Harvey will sometimes swish his tail vigorously from side to side, but I don't think he has the motivation or flexibility to do what this horse is doing. Although it is visually stunning in its own way--like a propeller--I can't say I'm sorry Harv lacks this ability. If he had it I know he'd use it. Thanks to the owner for posting this to COTH!
Friday, July 8, 2011
Untamed tails!
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I can't help thinking they're going to get points off their score for that. Horse looks either really nervous or really unhappy. Perhaps both.
ReplyDeleteHate to say it - and as someone who could stand to lose weight myself I resemble this remark - but that lady needs to lose some weight or get a different horse. Horse is hollow backed and hates having all that weight on it. The tail is minor compared to the hollow back.
ReplyDeletewow~ what an unhappy lil pony...sucks that minimal tail movement is required in dressage lol
ReplyDeleteI've always believed a calmly swishing...back and forth in rhythm of the gait was fine, but true swishing like this was a sign of a very unhappy horse. Resistance to the aids, pain issues, etc. all play a part. Were this my horse, I'd have my saddle fit checked and give the horse a good chiropractic/acupuncture exam by my vet who would also assess for other physical issues. And then, there are always ulcers.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like unusual behavior for this horse -- I've seen something similar at a horse show, and it was fly-related...
ReplyDeleteThat is SOME tail, alright. Unfortunately, I find Arab tails in general to be a big distraction in dressage. Every time I've seen one test, the tail is carried extremely high (more so than even their usual high tail set)... but what are you gonna do, that's just the "Arab way."
ReplyDeleteer, no, I think it's rider related
ReplyDeleteLittle arab horse or cross thereof. So, that's strike one. They are far more flexible in their tails due to the fewer vertebrae.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Allie, but, I don't think that is the primary cause necessarily in this case. This horse just looks extraordinarily nervous or spooked ... and that could be the whole reason for the tail agitation and hollow back. It looks like a bird fart would set the horse into an apoplectic fit.
I wonder if having this particular horse lunged a little would have taken the edge off. Who knows? But, I really think it is primarily nerves in this case.
Just wanted to let you know I received the Horses Make Me Happy t-shirt in the mail today, from the blog contest. So cute! I posted a pic on my blog today of my daughter wearing it - she loves it :) Thanks again!!
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure rider weight is an issue. Arabs may be slight, but they are strong. I think the issue lies in the rider's inability to move with the horses motion while sitting the trot. Her whole body is stiff which creates extra pressure on the horse's back and mouth. She is also holding him at a slower trot that may be easier to sit, but causing lots of fussiness with his head and tail because his stride is not through. When she starts posting pretty much all fussiness vanishes.
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