Tail Perfection - Bang & Dock

Dressage, Show Jumping and Eventers commonly sport the pulled & banged tail. It is said the pulled tail defines and enhances the appearance of the haunches. It also looks rather smart and sharp, if I do say so. It appears, that this look, the pulled tail, is more commonly seen in Europe than in the US. But nevertheless, the banged & pulled tail specifically serves, not only for looks, but for function.


**Video Uploaded & Credit to: OutfoxedFarm


The banged tail has been said to serve to keep the tail cleaner and from becoming scraggly at the ends. Eventing horses usually have banged tails which are seen shorter, and is done to ensure the horse does not step on the tail during cross country.

Pulling or "Docking" the tail can be done various ways. This could include pulling it or trimming it. Docking the tail also serves a purpose. In the video below, Tara Miliziano Crowley of Kendalwood Farm explains...

"For carriage driving we have a peice of tack called a crouper. What this does is rest underneath the tail to hold the harness in place. The absence of the hair along dock makes it so the hair does not get pulled underneath that crouper as the horse moves."

**Video Uploaded & Credit to: HolisticHorse

In the video below shows how docking is done through the pulling method.


**Video Uploaded by & Credit to: HorseSmartVideos

Lets take a look at horses with the banged and docked look through the English equestrian sports..


Zara Phillips & Tusami ll Photo By: Rally Carter


Karen & Teddy O'Connor

More on this topic soon :).
**Top photo Copyright to British Dressage. No copyright infringement intended.