Have you heard of tail bows or ribbons before? They’re not just for style or to be cute… Oftentimes you’ll see them at shows or clinics or any other environment where there’s other horses and riders you don’t know. The purpose of a tail bow is to let other riders know something about your horse without having to tell every single person.
As you grow as a rider and start competing, you should know your bows! Each color means a different thing. So let’s learn about exactly what they all mean and what to keep in mind if you see one.
Warning! Red ❗️
A red tail bow is probably the most common that you’d see. It means “Stay back! I kick.” The rider on a horse with a res tail bow will be doing everything in their power to keep the 1,000 pound animal from kicking or bucking but it’s a good idea to stay away. If you know that your horse kicks, when you pass another horse turn their head towards the other rider as that will swing their hind end the opposite direction to avoid any mishaps.
The new guy: Green ?
Green tail bows mean the horse is green and inexperienced. Be patient with the horse and rider and keep in mind that he’s in a new environment and taking in all the sights and noises.
Caution! Yellow ⭐️
A yellow bow means the horse is a stallion. I feel like most shows don’t allow stallions, I could be wrong but I know Pony Club does not allow stallions as a suitable mount. Whenever you’re dealing with a stallion you have to be careful. Make sure your horse is under control and be cautious if passing a horse with a yellow tail ribbon. Stay away all together if possible. Also don’t go near it if you’re on a mare.
Moody mare! Pink ?
Pink tail bows mean the horse is a mare and a particularly spicy one. She might be in heat and could kick at other horses or she could be a distraction to any stallions near by so be sure to stay away if you’re on one. Just be careful when crossing the girl’s path.
A buyers magnet. White ❕
A horse with a white tail bow means it’s for sale. If you’re looking for a new horse keep an eye on it during your classes and maybe go up to the owners at the end of the show for some more information.
Danger! Blue ?
A blue ribbon means it’s an unpredictable and potentially dangerous stallion. Stay away from the horse, especially if on a mare.
Alright, that’s it! There’s all the tail ribbons and what they mean. Be sure to memorize them all before your next show. Also if you have a horse that could fit under any of the categories maybe you should get a tail bow for it! It doesn’t have to be anything fancy, just pick up the right color ribbon from the dollar store or some fabric laying around and tie it onto your horse’s braided or plain tail for the next show.
Thanks for reading, keep riding!
Lucy
