August 2000

Solutions To Thinning Tail Problems

A long, flowing tail is more than a hallmark of equine beauty. It’s also a great fly swatter.

You should care for your horse’s tail the same way you do your own hair. Daily brushing is a must if you want the tail to be in top condition and healthy. Some people avoid brushing the tail for fear of pulling out hairs or ending up with “short hairs.” This is nonsense—provided you take the time to brush the hair properly. Otherwise, you will damage it.

Tails (like human heads) have a normal loss of hairs that you can’t avoid. Normal loss may be five to 10 hairs a day, and if you don’t brush them out, they will accumulate in the tail, often in tangles and knots, resulting in…