Horse body language when riding - tail question

[Scarlett 001]

Can someone remind me what it means if the horse holds his/her tail quite high in the air when riding (and no, I don't mean a horse that is going poop!)? When it gets kind of perky and a bit upright at the base. If the horse overall seems happy etc., what else is that tail telling you? Or just that the horse is happy?

[galadriel]

Tails can tell you a lot when taking the rest of the body into account. For example, a horse who's swishing his tail a lot might be covered in flies, might be agitated, or might be REALLY enjoying what's going on.

Generally lifting up a tail and holding it up is excitement. You'll see horses in the field playing lift their tails.

A horse who's working hard through his back, and isn't accustomed to the sensation, may try lifting his tail to make the whole spine more loose/strong. Sort of like kicking your feet when you're trying to do a pull-up ;)

[Scarlett 001]

A horse who's working hard through his back, and isn't accustomed to the sensation, may try lifting his tail to make the whole spine more loose/strong. Sort of like kicking your feet when you're trying to do a pull-up ;)

I noticed when I took a peep in the mirror in the arena that his tail was up when we were doing some walk work at contact. Skeeter had a nice contact and seemed relaxed - but the tail was definitely not up in excitement as this was not thrilling work by any stretch. :p Not so sure he was "really" happy (which is another thing you mentioned) as we were just walking along in contact and we were doing real work. Could he have been doing what you describe above re the spine etc.?

So is it an ok thing that he was doing this? Not sure he has done it before when working on contact at the walk... :rolleyes:

[galadriel]

I'd say it's an okay thing. If anything, I'd guess it means that *he* thinks he's working very hard ;)

When Kat thinks she's working hard, she starts making this grumbling/snorting sound with each breath, like she's breathing really heavily. Sometimes "working hard" is just approaching and going into the shade under the oak tree ;) Horses have a funny perspective on what's difficult. (On the other hand, sometimes what they think is hard work really IS a lot of exertion. Silly critters.)

[Scarlett 001]

If anything, I'd guess it means that *he* thinks he's working very hard ;)

Skeet says to pass on the message to you that it *is* very hard work to be asked for contact at the walk! He said he's never had to do it before and it takes hard work and lots of talent too (!), thank you very much!!! :p ;)

[SpyGirl]

I would agree with Galadriel and also I want to say that Skeeter looked awesome when I saw him earlier tonight!!! I don't think you have much to worry about, Scarlett, re: tail action.

[Scarlett 001]

I want to say that Skeeter looked awesome when I saw him earlier tonight!!!

Awww thanks... :o

So Spygirl really does "spy" indeed!!! ;) :) I think I saw you in the lounge which is when I am guessing you spied us riding! Glad we were having a good moment when you saw us - when all the people in the arena we were rather distracted and not riding our best! :)

[SpyGirl]

^^^ Haha yes I am a pro spy. I just took a quick peek while making hot chocolate and I guess I caught a good moment!

[Scarlett 001]

^^^ Haha yes I am a pro spy. I just took a quick peek while making hot chocolate and I guess I caught a good moment!

Yes, the others had cleared out of the arena by that point indeed, and instantly Skeeter and I both refocussed and had a nice little ride which is what you saw.

I get too distracted by people jumping around me in our arena as it is quite small and I find it hard to get into a "rhythm" so to speak!

[Scarlett 001]

Just an update - I got a good look at when he does this tail lifting at walk during long reining tonight. After we've had a good go trotting or cantering, and then bring things back to the walk for a bit - that is when he lifts his tail. He sort of looks engaged, enthusiastic and on a sort of physical high of sorts when he does it (like that high we get after a good workout or physical exertion). It seems like he is walking around just feeling really good about life at that moment. :)