Fake horse tails are becoming more and more common on some show circuits. Whether you need a fake tail depends upon several factors. First, consider where you are showing and what breed of horse you show. If you show primarily local circuits or 4-h a fake horse tail is not necessary and is more likely to look out of place and obviously false. In some larger breed shows, however, a fake tail is often common or even expected.

Fake tail rules: In Quarter Horse and Paint Horses shows, a fake horse tail is common (though not required). Rules also permit fake horse tails for Saddlebreds, Appaloosas and Hackney Horses. Fake horse tails are forbidden by breed association rules in Arabian, Morgan, Andalusian, Friesian and Lusitano breed association shows. In open, all-breed shows, a horse is to be judged to their breed standard- so most open shows allow false tails for breeds which allow false tails, and prohibit them for breeds which forbid false horse tail extensions.

It is important to carefully select and fit your fake horse tail. Do not buy a very heavy tail if your horse already has a moderately full tail. Send a sample of your horses tail to the manufacturer you choose to buy from- as there are few things more unbecoming to a well turned out horse and rider than a mismatched tail! When your tail arrives, the hairs will be of uniform length. To make your tail looks it's best, make sure your horse's real tail has natural ends (not banged straight across) and attach the tail to your horse. Then use thinning shears to make the bottom of the fake horse tail appear more natural.

But remember, you don't have to splurge on a fake horse tail to have a full and natural tail. With patience, some hair care product, and great grooming practices you can have a perfect looking tail with out shelling out the cash for a falsie! In the end it's preparation, training, and performance that win in the western pleasure, halter, and dressage show ring, not the best tail!