7 Best Stall Guards To Prevent Tail Chewing Old Grooms Recommend
Veteran grooms reveal the 7 best stall guards to stop tail chewing. This guide explores top picks for durability and effective, safe tail protection.
You walk into the barn one morning and see it: a ragged, chewed-off tail on your best mare. The culprit is likely her bored neighbor, who spent the night nibbling over the stall door. Protecting that tail isn’t just about looks for the show ring; it’s about preserving your horse’s primary defense against flies and insects all summer long. A good stall guard is one of the simplest, most effective tools to solve this problem for good.
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How Stall Guards Can Protect Your Horse’s Tail
A standard stall door, especially a half-door or a simple chain, leaves a big opening. It’s an open invitation for a curious or mischievous horse to reach over and grab a mouthful of its neighbor’s tail. A stall guard closes that gap, creating a physical and visual barrier that makes tail-chewing nearly impossible.
The best guards do more than just block access. They define the horse’s personal space, discouraging leaning and other nuisance behaviors. Whether solid, mesh, or webbing, the guard sends a clear message: this is the edge of your world. This simple boundary can prevent minor squabbles and protect expensive blankets from being torn by a neighbor’s teeth.
Choosing the right type of guard comes down to your specific situation. A persistent chewer might need a solid barrier that removes all temptation. A hot, stuffy barn will benefit from a mesh or webbing guard that maximizes airflow. It’s not about finding the "best" one, but the best one for your horse and your barn.
Dura-Tech Solid Guard: Maximum Separation
When you have a truly determined tail chewer, you need to eliminate the temptation entirely. The Dura-Tech Solid Guard is the fortress of stall guards. Its solid vinyl construction creates a complete visual and physical block, meaning the horse next door can’t see or reach the tail.
This is the go-to solution for horses that are aggressive, overly social, or simply can’t leave their neighbors alone. It’s also fantastic for creating a quieter, more private space for a horse that needs to rest or is easily agitated by barn activity. The solid surface is also incredibly easy to wipe clean, which is a real bonus in a dusty barn environment.
The main tradeoff here is airflow. A solid guard will restrict ventilation more than a mesh or webbed version, so it might not be the best choice for a barn in a hot, humid climate without excellent fan circulation. But for maximum security and separation, nothing beats a solid wall of vinyl.
Tough-1 Mesh Guard for Airflow and Security
The Tough-1 Mesh Guard strikes a perfect balance between security and comfort. It’s the most popular style for a reason. The heavy-duty, vinyl-coated mesh is strong enough to prevent a horse from reaching through, effectively stopping tail chewing in its tracks.
Unlike a solid guard, the mesh design allows for excellent airflow and visibility. Horses can still see their neighbors and what’s happening in the aisle, which can significantly reduce stall anxiety and weaving in social animals. They get the feeling of being part of the herd without the physical contact that leads to trouble.
This is the ideal all-around choice for most barns. It solves the primary problem—tail access—while maintaining a healthy, well-ventilated, and socially connected environment. Just make sure the mesh is small enough that a hoof can’t get caught if a horse were to paw at it.
Centaur Turbo-Dry: A Classic Webbing Barrier
Webbing guards are the old-school classic, and for good reason. The Centaur Turbo-Dry, with its open webbing design, offers the absolute best ventilation of any guard type. In a sweltering summer barn, that can make a huge difference in your horse’s comfort.
While it looks less substantial, a well-installed webbing guard is a surprisingly effective deterrent. The multiple straps create a psychological barrier that most horses respect. They can see through it easily but are discouraged from pushing or leaning against the flexible, multi-point barrier.
This style is best for horses that are generally respectful of boundaries but might be tempted by a swishing tail. It might not be enough for a truly determined chewer or a horse that loves to lean on things. But for promoting airflow and setting a clear boundary in a low-drama barn, a webbing guard is a simple, effective, and often more affordable solution.
Cashel Stall Guard: Durable and Stylish Option
Sometimes you want equipment that is not only tough but also looks sharp. Cashel is a brand known for quality, and their stall guards are no exception. They combine heavy-duty materials with thoughtful design, making them a durable and stylish addition to any barn aisle.
Cashel guards often feature robust fabrics, reinforced stitching, and high-quality hardware that won’t rust or break after one season. You’re investing in a product designed to withstand the daily wear and tear of barn life. Many of their models also include convenient features like mesh pockets for storing brushes, sprays, or leg wraps right at the stall door.
This is the guard for the person who appreciates well-made gear and wants a clean, professional look in their barn. While it may come at a slightly higher price point, the longevity and thoughtful features often make it a worthwhile investment. It’s about buying it once and not having to worry about it again.
Horsemen’s Pride Guard for the Toughest Horses
You know the type of horse—the one that views every piece of equipment as a personal challenge. For the leaners, the pushers, and the chewers (of the guard itself), you need something built like a tank. The Horsemen’s Pride Guard is engineered for these exact horses.
The focus here is on brute strength. These guards typically use extra-thick, reinforced vinyl or the heaviest-duty webbing available. The D-rings and snaps are oversized and designed to withstand constant pressure without bending or breaking. Every seam is double- or triple-stitched for maximum durability.
If you’ve had other guards fail, this is your next step. It’s not about fancy colors or extra pockets; it’s about pure, unadulterated toughness. When you need a guard that can absorb punishment and hold the line, this is the category to shop in. It provides peace of mind that your horse—and your equipment—will stay put.
Weaver Leather Poly Guard: Simple and Reliable
Weaver Leather has built a reputation on making no-frills, dependable equipment that just works. Their polypropylene webbing stall guards are the perfect example of this philosophy. They are simple, strong, and built to do one job effectively without breaking the bank.
There are no bells and whistles here. You get tough poly webbing that resists rot and mildew, sturdy hardware, and a straightforward, adjustable design. It’s the kind of guard you can install and forget about, trusting it to hold up season after season.
This is the perfect choice for the practical hobby farmer who values function over form. It’s an affordable workhorse that provides an excellent barrier for most horses. When you just need a reliable guard to keep the peace between stall neighbors, the Weaver guard is a smart, budget-friendly pick.
Shires Adjustable Guard: For Non-Standard Doors
Old barns have character, but they also have non-standard doorways. Trying to fit a standard 36-inch guard into a 40-inch opening is a frustrating exercise. The Shires Adjustable Guard is designed specifically to solve this common problem.
These guards feature extra-long adjustable straps and a design that allows them to fit a wider range of opening sizes securely. This means you can get a snug, safe fit without having to install new hardware or jerry-rig a solution with double-ended snaps and baling twine. A properly fitted guard is a safer guard.
Before you buy any stall guard, measure your doorway first. If you have an odd-sized opening, seeking out an explicitly adjustable model like this one from Shires will save you a massive headache. It ensures the guard is tight, secure, and functions exactly as it’s supposed to.
Ultimately, choosing the right stall guard is about matching the tool to the temperament of your horses and the layout of your barn. Whether you need an impenetrable fortress or a simple, airy barrier, the goal is the same: to protect your horse’s tail. It’s a small, one-time investment that pays off every single day of fly season.
