Horse owners in Montana are unsettled after two separate incidents of horses’ tails being cut off during the past month.
In all cases, the tails were cut off just below the bone so the horses were not injured in the incidents. However, they will take years to grow back and leave the horses with very little defense against flies in the meantime.
The tail thefts may be a random act of vandalism, but it is also possible that the thieves plan to sell the tail hair to crafts people. Horse hair is used for decoration on belts, bridles, and other western-themed items. A long tail can also be sold to make a tail switch to supplement the natural hair of show horses in some breeds and disciplines.
In an unrelated incident, an Arabian horse competing at the U.S. Nationals in Oklahoma had its tail cut off just below the bone. The horse was uninjured, but was left without fly defense, and without the long, flowing tail favored in the Arabian show ring. Tail switches are prohibited in the show ring for Arabians. In this case, the theft appears to be an act of sabotage.
According to an article on TulsaWorld.com, the horse still went on to show without the tail and placed in the top ten.
Implementing theft prevention techniques around the farm may also deter vandals and thefts who commit this type of crime. Using motion-activated lights around the farm and driveway, limiting access to pastures and stable area from the road, and networking with neighbors who will help recognize unusual activity at the farm will make the property less vulnerable. For more tips on preventing horse theft, click here.
POOR PONIES. PEOPLE ARE SUCH IDIOTS. I HOPE THEY FIND OUT WHO DONE THAT, AND I WISH THE OWNERS COULD SHAVE THEIR HEADS FOR PAYBACK FOR HOW EVER LONG IT TAKES TO GROW THE TAILS BACK!
that is so stupid why would someone do that???
That’s SO MEAN!!! I agree with Trail rider, they so deserve that.
People are weird.
O.O i’m sending this to all my club friends… i have no idea what i’d do if my horse’s tail was cut off! you should see her tail it’s really long and white… now i’m worried… no horse should go without a tail.
I can’t believe this! Why in the world would someone have the desire to cut off a horses tail? Ugh some people are just plain stupid.
It needs to be broadcast nationwide. Two of my granddaughter’s horses tails were cut off this weekend, 10/27/12 in Eaton, Co. Their manes were cut off in chunks. She has two others that only had peices of mane taken. She’s scared to death these cowardly theives are going to come back. The two horses that lost their tails will have a hard time next summer swatting flies. This is trespassing, cruelty to animals, and stealing.