Grooming: When Your Horse Doesn't Like It

Shiloh says, "Yes, that's the spot!"

Grooming can mean social bonding with a horse who enjoys it as Shiloh is in this photo. Or it can be a source of discomfort and annoyance to horses. A study showed that many riders, of all levels, fail to read the horse’s body language and adjust based on the horse’s feedback. However, some horses seem uncomfortable with grooming no matter how hard you try to be considerate. A lively facebook discussion offered some possible explanations:
- Grooming is an intense invasion of a horse’s personal space, and some horses are uncomfortable with it, just as people can be uncomfortable with someone in their personal space.
- Many medical conditions can make touch uncomfortable, including: ulcers, Insulin Resistance, Cushings (PPID), PSSM, Lyme Disease, Vitamin E deficiency.
- Mares may be more sensitive when they are in season.
- Many people reported their Thoroughbreds disliked grooming, perhaps because they tend to have extra sensitive skin with less hair to cushion it.
- A low level of static electricity, undetected by humans, might bother a horse.
- Pressure points may be sensitive, and indicate pain, though not necessarily in the location where the horse objects to being groomed.
Suggestions:
- Ask permission to enter personal space and touch the horse. A horse who is anxious with people in his space is not likely to enjoy grooming. Let the horse approach you first, and don’t force touching of body parts he doesn’t want touched.
- If a horse is unsure about being touched, start by offering to scratch itchy spots.
- Leave the horse loose, or loosely tied, so he can move, and show you where he does or does not want touching.
- Notice which tools he likes. If he objects to all curries or brushes, try your bare hands, a grooming glove, a towel, a Tiger’s Tongue sponge, or a microfiber washer.
- Notice how he likes to be touched or have tools used: gently or firmly, short strokes or long ones, circles or back and forth.