I have noticed quite a few people when dealing with young foals, ponies or horses, that they have not been able to lift the tail and touch around the rear end area!
It is one issue that needs to be addressed! I seen a young lady brushing a horses tail and got a nasty kick! But she still went back and did the same thing and again got kicked!
It is not safe to stand behind a horse at any time no matter how "safe" you believe your horse to be. Anything can spook a horse into kicking without with any fault to you!
Horse flies are one of the worse to make a horse kick out as they give a nasty bite to the horse and even to you! They usually get the horse shaking and kicking out to remove them from the horses body.
If you cannot lift the tail of your, foal, pony or horse without the horse being a nuisance and trying to stop you, then taking time and patience is needed. (Use a fake arm)
Firstly you want to start by running your hand from the back of the horse and stopping at the dock. If your horse does not mind this, then keep running your hand down the tail and see when the horse try's to stop you.
Always remember to stand at the side of the horse when doing and away from the
legs. They can cow kick!
If you are uncomfortable or feel afraid then make up a false arm and use that until the horse accepts the tail being touched and have a friend with you.
Once the horse accepts you brushing or feeling the tail then you can start to lift the lift to the side of the horse. Again you can do this by using the false arm.
Never shout or hit the horse for trying to stop you as that will make the matter worse when it comes to lifting the tail next time. They will expect you to shout or hit them again with it comes to dealing with their tails.
Once you can lift the tail and hold it up you can start by stroking the rear of the horse
(or again start with the fake arm stroking under the tail on the cheeks of the bum)
Always stay safe around a horse that kicks out and always wear a safety hat!