How do you deal with a horse that does not like to be groomed?

We've all known a horse that doesn't like to be groomed, especially under their belly or on their face, and they're usually quick to react with their legs!

Do you have any tips that might teach the horse to actually enjoy being groomed?

Share your knowledge and help with this challenge!

Presented by Boehringer Ingelheim.

Tags: Boehringer Ingelheim, advice exchange, horse advice, horse grooming

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Sarah Siler on July 17, 2010 at 11:21am

Maybe a rubber curry is the same as a jelly groomer. Rip has Poco Bueno in his pedigree, rather far back in his pedigree, Poco Bueno has been identified as the sire line associated with the brutal affliction known as hyperelastosis cutis (HC) or hereditary equine regional dermal asthenia (HERDA). While Poco Bueno's sire line is implicated as the origin of the disease, the majority of horses with HC trace directly to him. Rip doesn't have HC, but he may be a carrier of the gene; which is why (JMO of course) he was gelded, he was left a stallion until he was three. This may be why he's so skin sensitive. I think I can work with him to overcome SOME of the sensitivity, he's not as bad as the horse you mentioned, he can endure a soft bristle brush when applied with a light touch. He does react with a flinch when sprayed with water/fly spray at close range, so I have to be aware at all times. I'll try a rubber curry and the towel, thanks for your input.

Permalink Reply by Jenny Mustoe on July 17, 2010 at 5:52pm

I use jelly scrubs on mine. They are brilliant, really soft and flexible to use and shift loose hair and dirt quickly and easily. Nowadays my fingers are getting a bit seized up and I find it hard to hold wooden backed brushes, so the jellies are great for me too. And thankfully, I don't build up any static!

Permalink Reply by Sarah Siler on July 18, 2010 at 9:25am

I don't know what a jelly scrub is, are the like a rubber curry?

Permalink Reply by Reagan Smith on July 19, 2010 at 9:54am

My friend rides an Appaloosa named Maverick and he is quick to kick his back legs when being groomed soo i usually help her and just pet him and talk to him and sometimes i give him treats i also let him get use to the brushes and the pick and that usually does the trick over time hes gotten better but hes not perfect yet!(:I also never speed threw grooming in case of spooking him or when someone is helping never!,brushing at the same time as picking one of his feet i just do it alone and at a slow pace