Tail swishing: Good or bad?

Question

The horse I'm looking at buying didn't swish his tail when I rode him, but the owner sent me a video and he swished his tail alot during that video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5C_xNl7qPus
I never really considered that bad, if anything just a bad habit...but nothing bad for the horse.
Am I right in that? Or is it not good for the horse? Does that mean he's showing signs of pain or something like that?
Thanks!

Answer 1

This is a lot better video than the other ones that you had and I stand by what I said before. For a 9 yr old horse, I would expect more. Swishing his tail just about every time he is given a cue reminds me of a child that simply has to have something to say back every time you ask him to do something, either that or he just doesn't want to move out because of pain, I don't know. I did watch his ears and he even continued to lay them back when standing. It's way too cold for flies, he is using his tail to communicate. I feel that this is a willing horse, just not a happy one. He doesn't appear to be unsafe and he is obviously quiet under saddle, but the way that he moves and carries himself and the gear that she is using and the way that he holds the bit, (or doesn't), reminds me more of what I would expect a horse that has had 60 days riding. I would really like to see him ride outside where he can move out.

Answer 2

Talk to the owner and trainer. It is a possibility that they put an alcohol block or something similar on the horse's tail. This is a relatively common practice, although it is (take note if you want to show) banned in most organizations.



The practice is both dangerous and painful to the horse. This month, Horse and Rider did an excellent article on tail alteration.



Alternatively, he may just not have been feeling as expressive when you tried him out. In the video, it looked like 'thinking' tail swishing, or possibly petulant tail swishing. Also, there may have been flies.



So, it's the disappearance of the swishing, more than the swishing that bothers me.

Answer 3

I don't think there is any thing wrong with the horse his tail swishing is very soft and just not a real problem. Glad to hear you plan to get a vet check the best thing to do when you are going to buy a horse

Answer 4

I didn't think the tail swishing was any big deal - I was impressed with his calmness and general demeanour. But I'd like to see him use his back end a bit more - he barely tracks up - but that could be a number of factors. Seems like a well trained sweet horse - well worth getting vetted.

Answer 5

I've only seen horses swish their tails when they're angry or annoyed. A lot of horses that aren't happy with their jobs seem to swish their tails a lot.

Answer 6

At 3, and only under saddle for 4 months, she might have only 60 rides on her, and probably no more than 80. She is still learning how to carry a rider, and what your legs on her sides mean. I have noticed that mares/fillies often have a harder time learning to give (not resist) to leg pressure. I figure it is because of the extra organs in there ;). It is a part of being "marish." Some horses are more marish than others. I suggest giving her time. Are you wearing spurs? I would take them off until she learns to give to the leg pressure, and the swishing may cease. Some riders intentionally bump their legs on the horse's sides to desensitize them, but I want my horse to respond to the leg, so I don't believe in that.

Answer 7

Nah, not bad. Look at those ears! He looks pretty content. Maybe he simply reacts that way to cues or there's something irritating him a tiny bit somewhere, but it doesn't seem to be a major problem because he would show signs of pain or extreme irritation through the rest of his body, and he really isn't swishing that much compared to many other horses I've seen.

Answer 8

Very nice horse. It was pretty easy to see that he swished his tail at most of the que's the rider was giving. I think it was way to cold for it to be fly's. It could be that the rider was quing to hard or the horse was feeling a little spunky due to the cool weather.

Answer 9

I didn't watch the video, but if he is doing that and didn't do it with you, he is uncomfortable with it. There is probably nothing wrong with him he just doesn't like spurs or they are using the wrong ones.

Answer 10

like others have said it could have been something as simple as a fly. it could have also been one of the other horses. it might have also been that you rode him differently than his other riders or because you are a new rider that he was trying to figure you out a didnt have time to swish his tale. you should ask and find out if it is a regular thing with him. he looks like a good horse over all though.

Answer 11

I think the reason that the horse is swishing its tail is because he is getting agrivated at what he is doing. My horse does that a lot when i am working him and he always stops when he gets his way so you may need to work with him on the tail swishing things. work with him on the things that makes his tail swish.

Answer 12

Tail swishing usually means that the horse is agitated about something. You need to be cautious, because this can be followed by a kick. Tail swishing warns other horses to back off. There is another kind of swishing, too. Horses swish their tails to keep off flies and other insects. It is important to know the cause of tail swishing.But, in the video, it looks as if flies are the only cause to this horse's [quite-saftley,] ignorable tail swishing.

Answer 13

too cold for flies but i dont see anything out of the ordinary with the tail,good around ropes and bags.good motion.have a vet check for your safety but looks good to me.

Answer 14

Its spurs, watch his movement, watch his tail, they both coincide.

Answer 15

I have seen videos of this horse. I think he is competition in the making for a show paint. Tail swishing isnt "bad" always. There are many things to take into consideration when you see a tail swish. The guys ears are perky and is listening to everything his rider is asking him to do. I have found great techniques for massage on a horse that tail swishes. If you buy this horse I would be more than happy to offer you some tecniques I use.



This video shows a sound horse, but it may be worth a vet checking out your concerns before you pay the price. Swishing isn't from any obvious pain. Teeth should be checked, this is a culprit of SO many problems. Have the vet check that as well.



I think this horse has alot of potential and has had someone on him that has really done a good training job.



Get his swishing taken care of and we will be seeing you at nationals!



Watch out Sonny is coming!

Answer 16

that horse was probably annoyed with something like bugs or flys or evan fleas evan though horses dont usually get fleas but u should look around his butt area before u buy him.



hope i helped!

Answer 17

I'm not seeing anything outrageous of his tail swishing, he knows the spurs are there......if he's objecting, or trying to get a fly, that tail will swish with real purpose.....just look out for those that bang their tails every time you lay a cue on them and by "banging" their tails I mean those that could launch a softball into center field and go half way down the show pen whipping their tails around. They are not in pain; some are just burned out from too much show time or too much asked of them at an early age. If you're gonna go show you don't want one that bangs his tail....judge's make note of that; also those who open their mouths when you pick up on the reins. Big giveaway of a horse who isn't happy with his job. And has been yarded on one to many times.



I still like your horse!!!

Answer 18

could be the horse is feeling the move and can sense it.

Answer 19

When my horse does it he is mad. I have not seen the video but thats probably why. Spurs or when the ridder kicks them could be the cause try to aviode as much as possible.

Answer 20

It could be that the saddle doesn't fit properly if it is not a medical problem or perhaps she was disagreeing to the rider's way of riding? (In the video I mean)

Answer 21

well they their tails are the why to get flys off them just like your hands.So you dont have any problem and to help that use fly spray and when you put it on its face dont spray it put some in your hand and rub it all over.

Answer 22

that is nice. my horse doesn't look like that. my horse is all white with a pink nose. my mother got a pink bridle and saddle to make it really look nice for me. sometimes i just sit on my horse and have lunch. i am pretty scared sometimes. she likes pears the most. i like cheeseburgers but don't let my horse have that. she tries to take my cheeseburgers! my horse doesn't like music. that is sad. i like busta rhymes and she doesn't.