A set tail is a tail that has been deliberately shaped to sit in a higher, more elevated position than it would naturally carry. The practice involves surgical or mechanical intervention to alter the way the tail is held, creating a distinctive high-arched appearance that has historically been considered aesthetically desirable in certain show and breeding circles.
What Does “Set Tail” Mean?
In its purest definition, a set tail refers to a tail carriage that has been altered through a procedure known as tail setting or tail blocking. The tail muscles — specifically the dock muscles — are manipulated to encourage or force the tail to be carried higher than natural. In the most common method, a tail set (a device resembling a brace) is placed under the tail after a procedure to train the muscles and tissues over time.
The term is also used more loosely to describe any horse whose tail is consistently held high and arched, whether through artificial means or natural conformation and breed characteristics. Some breeds, such as the Arabian and Saddlebred, carry naturally elevated tails due to the angle of their tailhead (the point at which the tail joins the hindquarters), making it a breed trait rather than a veterinary intervention.
Breeds and Contexts
The American Saddlebred is the breed most closely associated with tail setting in the show ring. The practice has been part of American Saddlebred showing tradition for generations, though it is increasingly subject to regulatory scrutiny and animal welfare debate. Gaited breeds such as the Tennessee Walking Horse and Missouri Fox Trotter have also historically had association with the practice.
In contrast, Arabian horses are known for their naturally high tail carriage, a trait bred into the line over centuries and one that requires no artificial intervention. Thoroughbreds carry their tails more level with the hindquarters and are not typically associated with tail setting.
Welfare and Regulation
Tail setting procedures are controversial. In the UK, surgical alteration of a horse’s tail is prohibited under the Animal Welfare Act 2006. The procedure causes pain and restricts the horse’s ability to use its tail naturally — a function that includes swatting flies, communicating mood, and maintaining balance. The BHS and World Horse Welfare have both advocated against any practice that compromises tail function for cosmetic gain.
In the United States, the practice is regulated at state level, with the Horse Protection Act covering some aspects of abuse related to altered tail carriage. Major breed associations have tightened rules in recent years.
Natural Tail Carriage as a Training Indicator
Beyond aesthetics, how a horse naturally carries its tail during ridden work provides useful information. A tail that swings loosely and rhythmically from side to side at trot indicates a relaxed, supple back. A clamped or rigid tail may signal tension, discomfort, or resistance. See collection for how tail carriage relates to the horse’s overall way of going.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is tail setting legal in the UK?
No. Surgical alteration of a horse’s tail for cosmetic purposes — including nicking or blocking to create an artificially high set — is prohibited under UK animal welfare legislation. Any procedure that causes unnecessary suffering is an offence.
How can you tell if a tail has been set artificially?
Artificially set tails often have an unusually stiff or rigid appearance and may carry at an angle that looks unnatural in relation to the horse’s movement. A naturally high tail will swing freely; an artificially altered one may appear fixed.
Do all high-tailed horses have set tails?
Not at all. Several breeds naturally carry their tails high due to conformation — particularly the Arabian, Akhal-Teke, and certain Iberian breeds. In these horses, elevated tail carriage is a breed-standard trait with no artificial intervention involved.