Hi, my horse who is a warmblood holds his tail to the side when I ride, and just in general. Everything I do irritates him, and he’ll swish his tail non stop… I have a schleese saddle, and I’m getting it readjusted. I’m just trying to figure out if there’s anything I can do, because I don’t want him swishing his tail like crazy when I show in may.
Well, my mare has held her tail to one side since I bought her. Chiropractic treatment helps, but there is something permanent there. It’s just part of who she is. I will say that it’s declined slightly since she was started on monthly estrone injections for stifle issues.
Tail swishing is another matter entirely… suggesting an ill-fitting saddle (which you obviously are considering) or some pain with a different source (the rider, a strain in the hind end not related to saddle fit, etc.)
In addition to saddle fit, check for pain anywhere else that might make him tense. Ulcers? Pinchy girth? Stabby spurs? Teeth?
I’ve always heard that a crooked tail is an indication of tension through the back since the tail is just an extension of the spine. No idea how true it is, but it sounds reasonable.
Some horses are swishers. Is he doing it in irritation, or just all of the time? My ADHD GP was like that–her tail just moved ALL of the time. That was her. As long as it’s constant, it’s not an issue at a show. It’s when it’s a response to something that it’s an issue.
Blue Hors Matinee?
Have a check done for Ulcers and also Hind Gut Acidosis. All show as snarly behaviour, especially tail swishing.
What does your trainer think about it?
What does your vet think about it?
How long have you been ridding this horse and why is the swishing tail is suddenly a problem for your show in May? Is this a recent behavior?
My horse has VERY sensitive skin… like a soft brush will get you tail swishing, teeth snapping, foot stomping, and sometimes even little kicks. He just hates being touched!! And yes, when I ride him, I do the best I can to give as many aids as possible with my seat bones (he is very sensitive so it works pretty well!) and any time I do have to use my calf I get a tail swish in response to the touch. He’s always been that way. He’s done it in the show ring and under bunches of trainers, and I’ve never gotten a negative comment about it. If your horse just does that, and especially if it’s not just an under saddle issue, I wouldn’t worry about it. If it’s only in response to a particular request, or it’s a new behavior, or something like that, then I’d worry, but not because of what the judge will think… it’s your horse trying to tell you something! But some horses just do it and it doesn’t mean they are in pain or upset about something the rider is doing, and judges do seem to understand that. Just don’t post the video on here 
Ulcers?
I have a tail swisher… And I HATE seeing tail swishing (though there is definitely a difference between swishing and wringing). I have a currently 3rd level appy with an AMAZING work ethic who has one of the best brains I’ve ever worked with. But he is a swisher, sigh. He’s hot and sensitive and smart and his swishing is one of his ways of communicating. He will do it bareback, he’ll do it on the ground, he’ll do it to almost any aid no matter how light. It’s just his thing. I do my best to communicate with him clearly and quietly and it’s minimized, but it’s always there and likely always will be. Some horses are just swishers = ) Check out other reasons, but it’s not always an indication something is wrong.
