Tucked Up.

[Little-miss-perfect]

(Also in vet & hoof care)

Hi everyone

My friend mentioned to me yesterday that my mare looked "Tucked Up" when she was in her stable. I've heard of this before, but not really sure what it means/why it happens. She commented that you could see a line running along the length of her stomach, but I'm sure she usually has this!! She was behaving absolutely fine, just stood there eating her hay.

Could anyone help me on what causes this? And should I be concerned? Also do I need to do anything? (Sorry for the stupid questions )

thanks in advance. x

 

[LucindaGrey]

I posted a similar thing a few months back, people had lots of suggestions... the more possible ones were muscle fatigue (had she done a hard days work before and been in since then?), nerves, cold or dehydration. My mare did this infrequently for a few months, she kind of sucked her belly in and sometimes shivered, it never affected her well being that I could see so i chose not to worry about it and now shes fine, hasn't done it for a good few months.

 

[Gentle_Warrior]

Cold is mines main reason for it or after a hard exhausting ride.

I would ensure warm enough when they do it. Is she in a drafty stable, etc. if after ridden, walk her round until she has regulated herself.

 

[Shay]

It isn't just the heave lines on the belly - although that can be part of it some horses have those all the time. One of mine does. Its also the snatched up appearance under the belly below the stifle. Some people call it "herring gutted". They can also look a bit tucked under in the hindquarters with the tail clamped. As others have said - cold or hard exercise will do it. Although it can also be an early symptom of some illnesses. One of mine always comes back from hunting this way - some warmth and warm bran mash (I know I'm old fashioned) sorts it.

 

[Little-miss-perfect]

Thanks everyone, no she hadn't been worked, just in the field all day with a rain sheet on, but she probably was just abit cold. I thought it looked quite normal for her, and she is on the whole a warm horse, so I wont worry, I'll just keep an eye on her.