Ohio horse finally got a trim after Guinness confirmed her 13-foot-6-inch tail was a world record

An Ohio horse has landed a Guinness World Record after officials measured her tail at an extraordinary 13 feet, 6 inches. The horse, Jenny, now holds the mark for the longest tail on a horse, and the record also brought an end to a very long growing project.

Jenny is owned by Mackenzie Lowe and Rachel Estes. Lowe said Jenny was given to her for her 13th birthday in 2019.

According to Lowe, she had been told that when Jenny was younger, the horse had ripped her tail out. By the time Lowe got her, the tail already reached the ground, but Lowe said it was not especially long at that stage.

Jenny is an American saddlebred, a breed known for long, flowing tails. Lowe said they chose to keep letting Jenny's tail grow because a longer tail is something people look for when showing that breed. As it continued to get longer, the plan shifted from simply keeping it to seeing how far it could go, and eventually trying for a world record.

The measurement that ended the experiment

Guinness World Records officially measured Jenny's tail at 13 feet, 6 inches. That put her ahead of the previous record, which stood at 12 feet, 6 inches and had been set in 2007.

The record also came with one immediate change. After the measurement was confirmed, Jenny finally got a tail trim.

Lowe said Jenny was excited about the result and joked that the horse was also looking forward to not having so many long tail grooming sessions. After years of growth, the world title and the haircut arrived together.

What a horse's tail is for

A horse's tail is not just decorative. It helps swat away flies and other biting insects, signals mood and alertness to other horses, and can offer a little protection from weather and dirt. The dock, which is the muscled upper part of the tail, is also part of normal movement and balance.

Because tails have a practical job, very long hair can be both useful and awkward. It may look impressive, but if it drags on the ground it can pick up mud, burrs and bedding, and it can be stepped on or caught on fencing.

Why some tails grow so long

Tail hair grows much like human hair, but breed, genetics, age, nutrition and daily management all affect length and thickness. Some horses naturally grow fuller, longer tails than others. Owners who want to preserve length often avoid heavy brushing, keep the hair clean and conditioned, and protect it with careful braiding or tail bags.

That said, too much handling can cause breakage. Rough detangling, dirty rugs, rubbing from skin irritation, and leaving braids in too tightly for too long can damage the hair.

Practical tail care

Good tail care starts with checking the skin around the dock for dandruff, sores, parasites or signs of itching. Wash only when needed, use a gentle detangler if the hair is knotted, and work from the ends upward with fingers or a suitable brush. If the tail touches the ground, a light trim can help prevent tangles and reduce the risk of injury.

If a horse suddenly starts rubbing its tail, loses hair, or seems sore when the tail is lifted, it is worth asking a vet or experienced equine professional for advice.