Tail held to one side - problem

[moneypit1]

I bought my youngster last year when he was 4. I backed him in August and have ridden him on through the winter and he has progressed well. However, his tail is held to the left nearly all the time and despite repeatedly having his back checked and only minor twinges found I still feel there is a problem there. He seems resistant on this side and sometimes I feel it must be uncomfortable for him. He is slightly 'crooked', if you look at him front on, one nostril is slightly higher than the other. Has anyone else come across this before? Any ideas? Must mention that apparently he was by a 17hh stallion out of a 15.2hh mare (poor mare). Is it there was just not enough room and he was 'squashed'?

 

[tigers_eye]

What type of specialist have you had look at his back? There are so many types and one may be more suitable than another for this. It sounds to me like a chiropractor might be of most use to him. Carrying the tail to one side will go against him in dressage and possibley if you decided to sell.

 

[jojoebony]

My friends horse does this. He's 16 and has always held it to one side. The vet thinks he must have damaged it (possibly broken) as a youngster. It doesn't cause him any problems.
My 4 year TB does it when his spavin is playing up, he points it towards his good leg.
Have also had a horse that did it cause she had a rotated vertebrae. One visit from a Chiropractor and it was all sorted.
I'd get it checked out but wouldn't be too worried.
Jo

 

[KatB]

Mine does it, been vigorously checked, and quite simply it is becasue of his age, and the fact most horses are more developed on one side, means he is more developed on the left side, but because there is more built up muscle, can also cause him to be slightly tighter and more resistant. it is VERY common, and really not a prob. If you stood above him, and put one hand on the right handside of his back next to his spine where the saddle sits, and one on the left, you will find the right falls away more steeply. Thuis is because of lack of muscle. Do lots and lots of slow (trot and walk) work on right bend, keeping soft through whole back to stretch the left and build up muscle on the right, and make sure is working correctly as much as possible, and both sides will build up evenly, and you may find he does it less.

Sorry for long one, but really don't worry

 

[Niffer]

Mine does it too! I choose to see it as a sign of a quality animal!