Stretching the Tail [Archive]

d1nonlyrocketpony

12-18-2007, 02:30 PM

You basically want to start by stretching the base of the tail. Put the palm of your hand under the base with your fingers facing up towards the breakover on the underside of the tail. Slowly push up and stretch the tail. Then push the base of the tail up and to the left, followed by up and to the right. Do each "stretch" (down and up) 10 times (at least!) per "position". If your horse is limber enough, you can then stretch the tail completely over the back (gently grab the tip of the tail - bottom most point of the tailbone - and "flip" the horses tail over its back), and gently "pull" the tail towrds you, then release. Then pull and bend to the left, followed by pull and bend to the right. Again, at least 10 times per position. This loosens and stretches the tail. This excercise is mainly done while the horse is in a bustle, but we do it when in a set as well, it never hurts to stretch them. When they make it to a crupper, you may also want to stretch the "breakover" in the smae manner.

attafox

12-18-2007, 04:29 PM

But don't you have to stretch them before putting them in the bustle ... :confused:

d1nonlyrocketpony

12-18-2007, 08:33 PM

Yes and no, depending on the situation, and the tightness of the tail. It doesn't hurt to do so, but our "first bustle" is so small it is the same as a long-lining crupper. If your horse can wear a backpad and crupper, he can go in one of our first bustles. I should have mentioned when we put them in a bustle, we use 3 different sized bustles to do it. The first bustle is nothing more than an "overstuffed/oversized" long-lining crupper. We take a longlining crupper and backstrap, and vetwrap and cotton wrap the crupper until it is a little larger than usual. When the "bustle" is this small, it does not have a major effect, but helps accustom a horse to it. The second is intermediate sized (I believe ours is one for a morgan, or I got it from a Morgan person), and the third is the normal bustle you see for sale in most supply magazines.

So if you were to use one of our "first bustles", than no, it is not a requirement to do so, but helpful anyway. If you were going to put them in a normal bustle, then yes, definately get to stretching first! Either bustle, it cannot hurt to stretch. Sorry, I should've been more clearer

graymare

12-20-2007, 08:00 AM

I'm glad you asked this as I've been working with my mare's tail. This gives me a lot more direction to go by. I was simply stretching straight over her back, supporting the base, but can see where stretching to the sides also will be much better. This will probably help one issue I'm having which is when I try to stretch at what may become the breakover her tail bone seems to want to rotate to one side. I can stretch her tail so that it's laying on her back, however the breakover is stiff. How much should I worry about this now or should I wait until she's in a crupper? (she's not in a set yet, but I do have a bustle which I was going to put on in January). Also, is it true once you've achieved your goal you need to keep them in a set year round? Thanks again for some great info.

d1nonlyrocketpony

12-20-2007, 03:43 PM

How much should I worry about this now or should I wait until she's in a crupper?

To be honest, you can stretch it now, but when she's in the crupper is when you can really work on it. When you do get her in a crupper, try hanging a light weight (a horse shoe, small piece of lead (2-4 oz), someone once suggested a wet washcloth - i like this idea because as the towel dries, it becomes lighter, and you will notice when you hang something, after a few hours, it loosens up, the towel lightening itself is nice for that purpose) from the very tip of the tail. You will need to take a 1" "chunk" of hair from the very bottom most point of the tailbone and braid it loosely downward. then attach your "weight" to the braid. Please check it very frequently as in can cause a sore at the breakover if it is too much. You really need to see someone do it before you try.

Also, is it true once you've achieved your goal you need to keep them in a set year round?
Depends on the horse. Many of the ones I have stretched are no different than those that are cut. It may take a little bit more stretching when it's time to go back on, but you most likely will not have to keep it on. You *should* be able to treat it like a cut tail - 3-4 months in the set continually until it is truely "set", then they can be taken out of it for a while. Note that not all horses stay true to plan.

Janelle

Ballibebe

01-30-2008, 12:50 PM

Could you stretch the tail of any breed of saddle seat horse just to help loosen up their back end? I know its debatable in the morgan world about the horses wearing bustles but is it ok just to stretch the tail to limber it up?

SmartAlex

01-30-2008, 01:57 PM

Many years ago I read somewhere that the bedouins who prized the high tail carriage of their Arabians would start with the foals, flipping their tails up over their backs and massaging them daily. So, a few years back when we had a colt born with a wry tail, I spent time every day stretching his tail. His tail is now straight. This was before I found out on Trot that this is an alternative to cutting. So, to answer your question, yes, you certainly could stretch the tail of any saddle seat breed. Apparently it has been going on for centuires.

annwnacres

02-04-2008, 02:43 PM

Can you do the same process w/ cork screw tail? My filly was born w/ one and it's horrible!

