Tail Bandages & Guards

Tail Bandages & Guards

Tail bandages and tail guards are essential pieces of equipment used to protect a horse's tail during transport, grooming, or competition. They help keep the tail clean, prevent injury, and maintain its appearance, especially in situations where the tail is likely to be rubbed or damaged.

1. Tail Bandages:

• Purpose: Tail bandages are primarily used to protect the horse’s tail bone and hair during transport or before shows. They also help to train the tail to lie flat for presentation purposes, such as in the show ring.

• Materials: Typically made from stretchy, elasticated fabric (such as nylon or cotton) that allows the bandage to fit snugly around the tail without restricting blood flow.

• Uses:

  • Transport: Protects the tail from rubbing or being caught in the trailer or horsebox.
  • Grooming/Training: Used after washing or grooming to keep the tail clean and smooth. Also helps lay the hair flat to create a polished look for shows.
  • Injury Prevention: Can be used to keep wounds on the tail clean and covered while healing.

• Application:

  • The bandage is wrapped around the top part of the tail, just below the dock, ensuring even pressure without wrapping too tightly, which could affect circulation.
  • It is generally left on for short periods and should be removed after travel or competition to prevent constriction.

• Precautions: Ensure the bandage isn’t applied too tightly or left on for extended periods, as it could cut off circulation and damage the tail.

• Popular Brands: Shires, LeMieux, and Roma.

2. Tail Guards:

• Purpose: Tail guards are used to protect the tail dock during transportation, preventing injury from rubbing against walls, gates, or partitions in horse trailers. They provide additional padding and are often used in conjunction with tail bandages for extra protection.

• Materials: Typically made from neoprene, nylon, or PVC, tail guards offer padded protection with adjustable straps to secure them around the dock.

• Uses:

  • Transport Protection: Tail guards are particularly useful for horses prone to rubbing their tails against the back of trailers during travel. This can cause tail hair to break or the tailbone to become bruised.
  • Post-Grooming/Competition: Helps to keep the tail clean and protected during transit to shows or events.

• Design:

  • Padded Dock Protection: Most tail guards feature thick padding over the dock area for added protection against rubbing.
  • Adjustable Straps: Velcro or elastic straps secure the guard around the dock, ensuring it stays in place.

• Combination Tail Guard & Bag: Some tail guards come with an attached tail bag, which extends down to cover and protect the tail hair, keeping it clean during travel. These are particularly useful for long journeys or show preparations.

• Popular Brands: Woof Wear, WeatherBeeta, and Amigo.

Differences Between Tail Bandages and Tail Guards:

• Tail Bandage:

  • Primarily used to wrap the dock of the tail.
  • Offers some protection but is mostly used to smooth and train the tail or keep it clean after grooming.
  • Can be used for short periods and is more flexible.

• Tail Guard:

  • Provides padded protection specifically for the dock during transport.
  • More robust than a bandage and is designed to prevent bruising or hair damage from rubbing.
  • Often used with or without a tail bandage and is adjustable with straps for secure fitting.

Application Tips:

1. Before Wrapping: Make sure the tail is clean and dry before applying any tail bandage or guard. Wet or dirty hair can cause discomfort or lead to skin irritation.

2. Tail Bandage Application:

   • Start wrapping just below the dock, ensuring you apply even pressure.
   • Avoid wrapping too tightly to prevent cutting off circulation.
   • Secure the end of the bandage with a knot or Velcro closure. Be careful not to leave the bandage on for too long (no more than a few hours at a time).

3. Tail Guard Application:

   • Place the padded section over the dock and secure the Velcro or elastic straps, making sure it sits snugly but not too tight.
   • If it includes a tail bag, tuck the hair into the bag to keep it clean and protected.
   • Check that the guard stays in place during transport but remove it immediately after arrival to avoid discomfort.

Conclusion:

Tail bandages and guards are excellent tools for maintaining the appearance of your horse’s tail and preventing damage during transport or competition preparation. Choosing the right protection depends on the activity and duration of use, but both bandages and guards help keep the tail safe, clean, and presentable.