Tail bags are a great way to keep your horses tail clean and free from dirt, hay and sticks and minimise tangles. Whether you’ve got an event coming up or just chasing a long, lush and healthy tail for your horse, using one of our tail bags is sure to help you reach your #tailgoals.

Tail bags are available in two types: tie in and plait in. Tie in tail bags are the “standard”, one sleeve covering the whole tail, while a Plait in tail bag is made from three sleeves.
tie in tail bag with faux leather tassels and plait in tail bag comparison

Some care tips to consider, especially when using a tail bag:

  • To encourage tail growth and minimise breakages, only use a wide tooth plastic comb and brush no more than twice a week (the more brushing, the more hair loss).
  • Do not braid immediately after washing as braiding wet hair can damage the hair and cause breakages.
  • Brush the dry hair smooth before starting. If needed, use a detangling spray sparingly.
  • When plaiting, hold the strands high as you cross over to keep tension on your plait and pull the hair gently snug (not tight) as you braid.

Tie in Tail bag instructions

 
tie in tail bag instructions

Method One

pictured above
1. Plait your horse’s tail, starting below the dock and secure.
2. Slide tail into the tail bag and thread one tie from the back through the plait and secure with the front tie.

Method Two

1. Secure the tail below the dock using an elastic band (at least 2cm below the dock for your horse’s safety)
2. Slide tail into the tail bag and thread one tie from the back through the tail above the elastic and secure with the front tie.

Plait in Tail bag instructions

plait in tail bag instructions
1. Divide your horse’s tail into three even sections (Optional: Plait each section).
2. Put each of the three sections/plaits into the fabric tubes, then plait the three tubes together and secure at the bottom or thread excess tubing back up through the plait then tie/secure.

 
Read more “How to tie a tail bag into your horses tail”

Tail bags can be used for a variety of reasons, the most common being to keep the tail clean, free from tangles and debri and to encourage hair growth.

To sew a tail bag you will need:

– Spandex/lycra fabric – This is the best choice as it is moisture wicking, fast drying and unlike some fabric does not cause static in the tail.
– Matching thread
– A sewing machine
– An overlocker (optional)
– Scissors
– Pins

tail bag materials required

Cutting out your tail bag

First, you need to work out what size you need for your horse and cut one piece of fabric 32cm wide by the length needed (If you have an extra thick tail you can widen your tail bag)
Mini – 50 cm (you will need to cut 55cm length to allow for seam allowance)
Short – 60cm (you will need to cut 65cm length to allow for seam allowance)
Medium – 70cm (you will need to cut 75cm length to allow for seam allowance)
Long – 80cm (you will need to cut 85cm length to allow for seam allowance)

Next, Cut 2 pieces 6cm wide and 17cm long (these will become the ties)

Sewing your tail bag

1. Take one tie piece and fold in half lengthways, with the pattern on the inside. Pin together if required.

2. Sew one of the short ends then sew the long side.

3. Repeat steps 1 & 2 for the other tie.

4. Turn the ties in the right way, I find a knitting needle the quickest way to turn them right side out.

5. On the short side of the tail bag piece, attach the ties on the open end and evenly spaced (pin before sewing if you require).

6. Fold the edge over and do two rows of stitching.

7. Fold  tail bag in half lengthways, with the pattern on the inside. Pin together if required.

8. Sew the length of the tail bag and the bottom seam

9. Turn inside out

10. You’re ready to use your tail bag. You can follow our instructions on how to tie in a tail bag.

tail-care-tips-for-healthy-tail

Your horse’s tail length and condition is determined by four factors; nutrition, their environment, genetics and the care you provide. Below are some tips to consider to get your horses tail in top condition.

1. Healthy hair comes from the inside out. If your horse is not receiving proper nutrition, no amount of magic potions or conditioners will improve your their coat, mane and tail. To ensure your horse gets the most nutrional value from his feed, be sure to maintain a good parasite control regime.

2. Rubbing destroys tails, protect your horse from anything that may cause their tail to itch. Keep your horses underbelly, sheath or udder and fold between the hind legs clean as itching in these spots (where your horse can’t scratch) can cause tail rubbing. Using strong cleaning products or insect bites can also lead to serious rubbing.

3. Don’t brush your horse’s tail every day, once a week is enough. Although it looks nice when it is brushed out, if you brush it every day, it will gradually get thinner and thinner. It takes years to re-grow each long strand of hair that is pulled out.

4. Use grooming tools designed for tails. Use only long, wide-toothed combs, starting at the bottom and comb out small sections at a time while working your way up the tail to minimise hair loss or breakage. Hold the hair firmly in your other hand while you comb so that if you hit a tangle you won’t pull the hair out.

5. Keep your horse’s tail clean and moisturised, but only wash when necessary. When washing, pre-mix shampoo with water as detergent residue causes itching if not rinsed thoroughly. Over washing will dry your horse’s tail causing it to tangle and break. If your horse’s tail is dirty or his skin is dry, he will rub his tail to relieve the itching that is caused by both. If you are showing and use gel or products to smooth down the short hairs at the top of the tail, wash the tail thoroughly when you are finished. These products are drying and may cause your horse to rub his tail to relieve the itching.

6. Use a tailbag. Tail bags reduce breakages and keep their tail protected from manure, sun, bedding and mud. Available in two types, Plait in (three tubes) and tie in (one tube) tail bags are designed to be used BELOW the dock.
tail-bag-buggez-bugeyes

Buggez Bugeyes makes both lycra plait in and tie in tail bags to prevent breakage, available in four lengths. Shop our tail bags.

As a safety precaution, stand beside your horse when you groom his tail, not directly behind him. Even if your horse has never kicked at you in his life, you never know when something might startle him.

Looking after your horses tail is an opportunity to spend quality time with your horse. With your busy life, you may not have time to hand pick objects out of your horse’s tail one at a time everyday, but you should still make every moment with your horse a quality one.