SmartAlex

02-04-2008, 08:34 PM

I haven't had any experience with corkscrew tails, but I would try it. It can't hurt. The younger you start, the better.

d1nonlyrocketpony

02-06-2008, 11:51 PM

As far as the corkscrew tail, from what it sounds like, your colt may have had his tail broken or otherwise injured. A customer who is a breeder has a colt that sounds the same as yours, whose dam "stepped" on his tail while he was laying down near her as a weanling. It caused a crook in the tail. In these cases where bones might have been displaced/broken, I would personally take an x-ray first and make sure I wasn't opening a big can of worms, so to speak. You definately don't want to be stretching something that can't be unstretched. But without pictures for us to see, and a radiograph for you to see, thats a tough call.

annwnacres

02-07-2008, 08:19 PM

Nope, I foaled the mare and when that filly hit the ground that tail was shaped like an S. Her dam had it too. I did not realize it until I put it together that her tail bone was short because a good portion of it had been removed! She must have had it too and that's how they dealt w/ it. You can barely barely tell it was shortened but for a teeny scar on the end. I always wondered why her tail never would grow!

Progressivesaddlebreds

02-08-2008, 01:05 PM

. This excercise is mainly done while the horse is in a bustle, but we do it when in a set as well, it never hurts to stretch them. When they make it to a crupper, you may also want to stretch the "breakover" in the smae manner.

What is the difference between a bustle, a crupper and an actual tail set? What do you mean by "breakover"?

wstrngrl

02-08-2008, 02:10 PM

A bustle is like the "crupper" on a driving or long-lining harness; only bigger:

http://www.4showhorsetack.com/images/19-229bustle.jpg

A Crupper is this:

http://www.4showhorsetack.com/images/19-104crupper.jpg

or

http://www.4showhorsetack.com/images/19-228rolledtopcrupper.jpg

And a tail set is what holds the bustle or crupper onto the horse (shown with a bustle):

http://www.4showhorsetack.com/images/19-001lasallebustle.jpg

wstrngrl

02-08-2008, 02:16 PM

A "breakover" is referring to the way a set tail with come up into the air, then at some point will "break over" and fall back down.

You can see it here:
http://hometown.aol.com/wstrngrl2002/images/dscf0104a.jpg

The first 6" or so of the tail is pointed up, then breaks over. (though don't let the term fool you, nothings actually "broken" except the visual line ;) )

Progressivesaddlebreds

02-13-2008, 07:35 PM

Thanks for the pics. that helps me the most. I have noticed that most horses wearing a tail set also wear a blanket, is this necessary? Just wondering. I also read from the old thread about tying the tail when you are trying to "train" it, do you happen to have any pics. of that?

wstrngrl

02-13-2008, 08:23 PM

The blanket/sheet isn't necessary, though some people keep one on under the set because it can help keep the set from rubbing the horse; and helps keep the horse cleaner :p

I don't have a picture of a tied tail; but I do have a picture of a horse working with a wrapped tail, which is also something you do to help train the tail.

http://pets.webshots.com/photo/1028687725033872083xhUqtrYQHS

SmartAlex

02-14-2008, 08:53 AM

Sheets under sets also help keep those tickley flies from bothering. A horse wearing a set must be kept in an insect free environment! Even the smallest fly problem will have the horse reflexively trying to swish all day which will loosen the set and absolutely RUIN the tail feathers.

wstrngrl

02-14-2008, 11:40 AM

You can also use a fly sheet; and put the blanket/sheet/fly sheet over the tail set.

SmartAlex

02-15-2008, 10:34 AM

Yup, I very often put sheets or scrim sheets over the set rather than under. It makes it so much easier for a quick change due to temperature. That also eliminates any bunching or rubbing under the set, paticularly at the chest, and keeps the set clean as well as the horse. Those buckles always seem to be stratigically placed in the poop. :cool:

Lauriarab3

02-21-2008, 10:09 PM

As far as "The Arabian Show rules" you cant set a tail so can you do this legally to a Arabian? My Arab/Saddlebred's tail flops to the side and really doesnt set like a Arabian tail. Stretching sound like that might do the job, but then would he have to stay in a tail set? Which of course is something not done in the Arabian world.

SmartAlex

02-22-2008, 09:00 AM

No the horse would not have to be in a set. Stretching a horse's tail applies to tail setting only in the instances where the tail is stretched to make it more limber prior to or during the time it is wearing a set. Any horse's tail can be stretched to make it more flexible. I do it as part of my grooming routine. It helps relax a horse that is touchy about it's tail and makes wearing a driving crupper more comfortable too.

