[just_ride]

I have a QH mare who has a really short tail. It was short when I got her and it really hasn't grown much. I started to condition it last week, but I found a tail wrap/sock like thing at Tractor Supply. Do any of U use them and would that help protect her tail and help it grow out? Your advice and experience appreciated. Thanks in Advance!!!!!!!!

[equ3strian]

You're going in the right direction. All you can really do is keep the tail conditioned and in a tail bag or wrap to keep the hairs from breaking. I was once told that you can put cold water on the dock and it will trick the horse's body into growing more tail hair for "winter" but I am not sure if that works or not. If you show you might want to consider investing in a fake tail.

[SpiritSaddle]

I love tail bags. But for some reason, my horse always seems to take hers off. I never did find out how. But one day it's on, the next it's off. No matter what i do or where she is. Anyways, her tail is all the way down to the ground so it needs some protection. hehe. There is one conditioner that i use that works GREAT on detangling, keeping it soft and growing it. I'm not sure what it's called..but i think it's Los Caballos. Simple. lol. It smells like heaven too. I don't braid her tail because it seems to make hers worse. My other horse, has a really dry tail, but it grows quick. And the weird thing is, i've only washed it twice.... But i use the mane and tail detangler for that and it works great too. ANYWAYS, if your horse decides to YANK the tail bad off at night with half its tail with it...don't suggest it. lol, but if it will stay on good, yes i think it will help a lot! But i'm thinking that also what will help is what it eats. I don't know, but if you compare my horses now and before...they have loonnnggg manes and tails now. They use to not eat anything except for hay and grain. Well grass also. But after they got into our green peppers....they were hooked. So now they will eat anything. I mean ANYTHING! I was at a show and there was a bag with bananas.... omg..I need to go to sleep!