How to Tie a Standardbred’s Tail

Some standardbreds need their tails tied while they race because they flag their tail while racing. This would not be a problem but when the driver is setting behind the horse and the horse is flagging their tail it can make it very difficult for the driver to see. By simply wrapping their tails or braiding them back it makes it much easier for the driver to safely drive the horse.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Brace bandage or long rope

1. Find a brace bandage or a long piece of rope (3- to 4-feet long).

2. Wrap the tail from the top down to the base of the tailbone if you are using a brace bandage. Once you are at the bottom of the tail bone tie off the bandage by looping it over itself.

3. Double over the rope end-to-end. Then at the base of the tailbone, tie the rope by threading the loose ends through the doubled over end.

4. Pull the rope snuggly, only tightening over hair, and braid the rope down the rest of the tail.

5. Tie off the rope near the end of the tail.

6. Reinforce every start-stop point with electrical tape.

7. Tie the tail to the race bike using a quick release knot or bow-tie with the rope. Use the Velcro at the end of the brace bandage to attach the tail to the race bike when you use a brace bandage.