Lauriarab3

02-22-2008, 12:56 PM

thanks SmartAlec. Would it help to train or achieve at better lift to keep him in a bustle? As long as I don’t do anything artificial is not illegal.

Progressivesaddlebreds

02-22-2008, 04:14 PM

I read on the old discussion forum about tail settig to tie the tail while working the horse. At what point of stretching the tail is it okay to do that, or is it okay at anytime? Also, at what point do you put the tail set on, after the tail is stretched to where it flips all the way over the back or at anytime?

JLWmassage

06-15-2008, 11:49 AM

FYI for those of you who maybe showing in Mass. I just took my riding instructors exam for the state and in studying Mass law I learned that you are not allowed to show in Mass with a horse that has a cut tail.

Skyduck

06-15-2008, 12:23 PM

If your not allowed to show a horse with a cut tail in Mass. they better shut down Eastern States which is the regional show for saddlebreds. Apparently that's a law that isn't enforced in the state. :)

Silly Filly

06-15-2008, 12:53 PM

Here's another law from MA....All men must carry a rifle to church on Sunday.
For more, go here: http://www.dumblaws.com/laws/united-states/massachusetts

Skyduck

06-15-2008, 01:35 PM

Now that one sounds like a good idea. lol Mass. is a silly state anyway!

JLWmassage

06-15-2008, 02:20 PM

It is so post to be a $250.00 fine and this law went into effect in 1975. You are so post to have an affidavit proving that the horses tail was cut in a state where it is allowed, if it has already been done.

JLWmassage

06-15-2008, 02:30 PM

PART IV. CRIMES, PUNISHMENTS AND PROCEEDINGSIN CRIMINAL CASES

TITLE I. CRIMES AND PUNISHMENTS

CHAPTER 272. CRIMES AGAINST CHASTITY, MORALITY, DECENCY AND GOOD ORDER

Chapter 272: Section 79B. Exhibiting horse with tail cut under Sec. 79A; affidavit as to cutting in state where not prohibited; inspection

Section 79B. Whoever shows or exhibits at any horse show or exhibition in the commonwealth a horse with its tail cut in either manner prohibited in section seventy-nine A shall be punished by a fine of not more than two hundred and fifty dollars; provided, that this section shall not apply to the showing or exhibiting at such a show or exhibition of a horse with its tail cut in either manner prohibited by section seventy-nine A, if the owner of such horse furnishes to the manager or other official having charge of the horse show or exhibition at which such horse is shown or exhibited an affidavit by the owner, in a form approved by the director of the division of animal health of the department of food and agriculture, that the tail of such horse was so cut in a state wherein such cutting was not then specifically prohibited by the laws thereof and while the horse was actually owned by a legal resident of such state. Said affidavit shall state the year of such cutting, the name of the state wherein the cutting was done, and the sex and age of the horse, shall describe the markings of the horse, if any, and shall be subject to inspection by any officer or agent mentioned in section eighty-four.

Skyduck

06-15-2008, 04:18 PM

It might be interesting to watch them try to check with all the trainers/owners regarding this law and see if any have the appropriate paperwork. So far I have never heard of anyone checking with anyone about this law. That might be one of the reasons that there is no one up here that does tails???

JLWmassage

06-15-2008, 04:43 PM

PART IV. CRIMES, PUNISHMENTS AND PROCEEDINGSIN CRIMINAL CASES

TITLE I. CRIMES AND PUNISHMENTS

CHAPTER 272. CRIMES AGAINST CHASTITY, MORALITY, DECENCY AND GOOD ORDER

Chapter 272: Section 79A. Cutting bones or muscles to dock or set tail of horse; wound as evidence

Section 79A. Whoever cuts the bone of the tail of a horse for the purpose of docking the tail, or whoever causes or knowingly permits the same to be done upon premises of which he is the owner, lessee, proprietor or user, or whoever assists in or is present at such cutting, shall be punished by imprisonment for not more than one year or by a fine of not less than one hundred nor more than three hundred dollars; and whoever cuts the muscles or tendons of the tail of a horse for the purpose of setting up the tail, or whoever causes or knowingly permits the same to be done upon premises of which he is the owner, lessee, proprietor or user, or whoever assists in or is present at such cutting, shall be punished by a fine of not more than two hundred and fifty dollars. If a horse is found with the bone of its tail cut as aforesaid or with the muscles or tendons of its tail cut as aforesaid, and with the wound resulting from such cutting unhealed, upon the premises or in the charge and custody of any person, such fact shall be prima facie evidence of a violation of this section by the owner or user of such premises or the person having such charge or custody, respectively.