Trying Out A Tail Braid

As me and Gigi enter 2016 the mud seems to increase. Winter is the worst time of year for staying clean and dry, Gigi is a very clean pony but even she can't escape the mud. I like to keep Gigi's tail long and full so I needed to find a product to help keep it from becoming a huge lump of mud. I took a trip down to the local tack store and found a product called a Tail-Braid. I had done previous research into tail bag and braid products but as I've no experience with them I don't know what's best. I have seen waterproof and Lycra material tail bags online, all of which fasten just below the dock with Velcro. As the braid was the only option in the shop I bought one and took it home to try out.

The braid before use 

The brand of tail braid I bought

How Does The Tail-Braid Work

The tail braid works by putting sections of the tail inside and plaiting them together then tying it off at the bottom. This then provides a protective layer over the tail, which will hopefully keep the tail clean and knot free. The particular braid I bought is made of Lycra type material, similar to a hood or vest. The material is not waterproof but it is quite thick, so we shall see how well this works. The bag versions are very similar but the tail is just placed inside, it doesn't require braiding. 

Applying The Braid (5 Steps)

Step 1

Wash the tail and apply detangler/conditioner, you don't have to do this step but there's not much point applying the braid to a dirty tail, is there? Comb through the tail to remove any tangles. The braid can be applied to a wet or dry tail. 

Step 2

Tie the string around the top of the tail, just below the dock. You don't want to tie the braid to the bone as it can cause lasting damage to the horses tail. Ensure the string is tied nice and tightly to keep the braid in place. 

Step 3

Split the tail into 3 evenly sized sections and pull each through the "Tail-Braid" the braid is made of 3 tubes, it's so easy to pull the tail through as you can put your hand up the tube from the bottom end, this helps keep the strands of tail neat as you pull them through.

Step 4
Now the tail is inside the 3 tubes, braid them together, keep them nice and tight to prevent the braid becoming loose. This will secure the "Tail-Braid" in place.

Step 5 

Once you reach the end of the tail you can tie off the braid and loop it up if it's a bit too long. Once looped up make sure the braid is securely fastened. 

Does It Work and What Is My Opinion? 

The braid has been in Gigi's tail for 5 days. She has been ridden, turned out and stabled with the braid in her tail. You can ride with it in so I did some jumping and went for a long hack which involved plenty of mud. After removing the braid I'm pleased to say her tail is silky soft, mud free and clean, it's 100% better than before I had the braid. It definitely kept her tail cleaner than without having it on and kept her tail in great condition.

Before it was removed, one of my ties came undone so it is on the floor but this didn't affect Gigi, I just need to make sure I tie a good enough knot in future.

Gigi's tail after wearing the braid for 5 days.

My personal opinion on the braid is that it works really well, the recommended time for the braid to be work is between 7-14 days. After this time the braid should be washed and re-applied. The braid only cost me £4 so it was a real bargain. The only downside is that the stitching has come undone on two of the tubes creating a couple small holes. This should easily be fixed with a few stitches but I will take the braid back to the store and exchange it for a new one as it's only 5 days old. knowing me I probably picked up a faulty one. 

Would I Reccomend This Product?

Yes I Would.

If anyone has any experience with the bag versions of like to know how they stay secure in the tail as I'm sure they would slide down Gigi's tail. Let me know in the comments.