Raised Tail when ridden

[Cor]

Hi all
I have a tb mare (late in her teens) which I have had for two years now. She is being ridden regularly (five times a week) but after a week's absence(was away due to Xmas) she now raises her tail high when being ridden (not very highly but quite obvious in the trot and canter but can be spotted in the walk). She swishes her tail as normal , lifts it up to poop, seems to have complete movement in it as before .
Also we checked her and she does not seem to be lame, hind legs working properly etc. Any idea why? Will have a physician over to check her but just wanted to see what people think?
tks

 

[HollyhedgePippa]

I don't have an answer sorry, but I've noticed my mare swishes her tail constantly now, to the point that its vertical sometimes. She does hold it up as well. I'll be gettng the back man out, so will see what he says

 

[PandorasJar]

I have a Welsh and used to share a Spanish who both do this when excited. Tail straight up in the air and feel a ball of energy.
If not usual (and for most of mine it wouldnt be) I'd be getting vet in though expecting back to need checking.

 

[Cuppatea]

fresh?!

 

[FfionWinnie]

Could she just be feeling fresh. Was she on her toes? My mare has her tail up like an Arab all the time and I don't really notice unless I see it in a mirror.

 

[Cor]

No not on her toes at all - she is actually nice to ride. A new 'symptom' today - she was constantly sniffing the air (same way stallions do when there is a broodmare in season around). She was still raising her tail today. Points to hormonal issue maybe?

 

[Jools1234]

in season?

could there be a stallion that has moved into the area?

 

[Springy]

Get back checked

 

[Laafet]

No not on her toes at all - she is actually nice to ride. A new 'symptom' today - she was constantly sniffing the air (same way stallions do when there is a broodmare in season around). She was still raising her tail today. Points to hormonal issue maybe?

The lip curling can be a sign of pain, I've seen a lot of colic horses do it and mares whilst foaling. Not saying this is the case but it can be. The broodmares I deal with rarely lip curl apart from when foaling.

 

[Cor]

Tks - will have her checked by both a physio and a vet and get back to you