Question: How can I stop my foal from chewing on his dam’s tail? I’ve never had to deal with a tail chewer before. Help!

Answer: There are several methods that are suggested for decreasing tail chewing in horses. One method is to use your favorite concentrated mane and tail conditioner, such as Cowboy Magic brand (Horse & Rider magazine suggested using Cowboy Magic Demineralizer Conditioner Rosewater Herbal Blend), on your mare’s tail. Thoroughly slather the lower half of the mare’s tail with full strength conditioner. Since it is gummy, gooey and tastes horrible, while being non-toxic, it discourages tail chewing. Also, once you rinse the conditioner, your mare’s tail will be soft and luxurious. Just make sure that the conditioner you use is labeled as non-toxic. You could also try wrapping your mare’s tail or putting it in a tail bag, but most foals will chew on whatever the mare’s tail is wrapped in and could tear off pieces of the wrapping or bag and eat it. Others have suggested the use of garlic or hot pepper mixed with petroleum jelly, liquid soap, or even Tabasco applied on the tail, but I do not recommend these methods as they are the most likely to cause irritation to the wearer and to delicate foal mucus membranes. Good luck!