Here is what I recommend a superior alternative to tail bags for long term tail protection. Sheeting is impractical for short term situations like at a horse show or for trailering but long term, this is the way to go. I've heard this can last 6-8 weeks! Use your own best judgement.
****Pics to come soon****
Supplies: typical bed sheet cut into 3 pieces each about 6inches wide and twice the length of your horse's tail and an extra set of hands is great

1) Make sure tail is clean. It does not have to be freshly washed, but that's a plus. I prefer to do this after a hot oil treatment. I do the treatment and then apply a nice tail conditioner then proceed.

2) Tie a knot at the top the the three sheets. A couple inches below the tail bone, tie the three sheets around the tail at the knot you've just made. Don't tie too tight... this is only to hold the sheet on while your braiding and has nothing to do with holding it all in the tail.

3) Separate the tail into 3 even pieces. Wrap a section of the sheet around each section of hair and knot at the bottom below the hair.

4) Braid each piece together.

5) Take the bottom of the braid and loop it around back up to the top.

6) Take one of the loose pieces of sheet and "sew" it through the "top braid, then come back down through the braid on the bottom. "Sew it all the way through to the bottom of the braid.

7) Repeat with the other two loose end pieces.

8) Knot at the bottom and cut off any dangling sheet.

9) Voila!! The tail has been sheeted!

Things to be aware of: When you do take this down, you will find a lot of loose hair that has fallen out. Don't be alarmed. This is not caused by the wrap rather it is just all the hair that would have naturally fallen out in the time the hair was up all gathered in one place. Also, the pieces of sheet are reusable. Simply soak them in soapy water (Dawn is great) and hang to dry. Washing machines tend to do a number on fraying them :( While the tail is up, if you are an MTG fanatic like myself, feel free to apply it to the top of the tail like you normally would. Do not start the sheeting too close to the tail bone. You can do serious damage by cutting off circulation or causing discomfort to your horse. Remember the tail bone is alive and needs good circulation. Lastly... you can add tassels if you choose to do this in summer to create a natural fly swatter. Bailing twine works great!

The first topic that comes to my mind at the moment is tails. (Most) everyone wants their horse to have that long lucsious tail that is full and healthy and shiny. Some get the lucky hand dealt to them of that horse with the natural locks to die for:

The rest of us get stuck with this:

Yes...that second one I claim as my own :/
So, what to do? There is the camp that will swear by, "Don't touch it, leave it alone!" That great and true to the extent that a lot of people brush and comb the c.rap out of a tail and pull all the thickness right out. However, it's not something that works for everyone. For those of use who are working with with those tails that, left alone, just don't cut it, here is the advice I've gleaned.

1) NEVER brush, comb, touch when wet. Hairs are so susceptible to breaking when wet. Always wait it out and work the tail once it has dried.

2) Detanglers are your friend. I prefer Cowboy Magic for when you must get out the tangles. Even with detanglers on, simply picking through the tail with your fingers is the best option unless you are preparing to show a class, then go for the wide tooth comb or gentle brush. Day-to-day, however, there is no reason to comb or brush through the tail and detanglers are too expensive for that anyway.

3) Avoid silicone products (i.e. Show Sheen) except for special occasions. I have been terribly guilty of abusing this one...

4) Tail bags are great for shows, overnight, and trailering but they are not your friend long term. Because you have to tie them to the the tail, they generally will cause more breakage. The best method I have found is sheeting.

5) Hot oil treatments, the very same that are used on humans, work wonders.

6) 3 Letters- MTG! I swear by it personally but be careful because horses can be allergic and also if not used properly, you will lose the hair. Another negative- it absolutely stinks! It is a great product though and has really made a difference for me.

7) Cocoa butter... I've heard great things but haven't tried it yet.

8) Go from the inside out... making sure your horse is getting proper nutrition is essential for having healthy hair. Flax seeds or corn/vegetable oil properly added to the diet can also be useful. Consult your vet or B.O. about adding things like this to your horses diet.

9) Fabric softener! Seriously! The cheap blue stuff you can get from the dollar store will leave your horse's tail feeling, well, soft! It also cuts soap well after you've washed the tail. Test for allergies first!

10) Listerine! Put this up on the skin at the dock if your horse rubs the tops of his tails into frizzy oblivion. Test for allergies and don't use if his pasturemates find it to be tasty.

Horsey people tend to have more than their fair share of "tricks of the trade", especially those involved in the show world. In my experience through a (shortish) lifetime of being around said horse people and also enjoying the many things the World Wide Web has to offer such as blogs, forums, and general resources, I've found that a lot of these tried and tested tips make life so much easier for those equine lovers among us. This blog is simply here to serve as a hub for all the advice I can gather into one place. If anything, it's for my own benefit so I stop forgetting all the cool things I learn and then realizing a month later, "Oh yeah... I was going to try that!" I'll credit when neccessary but a lot of this stuff is just general wisdom. Enjoy!