A horse’s tail is put up for hunting to stop a muddy tail flapping between the horses legs and to stop the tail getting caught up on anything.

It also accentuates a horse’s hindquarters and adds to the overall picture of refinement and elegance: the tail can either be tied up in a knot or folded up.

Any tape or bands used should match the colour of the tail (white used here for clarity).

Knot

  • 1. The upper part of the tail is usually pulled. If your horse’s tail is not pulled you will have to plait it down from the top. Plait the tail firmly, right down to the end, and secure it with an elastic band.
  • 2. Knot the tail as neatly as possible.
  • 3. Secure the knot with bands. I would advise criss-crossing the bands over the knot to make the shape of an ‘X’. Note – the bands are not wrapped around the dock, as this would reduce circulation to the dock.

    • Fold

  • 1. The upper part of the tail is usually pulled. If your horse’s tail is not pulled you will have to plait it down from the top. Plait the tail firmly, right down to the end, and secure it with an elastic band.
  • 2. The tail is then doubled up and secured by two rounds of tape, one at the top of the fold and one toward the bottom of the fold.
  • 3. Make sure you do not pull the tapes too tight around the dock or you will reduce circulation.