May 30, 2008, Newsletter Issue #278: Short Tail Braid

Tip of the Week

Start the braid at the base of the dock. Simply braid as you would your own hair. Use a "braiding elastic band" on the end. Take the elastic end and bring it through the braid about three inches below the dock (tail bone). Repeatedly looping the elastic end through the braid, only three or so inches below the dock. You do not have to use a new location ever time you loop through. When finished, you will have up to three loops of the braid. Keep each loop no longer than the length of the dock itself, once you have finished.

You can use an old pair of ladies pantyhose (cut off one of the legs...save the other leg for another time). Draw the pantyhose leg up over the braid.

I use Electrical tape at the bottom (but duct tape works great too), below the finished braid end to secure the pantyhose (at first you may want to secure the pantyhose off of the braid before taping with an elastic band); and then I use Electrical tape at the top of the braid, but MAKE SURE THAT THE TAPE IS NOT ON THE DOCK OF THE TAIL, and wrap it securely overtop of the pantyhose.

When you go to ride, take the braided/pantyhosed tail and fold it onto the top or bottom of the dock of the tail. Take a tail bandage, and securely, but loosely, wrap the braided part of the tail to the dock of the tail. This will keep your horse´s tail up so that it is no longer than the dock.

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