Tail Talk

Winter is a great time to repair tails and encourage tail growth. Diet is important but so is keeping the tail clean and conditioned. 

It all starts with a healthy tail bone (photo 1). Dry, flaky or waxy skin on the tail bone can be itchy and uncomfortable, leading to tail rubbing and hair loss. Use CitraFoam Shampoo (photo 2) and thoroughly wash the tail bone then wash the entire tail. Rinse VERY WELL!!!!  CitraFoam Shampoo is sulfate free and has a moisturizing formula to relieve dry skin, dander, and dandruff.

Next use CitraCreme Conditioner (photo 3) which is a rinse out conditioner designed to improve dry, brittle tails and make hair soft and resilient in order to avoid breakage.

Once the tail is dry (photo 4) apply Gleam (photo 5 ). This weightless serum does not attract dust or dirt and softens the hair to help prevent breakage. An added benefit is that it also deodorizes.

​Finally, braid the tail. Braiding helps to keep the tail from breaking (photos 6-7). We prefer this method over tail bags and tying up tails. Bags have pitfalls; some horses try to rub off the bags, some pasture mates try to chew them and many times, tails become matted and tangled when kept in a bag. We have used the braid method for 40 + years with great results! Undo the tail braids at least every 2-3 weeks, brush out the tail, recondition with Gleam then re-braid.

We offer samples of CitraFoam, CitraCreme and Gleam for $2.00 each + postage. You'll probably want an entire bottle of Gleam though; that will last all winter and well into show season. Gleam is $20 for an 8 oz. bottle.

Be sure to take before pictures now and then pictures at the end of the winter - we'd love to showcase them on our web site and Facebook page!