Colt foal eating his mum's tail, can I stop him?

[FPErin]

As title says really. Had noticed my 6wk old colt foal has been pulling at his mother's tail (she seems happy to let him). Today my poor mare has a 3/4 length tail and not sure how long that will survive. I've heard of cattle chewing horses tail's but not foals. Is there anything I can put on the hair to make him stop?

[welshied]

maybe just put something nasty tasting in it can't think what though so not much help

[Aredis]

I have heard of people using mustard, or cribox spray.

Also there is a natural spray http://www.hyperdrug.co.uk/Barrier-Y...ctinfo/YUMYUM/

not used it myself but itsounds good.

[Enfys]

Chili powder, soap rubbed on it, vinegar, mustard, anything nasty tasting.

I have tried the lot, none worked. The 2008 filly chomped her Mom's tail, it is still shorter than the yearlings. The only thing I found that stopped the filly eating ALL tails was to plait them up, and with fly season upon us that isn't so practical unless you use those tail bags with fringes.

[FPErin]

I thought I was on to a solution then Enfys until I read the 2nd line of your reply. Had thought about plaiting it but as you say poor mare will then be pestered with flies. Will have to try a few nasty flavours whilst she's still got a tail left.

[Clodagh]

No help but I bought a pony early this year with no tail at all as her foal had taken it off to the dock. Its growing again but as shes a welsh C it looks like the way they cut their tails for showing, yuck!

[Blanche]

Use neat washing up liquid . Works a treat .