Instructions
 

Tails should be bagged using the following procedures, which have proven to work best for us.  Of course, everyone has their own "system", shortcuts, etc. so if you have a unique or time saving method, we'd love you to email us and share it!

Regular, Sleeve-type Bags (see Step 7 below for illustration)

1. Start with a clean, snarl free tail.
2. This step is not necessary, but highly recommended. Use a spray-on coat or mane/tail conditioner before braiding. Many of these products not only make the tail shiny and easier to de-snarl, some also act as a dirt repellant. After spraying on the conditioner, work it into the tail by whatever method you use (brush, comb, or fingers).
3. Divide the tail into 3 sections below the bone (make sure you start your braid AFTER the tailbone. Braiding above or too close to the tailbone could cause damage to the tail).
4. Braid the tail as far down as possible, leaving about 2-3 inches unbraided at the bottom.
5. Secure the braid with 2 or 3 small elastics. Use at least 2 in case one breaks.
6. Open the top of the Tail Tuxedos Tail Bag and feed the bottom of the tail into the top of the bag.
7. Pull the bag up to the top of the braided part, and shake the tail down into the bag so that it lays nicely in there.
8. Use your index finger to create a "passageway" through the top of the braided area for the fastener. Remember not to get too close to the tailbone.
9. Velcro or Snap Closure: Feed the long velcro or nylon strap through the "passageway" you created in Step 8 and secure firmly by pressing down on the velcro or squeezing the snap tightly. On bags that use snaps, use caution not to get hairs stuck in the snap.
10. Drawstring Closure: Pull both ends of the drawstring tight against the top of the braided area, avoiding any contact with the tailbone. Tie an overhand loop (you know, when you start to tie a bow in your shoelaces…that first step). Then pass the end of the cord that is nearest to the back through the top of the braid using the "passageway" you created in Step 8. Tie another of those overhand loops, then squeeze the cord stop between your fingers to open up the hole, and make sure both ends of the cord are fed through the hole in the cord stop. Slide the cord stop as far as it will go, and release the spring.
11. That’s all there is to it!!  Never leave your horse's tail bagged for more than a week without re-braiding it.

Three Tube Tail Bags (see step-by-step photos below)

1. Start with a clean, snarl free tail.
2. This step is not necessary, but is highly recommended. Use a spray-on coat or mane/tail conditioner before braiding. Many of these products not only make the tail shiny and easier to de-snarl, some also act as a dirt repellant. After spraying on the conditioner, work it into the tail by whatever method you use (brush, comb, or fingers).
3. Securely tie the top of the 3 tube tail bag around the top of the tail (just below the tailbone; braiding too close to the tailbone could cause damage to the tail), right side (Tail Tuxedos^TM label) facing toward you.
4. Slip the tool (SEE "EVERYTHING ELSE" page) into the top of the far right hand tube with the wooden handle down inside and the wire loop sticking out the top.  Separate the first section of tail hair and thread this section of tail hair all the way through the wire loop (folding the section of hair over on itself helps with the "threading" process).  Then begin pulling the handle of the tool down through the tube by scrunching the tube material up onto the handle and pulling the handle downward.  Be sure to hold the top black denim part of the tailbag while pulling to prevent the whole bag from being pulled down (I'm right handed, so I pull with the right hand and hold the top of the tailbag with my left.  While I'm pulling, I hold, while I'm scrunching, I let go of the top--it's a two hand job! I sometimes wish I were an octopus at this point!).  Repeat this scrunching process until the hair is all the way down the first tube.
5. Repeat Step 6 for the remaining sections of hair.
6. Braid the tail and secure the bottom of the braid using the tie provided. An elastic or two underneath the tie will help the bag stay braided if for some reason the bottom becomes untied.
7. That’s all there is to it!!  Never leave your horse's tail bagged for more than a week without re-braiding it.