Tail bandages are used:

 

1. To keep the tail tidy and protected during travel.
2. To keep the tail out of the way when the horse is being clipped.

To apply a tail bandage

 

		If your horse's tail is full and a little unruly, you can dampen the top of the tail with a water brush to lie the hairs down. NEVER dampen the tail bandage as it will tighten as it dries.
		Place the bandage under the tail, with a few inches of unrolled bandage to the left and the remainder of the rolled bandage in your right hand.
		Take the unrolled bandage up at an angle and then make a turn over it and around under the tail. This will help prevent the bandage slipping down.
		Bring the spare piece of bandage down and make another turn over it so that the bandage is secure at the top of the tail.
		Continue bandaging down the tail, making sure your pressure is even throughout but not too tight.
		When you reach the end of the dock wind the bandage back up the tail a little.
		Tie the tapes, ensuring they are no tighter than the bandage itself. Neatly tuck away the ends of the tapes.
		Fold the bandage over to hide the tapes and give a neat, tidy finish.
		Gently bend the tail into its natural position.
To take off a tail bandage
		Undo the ties
		Grasp the bandage at the top and slide down, removing the bandage in one go.

* Tail bandages should not be left on horses for more than two to three hours.
* They should not be left on overnight as the circulation can be affected, resulting in tail hair falling out or white hair growing through when the tail hair should be dark.

For more Horse Grooming tips click here