Training Tips
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When it comes to keeping your horse's tail in top condition for riding and training, braiding is an essential step. Whether you're preparing for a show or simply protecting the tail from damage during riding, learning how to braid a horse's tail properly can make a big difference. In this guide, we'll walk you through the steps of braiding your horse's tail, why it's important, and how it can protect your horse's tail from damage during activities like rollbacks or backing up.
Why Braid Your Horse's Tail?
At Gosselin Horsemanship, we take great pride in caring for our horses, ensuring that their tails are as healthy and strong as possible. A well-groomed tail is not only aesthetically pleasing, but it also helps prevent injury during training. Horses with long tails, especially those that are past their hocks, are at risk of stepping on their tails during maneuvers like rollbacks or while backing up. Braiding the tail prevents the horse from stepping on it, ensuring the tail remains undamaged.
Step-by-Step Guide to Braiding Your Horse's Tail
1. Gather Your Supplies Before you start, you’ll need a few basic supplies. A simple camping bungee, which can be easily found on Amazon, is all you need to secure the braid. These bungees are ideal because they’re elastic, flexible, and gentle on the tail.
2. Part the Tail into Three Sections Stand at the back of your horse and gently grab the tail at the base of the tailbone. Separate the tail into three even sections. These sections will form the foundation of your braid.
3. Begin Braiding Start by crossing the outside section over the middle, then the other outside section over the middle. Continue alternating back and forth, moving down the tail until you reach the end. The braid doesn't need to be perfect—it's more about functionality than beauty.
4. Secure the Braid Once you’ve braided the tail all the way down to the end, it's time to secure it. Take the end of the tail and pass it through the first braid. Pull it tightly to ensure the braid doesn’t come undone during movement.
5. Add the Bungee Now, take your bungee and wrap it around the base of the tail where the braid ends. This will hold everything in place and keep the tail from coming undone, even when the horse swishes it. This also ensures that the tail stays in place when your horse is backing up or doing rollbacks.
Benefits of Braiding Your Horse's Tail
Protection During Shipping: One of the biggest advantages of braiding a horse's tail is the protection it provides while shipping. Many horse owners have experienced the heartbreak of a beautifully groomed horse getting off the trailer with chunks of its tail ripped out after stepping on it during transit. Braiding the tail minimizes this risk and ensures the tail stays intact.
Prevents Injury: When horses perform maneuvers like backing up or rollbacks, they are more likely to step on their own tail if it's not properly secured. By braiding and securing the tail, you can prevent unnecessary pain and discomfort for the horse.
Keeps the Tail Neat and Clean: Braiding helps keep the tail looking tidy and organized, which is especially important for show horses. Additionally, it keeps the tail free of tangles and dirt, which can make grooming easier.
Conclusion
Braiding your horse's tail is a simple yet effective way to protect it from damage and ensure that it stays looking beautiful. Whether you're preparing for a show, training, or shipping, taking the time to properly braid the tail can save you from dealing with a damaged tail later. By following these simple steps and using a camping bungee, you can maintain your horse's tail in excellent condition while preventing unnecessary injury.
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