Repeated drenching with urine—due to forceful urination, and/or dribbling during heat periods—can bleach portions of a mare’s tail, leaving her with unsightly dry and brittle locks.
Mare Care Tail Tips:
Staying on top of your mare’s tail care is essential to prevent skin irritation, odor, and buildup that can lead to discomfort or infections. Routine grooming not only keeps the tail healthy but also improves circulation and keeps your mare comfortable.
To revitalize your mare’s tail, first wash and condition the damaged section, then thoroughly soak those locks in white vinegar (you can also use a stripper or demineralizer of your choice). Not only does this acidic soaking make the damaged hair look better, but more importantly, it also strips the hair of mineral buildup and closes the cuticle on each hair—making it less likely to absorb urine in the future.
Be sure to wash the tail dock as well, to remove buildup and dirt.
Finish your tail rehab session with a full-tail wash, condition and rinse. Applying a leave-in tail conditioner will help repel urine stains until your mare’s next tail bath. For long-term care, consider braiding or wrapping the tail to keep it clean, but avoid tying it too tightly or leaving it wrapped for extended periods. And be sure to wash your tail wraps as well!