Shaving the tails?

[Rescue_Rider9]

Note: I do not look up to Lainey Ashker.

I was looking at Lainey web site and facebook (just cause I love pictures) and I noticed most of her horses have shaved tails like this: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/photo.php?pid=39566141&id=1510625

Do any of you do this? I am thinking about it just cause I think it looks nice (from far away), but idk if I wanna shave my ponies tails! LOL

[LexInVA]

I don't think I know of anyone who does it. I suppose much like shaving parts of your body that others might not, it's purely for aesthetics.

[Bobthehorse]

Most people dont do it to THAT extent (ew, it looks like a rat tail) but its very common in eventing. Easier, faster and better tolerated than pulling. And really, on a horse with a black tail you cant tell the difference. But generally the rule is NEVER EVER clip the top part of the dock. Sides only. Otherwise, behold, the rat tail.

[Rescue_Rider9]

My ponies have black tails!!

Can someone show me a picture of what you are supposed to do?

[Zephyr]

I think the rule is to only shave 2-3" down the sides (like someone said - not the top). I used to be an event groom and they had me do it to all the horses. The secret is not to get it uneven--then you have to take just a little more off the other side... oops, now just a liiiittle more off the other side... you get the picture. Then you end up with a tail like Laine's horse!

[subk]

Clippers/shaving is a short cut to pulling. Not a bad thing if pulling results in one's teeth kicked out. But here's how I do it for those horses I'd rather not pull. http://www.horsechannel.com/horse-exclusives/bang-a-horse-tail.aspx

Less is more. Think of the tail like an accessory. It's suppose to complement the big picture, but not steal the show. When you shave the whole thing like the OP's picture it's too eye catching (not to mention creates the "ewww" reaction from many) and draws the focus away from the big picture.

[rabicon]

I run the clippers down the sides of my boys and over the top, but nothing like that :eek: I don't like it.lol

[eventingrocks97]

Clipping the underside of the tail down to the point of the buttocks, then using a thinning blade to blend in the top creates the appearance of a pulled tail without the hassle.

[wolfmare]

This is an excellent video on tail pulling... http://www.horsehero.com/1180/competition-turnout-and-travel/1728

[Tuckertoo]

Yeah, I'm with the others who don't so much like the look of that particular tail. IMO in addition to too much being taken off the top, it goes too far down (though if there weren't so much taken off the top, my eye might see it differently). I'm not slamming her, it's just not my personal preference.

Also, I don't like shaving the tail, either. In my experience, I could never get it right, and it always ended up looking like a toilet brush. Clippers just don't give the precision that pulling does. Of course, if your horse won't tolerate it, clippers are certainly the safer alternative. The key is to pull a little every day and keep a tail wrap (I just use an ace bandage) on as much as possible (when tacking up, trailering, warming up) to train the hairs to lie down. And use rubber gloves. :)

[glfprncs]

While most Americans don't pull their horse's tails (or clip/shave/whatever their method) that that extent, most European riders do. Eventer tails on the other side of the pond are generally pulled quite narrowly to the point of the buttocks.

[ohhthatgirl]

I think its important to pay attention to the shape of the buttocks, too. Some horses looks better with it being slightly longer, others with only a couple inches shaved on the sides. Kinda like people's face shapes and their haircuts. I must admit though that I don't like how long Lainey did her horse's. I don't think that it should draw that much attention. Just needs to accent their hindquarters. I like how Cayla Kitayama did Esker Riada's tail (http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs012.snc1/2926_1178696743601_1113600518_31003719_2972958_n.j pg) at this past year's Rolex. Missy Ransenhousen (http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs012.snc1/2926_1178697143611_1113600518_31003729_7358486_n.j pg), too.

[SkipChange]

I studied abroad and rode in England this summer--almost all of their horses had their tails clipped/shaved/pulled at the top. I think it looks awful as a general rule. I will admit some of the nicer dressage horses I saw looked good with a well done tail. Maybe if you know how to do it well and are brave...

[Altitude Rider]

:lol:I think its important to pay attention to the shape of the buttocks, too.:lol:

Eventers crack me up! I can say that since I am one, but that sentence made me totally burst out laughing. It's valid of course but funny.

Thanks, I needed that.

[Helen_S]

It's really common in polo ponies to see the tails shaved.

With mules and donkeys they call it a broomstick tail.

[2horseowner]

I have been using clippers/scissors for years. It takes practice to make it look nice on both sides. I agree trying to even up both sides w/ clippers is like trimming your bangs, a little shorter here, even there, etc., until you look like Maime Eisenhower! I always shave downward and never touch the top. I use a thinning blade on top to comb downward. This ever so slightly thins the top to smooth it down. I do not go over repeatedly. The problem w/ using clippers is once you do it, you feel obligated to keep it neat, or it will look like a toilet bowl brush. I tried the European look, I liked it, but it is a constant upkeep. A hair grows here, many hairs there. I ended up letting it grow back. I like Critical Decision's tail. Very nice and blended on top and sides.

[Equa]

Don't ever clip narrower, lower (like Esker Riada's), giving a "waist" to the clip job. And remember, it takes years to grow out long enough to plait, if you change your mind!

[Maya01]

Note: I do not look up to Lainey Ashker.

I was looking at Lainey web site and facebook (just cause I love pictures) and I noticed most of her horses have shaved tails like this: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/photo.php?pid=39566141&id=1510625

Do any of you do this? I am thinking about it just cause I think it looks nice (from far away), but idk if I wanna shave my ponies tails! LOL

I like plucking the bulk of the hairs on the side of the tail and shaving off the ones more visible so you don't see too much bare skin...all the scruff looks hideous to me and shaving makes the tail look fuller :yes:

[wef26]

Think about what a pulled or shaved tail is replacing. I like a nicely braided tail any day of the week over a shortcut.

[Rescue_Rider9]

No one braids tails in eventing though..

[Ibex]

I saw a braided tail in a PT division yesterday... it looked a little out of place (although lovely). I also saw a few clipped tails like that... really didn't like it.

We do "dressage tails" - trim the sides, leave the top alone, and bang the end at a length that results in a nice thick end. Maresy is currently just below her hocks to get rid of some ugly ends, but we usually go closer to the fetlocks...

[inquisitive]

No one braids tails in eventing though..

I do (http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/WDNhevWD8hLZXlj2AMSNhw?feat=directlink) :winkgrin:

I don't care if it's out of place. I grew up doing the hunters and equitation and can't stand the thought of pulling or shaving my horse's tail. I think a braided tail looks so lovely.

I know it might be considered 'disrespectful' or whatever to not change the look now that I've changed disciplines but I just can't...

I'll admit I have seen some pulled tails that look nice but don't think I could do it enough justice and have seen way more that look awful!