Horse and Pony Protection Association

WARNING - Tail bandage causes pony's tail to drop off - contains distrurbing images
A horrific tale

HAPPA want to issue a reminder to all horse owners about the dangers of leaving a tail bandage on their animal after our Welfare Officer was called to assist an owner whose horse’s tail fell off after being bandaged for two weeks.

The owner, who cannot be named, left her pony in the care of a third party and during that time the animal was turned out wearing an outdoor rug that concealed a tail bandage. When the owner returned, she took the rug off and was in the process of removing the tail bandage when the bandage and tail came off in her hand.

Lady Lavinia, a 20 yr old kind and gentle 13.3hh dark bay Welsh type mare lost all of her tail and was left with an angry red stump which her owner was trying unsuccessfully to treat, before calling HAPPA for assistance.

Janine Ashworth, Welfare Officer at HAPPA, is deeply saddened by the incident. “I feel very sad that this lovely pony has suffered in such an unnecessary way and I feel equally saddened that the owner is suffering the consequences of someone else’s lack of care. This horrific incident offers two clear warnings to all horse owners 1) be very careful when putting any kind of bandage on your animal and remember to remove it immediately after use. This pony completely lost its tail in just two weeks. 2) take care who you ask to look after you horse or pony in your absence. Make sure they know what is involved and understand that looking after an animal is a big responsibility”.

Lady Lavinia and her stable companion are now being cared for by HAPPA at our Centre near Burnley and she is responding well to treatment. Julie Jackson, Rescue Centre Manager is delighted with her progress. “When Lady arrived I was really shocked at how raw her tail stump was and I wondered how we were going to stop her from rubbing such an open wound. However, she has such a lovely temperament that handling her has been easy and she has allowed us to dress the wound with a topical application of Intrasite gel. This seems to have reduced the irritation and the wound has already begun to heal, which our vet is very pleased about, so I am optimistic that she will soon make a full recovery, albeit without her tail.”
Both horses were in excellent condition when they arrived at HAPPA and there were no other causes of concern regarding their welfare. Lady Lavinia’s condition traumatised the owner, leaving her emotionally distressed and unable to cope with ongoing veterinary costs and it was felt to be in both of the animal’s best interests for them to be signed into the care of HAPPA.

This type of incident could happen to almost anyone who gets complacent as it is so easy to forget to remove a tail bandage after travelling. HAPPA would like to use this tragic story to illustrate the dangers of what could happen in such a short period of time and hopefully prevent the same thing from ever happening again.

If yoiu would like to make a donation to HAPPA to help pay for Lady Lavinia’s treatment then please send a cheque made payable to HAPPA to HAPPA, Taylor Building, Black House Lane, off Halifax Road, Briercliffe, Nr Burnley, Lancs, BB10 3QU or make a secure online donation at www.happa.org.uk .

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