Crooked Tail Carriage in Horses by a Vet – 2025 Guide to Lameness, Sacroiliac Pain & Asymmetry 🐎🔍
In this article
Crooked Tail Carriage in Horses by a Vet – 2025 Guide to Lameness, Sacroiliac Pain & Asymmetry 🐎🔍
By Dr Duncan Houston, BVSc
Introduction
A horse’s tail is more than a fly swatter—it’s an extension of the spine and a window into musculoskeletal health. If you’ve noticed your horse carrying its tail to one side during work or movement, you’re not alone. In 2025, veterinary research continues to show that crooked tail carriage may indicate hind limb lameness, sacroiliac joint issues, or neuromuscular asymmetry.
How the Horse’s Tail Functions 🍃
- The tail is controlled by several muscles, many of which connect to the pelvis and sacrum
- During the walk and trot, the tail should swing rhythmically and symmetrically
- Any persistent deviation from midline suggests underlying mechanical or neurological issues
Normal vs. Crooked Tail Movement 🧠
- In sound horses, the lower back and tail swing evenly from side to side
- Crooked tail carriage refers to consistent holding of the tail to the left or right
- May be seen at rest or increase during movement, circles, or athletic work
University Study: Tail Deviation & Lameness Research 📊
A UK study evaluated 500 lame horses and 200 sound horses. Results showed:
- Crooked tails occurred significantly more often in lame horses
- Tail deviation was more common toward the left side
- No consistent match between tail deviation side and lameness side
Possible Reasons for Tail Deviation ➡️
1. Sacroiliac Joint Region Pain 🦴
- Commonly linked to crooked tail carriage
- Can affect performance, particularly in collection and transitions
2. Muscle Tension in the Back 💪
- Increased tension in upper back muscles—even without pain
- Compensation for discomfort in the hindquarters
3. Rider Imbalance 🧍♂️
- More crooked tails deviated left—possibly related to right-side rider dominance
- Asymmetrical rider posture may influence horse’s spinal alignment
4. Habitual or Compensatory Changes 🌀
- Some horses develop compensatory asymmetries from training or injury history
Impact of Work and Circles on Tail Posture 🔄
- Tail deviation increases when circling in the same direction as the tail is carried
- May highlight muscular tightness or neurological asymmetry
Does Blocking Lameness Fix the Tail? ❌
Interestingly, the study found that numbing the lameness did not correct the crooked tail, suggesting the tail carriage may reflect chronic compensation patterns rather than acute pain alone.
What To Do If Your Horse Has a Crooked Tail 🩺
- Have a full lameness exam done – start with flexions, hoof testers, and gait evaluation
- Check for sacroiliac pain with palpation and potentially diagnostic anesthesia
- Evaluate rider balance and saddle fit
- Perform core strengthening and symmetry exercises
- If asymmetry persists, consider an ultrasound or thermography of the SI region
Case Example: Crooked Tail in a Dressage Horse
- 10-year-old warmblood presented with tail deviation to the left and poor engagement
- Sacroiliac soreness noted on palpation and flexion
- Diagnostic block showed mild hind limb lameness but tail remained crooked
- SI injections and physiotherapy initiated
- Tail carriage gradually improved over 2 months with targeted exercises
FAQs About Tail Carriage Asymmetry 🧠
Q: Is a crooked tail always a sign of pain?
A: Not necessarily—it may also reflect muscular habit, rider imbalance, or even conformation. But it should prompt evaluation.
Q: Can chiropractic or acupuncture help?
A: Many horses with sacroiliac tightness benefit from manual therapy in conjunction with vet-directed treatment plans.
Q: Should I keep riding a horse with a crooked tail?
A: Only under veterinary guidance. Some cases improve with work, others need rest and therapy first.
Conclusion
Crooked tail carriage in horses is more than just a cosmetic concern—it may be an early clue to hind limb asymmetry, sacroiliac pain, or performance-limiting tension. While not every case demands medical treatment, every case deserves investigation. The earlier a problem is identified, the sooner your horse can return to symmetrical, comfortable movement.
Want help diagnosing your horse’s tail deviation? Visit AskAVet.com or download our app 📱 to connect with Dr Duncan Houston for expert gait assessment and care recommendations. 🩺🐴
