Yearling holding tail to one side?

[dressagelove]

I am on the look out for a yearling for dressage. Saw some today, but the one I was most interested in was holding his tail to the side as he walked... am sure have heard that this can be a conformational fault, and/or sign of back pain or misalignment?

This is a well bred young Hanoverian, so would you be avoiding it, or is it something that will come right in time?

TIA

 

[Spyda]

If you're seriously considering the youngster, I'd definitely want the youngster cheched out carefully by a good equine vet. Normally I'd suggest just walking away and not taking the risk. But if it's a particularly nice youngster in all other ways, I might take a punt in viewing him on another day to see if the problem still exists and ask for a veterinary opinion. Personally, I think there are too many nice youngsters out there to want to knowingly purchase one with a potential problem but no harm taking a second look I guess.

 

[LollyDolly]

My boy holds his tail to the left when walking, for no other reason than habit really. He has had all of the checks and there is nothing wrong with him, it's just what he does really! Although it isn't overly noticeable, it's one of those things that you only notice if you already know about it

 

[Goldenstar]

You need to check with a vet, but one of mine does this he's been with us five years is the toughest soundness horse it is just him , he's a KWPN a Dutch harness horse from American saddle bred parents it normals for them.
But I do believe it can indicate back issues .

 

[Spyda]

If it were for anything else but a dressage career I'd be more inclined to take a risk but it would be a shame to invest time and money on producing a decent horse that was marked down for odd tail carriage.

OP. I'll PM you.

 

[milliepup]

I have heard that holding tails to one side can be a sign of back issues but I have been breeding dressage horses for 10 years and not once have I had this happen to any of mine. Saying that I have a livery on my yard who is 12yrs old and has now been retired due to many back/pelvis issues and he holds his tail to one side so there may be something underlying.
PM me if you don't find what you are looking for as I have some nice yearlings for sale!