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Hair loss in the tail can also impact how horses communicate with each other, as tail movements play a big role in horse language. Barrel racing was my first foray into the competitive world of horses, and it's been nearly 25 years since I leaped into the horse racing business. It's been an incredible journey, and through this website, I hope to share a bit of that with you. Currently, I'm working with a team of seven horses, each at a different stage in their training. I grew up with horses as integral to our daily activities—working with cattle, trail riding, or even hunting.
Horse hair thieves continually target West Jordan family - FOX 13 News Utah
Horse hair thieves continually target West Jordan family.
Posted: Wed, 03 Nov 2021 07:00:00 GMT [source]
EQUINE Ink
A horse that is content will usually have the dock of the tail in a relaxed state, not moving other than to sway with the natural movement of the animal. With unsupplemented grain and hay or hay-only diets, any of these factors could be operating. You could also try an across-the-board approach with a supplement balanced for horses and feed a flaxseed supplement (see June 2000). If pasture is poor and/or the horse relies primarily on hay and grain, any of the above could be your problem.
Will a Horses’ Tail Grow Back? 5 Simple Tips
Using spray on a visibly dirty tail does not produce good results. If the tail is visibly soiled, it is time to wash it or leave it unbrushed until you can wash it. This can occur due to various reasons, such as tail rubbing, getting caught in fences or equipment, or even aggressive tail swishing.
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Tangles and snarls can pinch and pull on delicate skin underneath. Tucked under the edge of your saddle pad at the withers, dirty, clumped tangles can even cause sores that may preclude you from riding while they heal. Fungal infections, such as ringworm, can cause hair loss in horses. These infections can be highly contagious and can spread quickly among horses in close proximity.
Horses That Naturally Lose Tail Hair
Excessive Flaking and DrynessExcessive dryness is again often due to inadequate grooming, but it could be one of the hallmarks of a low-grade fungal infection and should be properly treated. Mongolia is known for its harsh climates, so docking was also used for injury prevention. Have a regular deworming schedule and use fly control measures to prevent parasitic infestations.
Deputies in Nash County say hair from horse tails is being stolen - WYFF4 Greenville
Deputies in Nash County say hair from horse tails is being stolen.
Posted: Fri, 11 Dec 2020 08:00:00 GMT [source]
Is horsetail shampoo for horses?

While genetics play a crucial role for some, practices like tail docking contribute to the shorter tails seen in others. Whether in the wild or domesticated, horses rely on their tails for numerous vital functions, including warding off insects, signaling to other horses, and providing a form of defense. During confrontations, a compromised tail length can hamper the horse’s defense mechanisms, making it easier for predators to target and harm the animal. Natural tail length supports the horse’s balance and movement, reducing the risk of injury and strain.
The Best Horses in Heaven, They Have No Tail (or are missing some)
While promoters of the practice claim that most injections eventually wear off if done carefully, a badly done injection can cause abscesses or permanent nerve damage. Another complication that may occur is a temporary inability to defecate and/or urinate due to paralysis of the muscles that control rectum and bladder emptying. In extreme cases, especially if the alcohol injected migrates from the tail to nearby muscles and skin, damage can be so severe that necrosis can set in. Another damaging outcome is the development of ataxia due to nerve damage in the hindquarters. However, although there are some testing methods available, it is difficult to detect, thus enforcement is a problem. Various techniques are used to numb the tail, most carrying significant health risks.
I was so shocked that I just stood there with my jaw gaping, my horse’s tail still in one hand and other frozen in place, palm open and now devoid of the hairbrush. After a moment, I regained my composure and looked toward the garbage can, contemplating whether or not to retrieve the brush. As if she could read my mind, the trainer, now far down the barn aisle, looked back over her shoulder and shook her finger at me. Blocked tails can be recognized by experienced horse judges, as the tail hangs lifelessly, rather than swaying slightly with the movement of the horse.
Skin scrapings can help identify the presence of parasites, such as mites or lice, which can contribute to hair loss in horses. A biopsy, on the other hand, involves removing a small piece of tissue for further analysis. This can be particularly useful in cases where the hair loss is due to a skin infection or autoimmune condition.
The horse’s tail may be used to keep flies away or as an indicator of their mood. Additionally, the tail can help the horse communicate with other horses by using subtle movements and gestures. The horse’s hair does not grow straight off their rear end and instead grows out from this center structure, which can be up to about one foot long.
During the physical examination, the veterinarian will also take into consideration the horse’s overall health and any other symptoms that may accompany the hair loss. They will ask questions about the horse’s diet, grooming routine, and any recent changes in their environment or behavior. This information can help provide valuable clues as to the underlying cause of the hair loss.
However, historically, docking was performed on some horses, often as foals. Prior to mechanization, tail docking of both light and heavy harness horses was common, viewed as a safety measure to prevent the tail from catching in the harness or on the vehicle. The length of a horse’s tail can reveal a lot about their health, genetics, and the care they’ve received. With years of hands-on experience in the horse world, I’ve come to appreciate the significance of even the smallest details, such as tail length.
A loose tail is a safety risk because it can snag a polo mallet. A polo braid is often secured by taping, and sometimes the dock is shaved. In inclement weather, many other show disciplines will allow competitors to put up the skirt of the tail into a similar type of stylized knot known as a mud tail. Finally, if your horse just happens to have a thin mane and tail, you aren’t going to change that.
The term “skirt” refers to the long hairs that fall below the dock. When it has been amputated because fashion, it can be as short as 6″. It is nearly impossible to keep a wrap on a horse’s tailbone unless it is so tight that you run the risk of cutting off the circulation. Furthermore, if the wrap irritates your horse, it may actually encourage him to rub his tail. A handy trick for washing your horse’s tail is to put a small amount of shampoo into a small bucket and then add water to make it sudsy. Hold the bucket in one hand and dunk your horse’s tail in it with the other.
With the new genetic test, scientists have been able to show whether a horse had zero, one, or two copies of the mutated gene. Using this test that is now available through the UC–Davis laboratory, breeders will be able to avoid breeding NFS foals, improving the welfare of their horses overall. While none of the horses with NFS lived till maturity, scientists of the 2017 study still don’t know whether the condition is lethal. The scientists couldn’t say for sure if the filly’s health problems were related to NFS. In order to establish a definite link, more hairless foals will need to be examined and data collected about their condition.