hair, except their hair is usually thicker and stronger.

Some horses like our Appy can go without brushing regularly. Our Arab or TWH needs to be brushed often or they get dreadlocks in them.
Posted via Mobile Device
 
#13 ·
I brush my arab's tail all the time. In the summer it is almost everyday. I use mane and tail detangler spray but otherwise I use a regular human brush. Her tail is so long and thick I'm constantly cutting it, it's also silky smooth for days after brushing. Never had a problem with hair coming out unless it is ready and never any breakage.
 
#14 ·
I have never seen a brush make any difference. I have a filly with the fullest tail you could wish for and I have to keep the bottom trimmed so she doesn't step on it and I brush it out at least 3 times a week. I use a mild oil based detangler and a regular hair brush. My TB never had his brushed out before I got him and it has started growing in since I started brushing it a few times a week. I make sure I condition all the way down to the dock.
 
#16 ·
I use Oster 'pin' brushes on all my horses - as long as you are careful and remove bad tangles with your fingers they never pull any hairs out
I NEVER use detanglers any more as they are silicone based and build up on the hairs and absorb stains when they break down and go sticky which = more tangles - which means you have to use more detangler and it becomes a vicious circle
I wash tails and damp brush with a soft brush regularly and for shows use a little bit of baby oil rubbed in to give extra shine
 
#17 ·
I have used a human paddle brush on my horses' tails for years, including the ones that show. Never had a problem with breakage. I have one whose tail is crazy thick and so long it drags the ground. If you pay attention to what you are doing, you will not break or pull out a lot of hair. You should brush a horse's tail the same way you would your own. If you had a huge snarl, you wouldn't just rip it out would you? No, you would take your time and untangle it. A little common sense is all it takes to use a brush properly.
 
#21 ·
I use tart from the bottom and work my way up. I divide the hair into short (about three inches) sections and go from there, little bit at a time. It takes me about half an hour normally to brush my horses tails, and I only brush their manes and tails about once every two or three months.

Usually I just pick through their hair with my fingers, get the worst of the weeds, sticks, and burs out, and untangle the bad tangles.

Both of my horses tails are long and thick. My mare's is a little shorter (about even with her fetlock joint) but is thick enough for two or three horses, and my geldings tail is thick enough for two horses and lacks about an inch from touching the ground.
 
#27 ·
Try using a brush in Saddlebred barn and see how quick you get fired.

No brush, just fingers.

Their tails are generally kept braided up and bagged, so not many tangles.

And since their tails may be 10 feet or even more in some cases, lots of work with them.
 
#28 ·
I keep my horse's tail up in a braid and tail bag and re-do approximately once a week or so. When I take it down, I give it a good spray with Canter Mane & Tail, then brush it starting from the bottom and working my way up with a human cushion brush (actually used to be my own brush... cushion brushes are gentler on the hair, since the bristles collapse if they encounter a snag). Then I braid it back up and put it back in the bag.

I usually don't cut it until I'm at a show, and then I'll cut it straight across short enough that it doesn't drag on the ground.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
You have insufficient privileges to reply here.
Top