Swishing tail in ridden work

[fleabittengrey]

If you see a horse violently swishing their tail during ridden (flat) work - around and around like a windmill/helicopter, - what do you think?


Horse is tense, upset?

Horse is brewing for a big tantrum?

Horse just does that regardless?




Does anyone have a horse that does the latter, has a violent tail swish regardless, even when relaxed/settled/calm/happy?

 

[TarrSteps]

Would need more information/observation really.

There have been some famous "tail wringers" - Mattine and King Boris come to mind - but generally it is a sign of excitement/discomfort/anxiety/unhappiness. I had one that did it xc (I never even knew until I saw a vid) but nowhere else. i don't think he was uncomfortable given how he looked otherwise and the quality of his performance, but I would hardly have said he was relaxed, either!

 

[Tnavas]

If a mare would suspect coming in or in season and has a sore/uncomfortable back - to be honest I would suspect some form of discomfort wether from ill fitting tack, muscle damage or pain brought on by tension.

I would do a thorough check and if necessary have a thermograph of horse and the saddle too after the horse has been worked.

 

[Flashpaddler]

Our pony (a 14.2 Conny cross) is a huge tail swisher. We had teeth, back, saddle and finally vet checks done just after we bought him. All came back negative. Vet told us he's simply a tail swisher. Now we know it's nothing to worry about it's quite an endearing trait.

Obviously, for the majority of horses swishing is indicative of discomfort. For some though, it's just their way of dealing with the excitement!