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Horse Behavior and Training

Itchy, itchy head!

By:

Nadine

Date:

2012-Oct-05 at 02:33AM

So, my TB seems to have found that my soft body is the perfect way to scratch her itchy head after a day of flies bothering her.
I would be happy to oblige her facial comfort mission by scratching her with my hand or a brush, but she seems to think otherwise.
I've tried pushing her away, I've tried moving away, I've tried what Monty recommends for biters - bumping her shin with my boot when she does it. No luck.

Any thoughts?

luktha 2012-Oct-06 at 05:43AM

Can you put a fly mask on her in the mornings?

If you bump her shin with your boot hard enough she will certainly move away. Just be very persistant. If she uses your body for a scratching pole make it very uncomfortable for her, but it will only work if you are persistant.

Nadine 2012-Oct-07 at 02:06AM

She has a huge head, and most flymasks do not fit.

Rahni (Sydney, Australia) 2012-Oct-07 at 02:11AM

I'd be using the dually and backing her up off it every time she tries to rub on you. There is nothing wrong with asking for a rub, but if it isn't on your terms, she isn't respecting your space and needs to learn to do so.
Check out the lessons on the dually halter. MaggieF has made recommendations for some YouTube videos that I have found helpful as well....I'll see if I can find the links for you.

Rahni (Sydney, Australia) 2012-Oct-07 at 02:19AM

Here you go, these are the ones MaggieF recommended in another thread.......
1. Horsemanship essentials - Episode 1 at http://www.horseandcountry.tv/episode-monty-and-kelly-horsemanship-essentials-loading
2. Horsemanship essentials - Episode 9 at http://www.horseandcountry.tv/episode-monty-and-kelly-horsemanship-essentials-linesmanship
3. Horsemanship essentials - Episode 20 at http://www.horseandcountry.tv/episode-monty-and-kelly-horsemanship-essentials-learning-lead-and-load
Also check out the threads on here that are related to the dually halter, there are some great ideas and tips in them in relations to training your horse to respect your space :)