If a horse shows effort to resist and balance itself but is still fairly easily pulled could it possibly mean the hind end is just weak and/or sore and not necessarily neurological?
Some horses, especially well trained horses with relaxed or submissive personalities will let you pull them over quite a bit and it’s “normal”. Tail pull is only one of many tests that make up the clinical picture. With no other abnormalities, it’s hard to put too much stock in a mild tail pull positive.
Good to know! Thanks
My old horse, who was young and weak behind, plus very nonchalant, would do as you describe. With no other neurological signs the vet performing and I didn’t worry too much about it, though I think maybe there was a small bit in the back of my mind. Then I had a chance to witness a real fail on a tail pull for a horse that ended up with a wobblers diagnosis. I know there are different degrees between those extremes, but that certainly set my mind at ease by illustrating the difference!
One of my youngsters was showing some signs that you described -so we tested him for EPM and it was positive-so we treated him
A horse with a weak hind end or a pain response and no neuro issues will still be able to put his feet out to catch himself normally when you do get him to move over. A neuro horse will have trouble placing his feet. It’s good to confirm with a full neuro exam if you are thinking that.
