Saw two docked horses yesterday...

S

skewby

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...first time I have ever seen it in the flesh. Having thought that, although I'd rather they weren't, it was quite attractive (being a pulled tail fan) it looked just awful. Didn't help that what was left of their tails was an unkempt mess
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but the worst thing was it left the mare's bits all exposed and I just thought, that would be terrible in hot weather.

Anyone else seen this? I thought this practice went out with the ark?

Can't remember what breed they were, I was told. They were beautiful big grey heavies. Dutch draught I think.
 
I had no idea it was illegal!

Found this on the rspca website:

"It is illegal to dock a horse, with the exception that a veterinary surgeon may do so if he/she certifies in writing that the operation is essential for the animal's future well-being (an example would be a severely injured tail which could not reasonably be treated otherwise).

However, some show horses of the heavy breeds have their tail hair cut off and the short fleshy tail clipped to give a similar appearence to a docked horse.

If you have seen a non-show horse which has had its tail docked, we would ask that you contact our 24-hour Cruelty and Advice line 0300 1234 999 to report the incident."

Why do they say "non show horse" when they describe that show horses have their tails shaved to appear docked, but are not docked?

Should I ring the number?? I am sure all above board, as they were at a country fair. Still really not nice to see though
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they were both docked as short as you could possibly go
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''Should I ring the number?? I am sure all above board, as they were at a country fair. Still really not nice to see though they were both docked as short as you could possibly go''

May be worth having a chat just to put your mind at rest that nothing illegal has been done
No idea which other European countries have made docking illegal
 
I'll ring them.

Whatever, I know it's wrong. Also annoyed at owners for letting tails be a nasty mess. Can't quite reconcile that with them being at a big show, I don't get it?

Bloody lovely horses too, the pair of them. Beautiful huge gentle things.
 
These days people shave the tail so it looks docked. I used to ride a mare who had no tail after a nasty cut became infected and it had to be amputated. She could be really hard to ride in the summer - she used to buck like stink if the flies were bad. Didn't seem to bother her the rest of the time tho
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I have never heard of a horse having a docked tail, obviously it is similar to a dogs? (is that illegal too?) How short to they cut it? I don't understand their tail is part of their body!
(sorry I am aware I sond abit thick here!)
 
I visited the Spanish Riding School in Jerez about 3 years ago and apparently all non-pure spanish horses (PRE) that they have are docked.

It must be horrible especially with the flies they get out there
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There is a huge Clydesdale horse show in my area every year and most have their tails shaved and with ribbons in. It is supposed to show off the quarters better but without docking. Last year there was one young colt that had been bred in Canada and imported to Scotland and had his tail docked to about 4 inches. Not sure I like the shaved tails but at least the hair can grow, the docked ones just don't look right, IMO.

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Found the Canadian one, really short stumpy tail in comparison.
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Here's his other side. There was huge interest in him from the photographers, I think he won his class.

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At least some of them get left full length. (Sorry about big pic)

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Think this one from Great American Clydesdales, now dispersed, imported into Scotland. Mr Anderson owns Redcastle Clydesdales

I cant throw any light on OPs sighting of grey docked horses

http://www.statutelaw.gov.uk/legResults....xtDocId=1097760

States that permission is needed to import a docked horse into UK as it has been illegal to Dock/Nick horses tails since 1949


http://www.thescottishfarmer.co.uk/shows/shows/display.var.2527573.0.heather_is_the_one_to_watch.php
Extract
Reserve supreme was the male champion, the American-bred Great American GW Carver, a two-year-old colt, by the much talked about American stallion, Great American Ben Franklin, and out of Springhollows Elegant Contessa, from John Anderson, of Drummygar Mains, Carmyllie, by Arbroath.

Both Great American GW Carver and his sire have been imported into Scotland, and were bred by Great American Clydesdales, which were dispersed earlier this year. Carver was imported by Mr Anderson, a farmer and property developer, in October 2007, after he won as a foal at the World Show in Madison, Wisconsin.

Great American Clydesdales also won a string of championships with him at the Royal Winter Fair in Toronto, Canada, as well at Michigan Great Lakes and at Milwaukee, before he was imported to Scotland.

Reserve male champion at Aberdeen last year, this year he won at the National Stallion Show, and was male champion at this years Royal Highland Show.

He is jointly owned by Ron Brewster, of Bandirran, who's father Tom showed him in the ring.
 
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