Tips and Tricks of the Trade is a new article series being provided through a partnership between Athletux and the USEA. This month's article comes from Mia Bouslaugh, head groom for four-star rider Jen McFall of Dragonfire Farm.
Competitions are often won on mere fractions of a point. Sometimes it is the little things that can put you on the top of your class, and can easily be managed if you invest a small amount of time. We all know the feeling of being blown away when a magnificent horse enters the ring, and having a professional looking tail is part of that picture. A well turned out tail is not only a way to accentuate your horse’s hind end, it will also have the judges giving you that all important extra mark that can make the difference in the outcome of your weekend.
Every horse’s hind end and tail are different, but there are a few ways to get that clean cut look for the show ring. One of the easiest options is to simply clip it. When I clip a tail, I normally clip from the base of the dock to below the point of buttock, but this can vary depending on how the horse’s hindquarter is developed and the horse’s natural tail placement. Having a clipped tail is one of the easiest ways to get a sharp clean look.
A Clipped Tail. Photos Courtesy of DragonFire Farm.
For some horses who have a higher tail carriage, like Jennifer McFall’s High Times, the line of the clip is harsh and less pleasing to the eye, so in preparation for a show we pull his tail. Pulling the tail can often create a more natural look, but is also going to be more time consuming.
Regardless of clipping or pulling, for all horses I also “bang,” or trim the end of the tail. To do this, I have someone hold the top of the tail up similarly to how the horse holds it when in work. This helps simulate what the tail will look like during actual competition. Once I have someone hold the tail up, I cut it 3-4 inches below the hock. Banging the tail is a sportier look and makes the tail look thicker in a very appealing bell shape. Also, having a cut tail keeps it from getting caught on anything during work and turnout.
The final, and most possibly the most important part of having a four-star tail is a good arsenal of tail wraps. A simple Ace bandage with a small knot tied in the end does the job quite well, but I prefer the tail wraps that come with strings at the end to keep it secure. On the way to a show, I wrap the tops of all the tails to start the process of laying the hair down. By competition time, you want the hairs laid down and neat, to further accentuate your horse’s hind end. Then, an hour before a ride, I wrap the clean tail with a wet wrap. I tail wrap for every phase whether it be jogs, dressage, cross-country or anything in between. Having a well turned out tail is also very important for clinics and lessons, as it is a great way to take pride in all of your hard work!
The United States Eventing Association, Inc. (USEA) is humbled to announce the return of long-time partner The Dutta Corporation as the “Title Sponsor of the 2023 USEA Young Event Horse (YEH) Championships,” which include the East Coast Championships at the Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill in Elkton, Maryland, on Oct. 19-20 and the West Coast Championships at Twin Rivers Ranch in Paso Robles, California, on Oct. 27-28.
When Team SmartPak Rider Silva Martin saddles up, it’s always with a helmet. Silva’s riding career has taken her from Germany all across the world before she settled in the United States in 2007—well before helmets were popular in dressage. When the traditional top hat ruled the dressage ring, riders often schooled in baseball caps or nothing at all.
Aspen Farms in Yelm, Washington, served as the beautiful backdrop for this year’s USEA Area VII Championships. In total, there were 11 championship divisions offered from the Beginner Novice level through Intermediate, in addition to the event’s regular horse trial divisions. USEA President Lou Leslie was onsite to lend a helping hand and help issue awards during the prize-giving ceremonies. Meet the 11 new USEA Area VII Champions below!
The USEA is sad to report that Mr. Medicott (Cruising x Slieveluachra) passed away on September 17 at Ms. Jacqueline Mars’ Stonehall Farm in Virginia where he has enjoyed his retirement since 2019. The Irish Sport Horse gelding made quite the mark on the sport of eventing in the U.S., completing more than 50 FEI events over the course of his career with five different riders and finishing in the top 10 at 30 of those competitions. Mr. Medicott attended two Olympic Games and one World Equestrian Games for two different countries over the course of his career. “Cave,” as he was known around the barn, was 24 years old at the time of his death.