Tail Ribbons Have A Meaning!

Did you know? Back in the day, equestrians often didn't have time to greet and speak with all the other riders before a foxhunt... so they put ribbons in their horses' tails to communicate what otherwise couldn't be communicated while racing over the fields. When a rider observed a horse with a white ribbon, for example, they knew that prospect was for sale, and could evaluate the horse while it was performing. They always put the ribbons in the tail, because you were usually either out front, and wouldn't see the ribbon, or you were behind, and you could see the tail.
So... You knew to be cautious around a kicker, avoid a stallion with your mare, never rush past a green horse, which horses were for sale, which geldings or stallions to keep your boy away from, and which mares may be in season or crabby. All without saying a word! Pretty impressive, huh?