The tail serves as a natural defense mechanism against insects and other pests. Horses use their tails to swat away flies and other bothersome insects, helping them stay comfortable and focused. The muscles that horses use to “swish” are anchored to both the hindquarters and tail vertebrae. Other muscles that control lifting and other small adjustments to the tail wrap around the vertebrae. There’s a lot more going on in there than you thought, right? See if your tail knowledge stands up to the test, by answering the questions below!

Try your hand at this trivia challenge, after reading our article all about tails!

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[Start by Reading All About Tails HERE]

Trivia Question 1: How many arteries serve a horse’s tail?

A) 1

B) 2

C) 3

D) 4

Trivia Question 2: How many individual vertebrae *approximately* make up the tailbone?

A) 25

B) 32

C) 18

D) 6

Trivia Question 3: T/F: Tail injuries tend to heal slowly.

A) T

B) F

Check Your Answers!

1 Answer: B) There are two arteries that serve the tail, however, circulation to the tail itself is limited compared to the rest of their body.

2 Answer: C) The tailbone is made up of around 18 individual vertebrae (more or less, depending on the horse).

3 Answer: A/True) Inefficient circulation in your horse’s tail can cause tail injuries to heal slowly.