Tail Tie

[SPARKS SPECIAL]

how come some trainers tie the tails of all or most of their horses tails and some trainers never do? I noticed this with a horse I've been watching for a few years. horses has been very productive his whole life and was sold and new trainer added tail tie. just was curious???

[AgentQ]

The short answer is large stables mostly have a one size fits all approach. Therefore, if a stable believes there is merit in tying a horses tail, even though that horse has never kicked, they just go ahead and do it. Now, some may subscribe to that approach arguing there is other reasons for tying a horses' tail but I've never found that to be true. Hope that helps

[Late to the Paddock]

I've seen some tails tied to the bike, which I hate. Too dangerous.

[Ramone]

People who tie tails are generally hillbillies or just plain stupid. And people who drag the tail up to the back pad should be neutered. Yes a tail stiffener is permissible if you have a chronic swisher and a letter from your probation officer.
But I'm pretty much neutral on the subject ....

[Kirbys Ace]

Like AgentQ said most do it because everyone else is doing it. Some say it keeps them from flashing it and some say it's for balance when they're tied. I believe it's a monkey see monkey do sort of a thing! Just like the hood. Some stables race everything with a hood as well.

[FirstUpFrom8Hole]

Im not a big fan of tail tying unless its a bad kicker. The tail flicking in your face gets irritating at times but I've been doing this long enough it doesn't effect me. The guy behind me who can't control his charge and ramming the back of my head repeatedly is more irritating

[Meadow Ford]

IMHO
People that don't understand tying the tail have apparently never
A)  Been kicked with both hind feet in the chest.  (I have)
B)  Had a mare piss on her tail and then slap it in your face. (I have)
C)  Had a horse crap on you at high speed.  (I have and you stink the rest of the day/night)
A tail towel may help, but not always.

A very few horses at high speed will suck air in and partially prolapse their rectum. A highly padded crupper and a tightly tied tail will sometimes help prevent this.
     

[Ramone]

IMHO
People that don't understand tying the tail have apparently never
A)  Been kicked with both hind feet in the chest.  (I have)

Unfortunately some people reading this will believe this hinterland myth that tying a tail will keep you safe. And of course some people are more nervous than others.

[Miguel_Sanchez]

The entire reason for the tail tie has long been forgotten.  There is a pressure point in the dock of the tail that when tied extremely tight will help / prevent bleeding.  Now, most idiots don't know this and just use to keep out of the drivers face but claiming trainers using fuel will tie all the tails and if you look the dock will be wrapped very tight.

[Tree Trunk]

IMHO
People that don't understand tying the tail have apparently never
A)  Been kicked with both hind feet in the chest.  (I have)
B)  Had a mare piss on her tail and then slap it in your face. (I have)
C)  Had a horse crap on you at high speed.  (I have and you stink the rest of the day/night)
A tail towel may help, but not always.

A very few horses at high speed will suck air in and partially prolapse their rectum. A highly padded crupper and a tightly tied tail will sometimes help prevent this.
   

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[Onthefront11]

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[Meadow Ford]

"Care And Training Of The Trotter And Pacer"
The Bible of Harness Racing.
Page 620
William R. Haughton
The Universally Recognized Master Of Harness Racing discripes in detail how and why he ties the tail of some horses.

[FirstUpFrom8Hole]

"Care And Training Of The Trotter And Pacer"
The Bible of Harness Racing.
Page 620
William R. Haughton
The Universally Recognized Master Of Harness Racing discripes in detail how and why he ties the tail of some horses.

Holy cow. I got that book for Christmas when I was a kid. What a great memory that was.