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Discussion on Tail Flapping and neck stretching
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New Member:
rungmh
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Posted on Friday, Feb 1, 2008 - 1:26 pm:
This last week, my 14 year old gelding has started a new behavior. I have been doing some winter ground work (giving to the bit-type activities) with him so I'm just using a western bridle (full check snaffle bit). Half-way through a 20 minute training session, he started flapping his tail up and down (not swishing sideways). In addition, he did some head and neck stretching while flapping his tail. A couple of days later I was doing the same process using my English bridle (D ring snaffle bit) and he started doing the same behavior with a little more intensity of tail flapping and really extending his head and neck (it looked like something was caught in his throat and he was trying to get it out). I walked him a bit and he was fine. As soon as I stopped walking him, he stood in place for a while and then began the tail flapping and head and neck stretching. I listened to his stomach and I could hear the right sounds, so I didn't think it was a colic issue - which he is not prone to ever. I took him back to his stall and he seemed fine. He stood while I put his winter blanket on and then resumed eating some hay left in his stall.(PS I clean his sheath twice a year- I don't think that is the issue). There has been a number of other boarders witnessing this behavior and we are all clueless. Any thoughts?
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Member:
denise
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Posted on Friday, Feb 1, 2008 - 2:31 pm:
I have seen horses display this kind of behavior when they are choking. Could he have something stuck in his throat?
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New Member:
rungmh
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Posted on Friday, Feb 1, 2008 - 2:54 pm:
Not that I'm aware of. He's eating and drinking fine. Is there something else I can check?
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Member:
mrose
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Posted on Friday, Feb 1, 2008 - 4:32 pm:
I've seen this reaction when a horse has gotten his tongue over the bit.
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New Member:
rungmh
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Posted on Friday, Feb 1, 2008 - 4:54 pm:
That's a real possibility, he plays with his bit a lot.
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Moderator:
DrO
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Posted on Saturday, Feb 2, 2008 - 9:31 am:
Welcome Gerri,
Physical irritation or impatience could be responsible for such behavior and since it occurs (mostly?) under saddle the tack should be considered also. Have you thoroughly examined the tack, tail, perineum, and mouth? Also, when you clean the sheath do you remove the bean? After that you look over the whole horse.
DrO
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