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Observation
What you see. The starting point for addressing any equine health related issue is your observation.

YOU ARE OBSERVING

Swishing Tail Excessively

Summary

Excessive tail swishing or swatting is classically a sign of fly irritation, but can result from irritation around the hindquarters, anal area, flank or tail itself, sheath in males or udder in mares. Mares that are not in heat may swish their tail near a stallion. In other mares, it can be a sign of heat and receptivity. In some cases, it may be a prelude to kicking or a sign of abdominal pain (colic).

Tail swishing is also a behavior that horses perform under saddle. It is considered a fault in many show disciplines because it is thought to indicate general uneasiness and stress. It is common in horses that are ridden or trained lame or experiencing other pain. This behavior may also simply be an attempt to resist training cues.

  • Code Red

    Call Your Vet Immediately, Even Outside Business Hours
    • If you notice other signs of abdominal pain (colic).
    • If the results of the Whole Horse Exam (WHE) indicate fever (Temp>101F/38.3C), or heart rate greater than 48 BPM that persists an hour after recovery from exercise.

  • Code Yellow

    Contact Your Vet at Your Convenience for an Appointment
    • If you want to rule out any physical issue being a factor in the behavior.
    • If this is something you notice under saddle but the horse seems well otherwise.
You also might be observing
Very Common
Less Common
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your role

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What To Do

Assess your horse's general health using the Whole Horse Exam (WHE), paying particular attention to their attitude and appetite. Look for other abnormalities or signs of abdominal pain (colic). Evaluate the tail, tail base and surrounding area carefully. Look around the hind limbs and belly for anything that might cause irritation such as flies, wounds, swellings or other abnormalities.

For horses exhibiting this sign while under saddle, evaluate tack and bridle fit. For mares, consider whether this problem is coincides with her heat cycle. Contact your vet with your findings and concerns.

your vet's role

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Your vet may advise you to take a "wait and see" approach or suggest that they examine your horse. For tail swishing under saddle, they may suggest a lameness exam and exam under saddle. Much of this will depend on history and the presence or absence of other concerning signs.

For horses tails swishing under saddle, if no physical cause for the behavior can be found, consider getting the help of a qualified trainer.
Questions Your Vet Might Ask:
  • Is the horse eating, drinking and behaving normally otherwise?
  • Do you notice the behavior at all when the horse is not being ridden?
  • Have you examined the horse's back and girth and checked saddle fit?
  • Does the horse show any signs of lameness or resistance to move?
  • Do you notice any signs of abdominal pain (colic)?
  • Do you notice insects bothering the horse?
  • What are the results of the Whole Horse Exam (WHE)?
  • Is the horse a mare, gelding or stallion?
  • Is the horse performing to your expectation under saddle?
  • When was the horse last ridden?
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Diagnoses Your Vet May Consider

The cause of the problem. These are conditions or ailments that are the cause of the observations you make.

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Rare
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Treatments Your Vet May Recommend

A way to resolve the condition or diagnosis. Resolving the underlying cause or treating the signs of disease (symptomatic treatment)

Very Common
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Author: Doug Thal DVM Dipl. ABVP