Why Do You Bandage a Horses Tail?

It can be easy to overlook the tail of a horse, but it plays an important role in your equine friend’s health. The density, colour and length of the hair grow on the tail tell us a lot about your horse’s wellbeing.

A clean and tangle-free tail is essential before wrapping a bandage. Otherwise the bandage can put pressure on dirt and debris, irritating your horse and potentially creating a sore.

Table of Contents

Causes

Depending on the type of injury, a bandage can protect a wound and stop it from becoming infected. They also help to support a horse, particularly if they are in a stable or on box rest (where their hind legs are more recumbent than normal) and prevent oedema.

As with all bandaging, it is important to apply the bandage in a way that is comfortable and effective for the patient. Too tight and the bandage may restrict circulation and delay healing.

Bandages can also cause itching and irritation, which can lead to skin infection and wounds. They can also cause a colic-like reaction in horses, especially if they have never had a bandage before, so practice under a vet until you are confident with this skill!

If your horse’s tail is infected, you will have to apply anti-inflammatories and antibiotics to prevent it from becoming swollen or bruised. If the wound is under the tail, you’ll also need to keep it elevated from the hindquarters if you want it to heal properly.

Prevention

Whether you are looking for travel safety, protecting a broodmare close to foaling time or just trying to keep your horse’s tail neat and sleek in competition, bandaging the tail is an essential part of any horse owner’s kit. But it is important that you apply it correctly, as incorrectly applied bandages can cause discomfort and restrict blood flow.

When wrapping the tail, it is best to dampen the hairs on the root of the tail with water before applying the bandage. This will provide extra grip and help prevent the bandage from moving as the horse moves.

Once you’ve got a good grip, begin to wrap the bandage around the root of the tail, starting from the top of the tail and working down. Overlap every layer half or two-thirds of the width of the previous layer, keeping the pressure firm and even as you work your way down. You should end the bandage about 10cm above the tail’s base.

Treatment

If a horse’s tail has become itchy, a bandage may be necessary. A bandage can help to relieve the itching, but it must be done properly or it could cause a lot of trouble.

Before you bandage your horse’s tail, make sure it is clean and tangle free. Applying a bandage to a dirty tail can put pressure on debris in the hairs, which can rub against the skin and create sores.

A bandage can also restrict circulation to the tail, which can lead to further problems, such as swelling and bruising.

There are a number of treatments available to treat tail rubbing, including anti-itch sprays and detangling products. These treatments are less harmful to your horse’s health than surgically altering a horse’s tail, which is a cruel and irreversible procedure. Other alternatives include avoiding combs and brushes that can irritate the skin, and using a wide-tooth comb to work through tangles.

Symptoms

Bandages can be used to prevent bleeding, control wounds, absorb fluids, cushion an injured area and provide a sanitary and secure environment for a topical dressing or splint.

When bandaging a horse’s tail, it is important to apply the bandage correctly to avoid causing damage. It is also essential to ensure that the bandage doesn’t get tangled in the tail hair or pull out.

The tail bone is made up of 18 individual vertebrae and it is very important that these are not damaged during a horse’s recovery. Often, injuries to the tail are more serious than those to other parts of the body.

When wrapping a tail, start at the top of the tail and work your way down. You want to wrap as close to the tail bone as possible and you’ll find it helpful if you slip one hand under the tail and pass the bandage from your top hand to the hand underneath the tail as you work.