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 Q on July 14, 2010 at 4:30pm

Patience of doing a little at a time. It won't go by a formula just a little at a time. Try rewarding with praise for every brush stroke and talk to the horse about your day or whatever is on your mind. Its amazing how the best psychiatrists are paid in peppermints and carrots. My horse still has issue with his face after 5 years but some days are better than others and the best are when he indicates he wants his ears rubbed. Just be careful about treats or it can become a bribery to behave scenario.

Permalink Reply by Queenrider on July 14, 2010 at 5:31pm

My last chestnut TB mare was ultra sensitive and did not enjoy grooming. I could only use very soft brushes on her and a soft cloth, pick out her feet and comb her mane. Eventually she enjoyed a jelly goomer. She much preferred to be touched and caressed.

Permalink Reply by Sarah Siler on July 16, 2010 at 6:28pm

I've never heard of a jelly groomer, I'd appreciate a little more info.

Permalink Reply by Sarah Siler on July 16, 2010 at 12:47pm

When I got my mare, she was 18 months old and didn't care for humans due to previous rough handling. She didn't like grooming or being around me/humans at all. I had to start by just standing in her pen with her, letting her get used to me, talking to her, letting her find out I wasn't going to 'be mean' to her. Once I was able to touch her, I started just using my hands in a stroking motion, found her 'itchy spot' and just started letting her know there was nothing to be afraid of with me by talking to her in a low, calming tone. This took time, lots of time everyday, once she started looking for me when she heard my van in the driveway, I progressed to a soft bristle brush, still talking, using the advance/retreat method on those touchy spots. This took time of course, so be in it for the long haul; you'll be rewarded as I was with a horse that actually looks forward to being groomed/spending time with you. She just turned 25 y/o in June, still going strong and even tho we now have our own horse property, she still looks when I drive in the driveway or come out the back door, lol, and is teaching my previously non-horse husband to ride. By the way, he's winning her over by singing to her, lol.

Permalink Reply by Jenny Mustoe on July 16, 2010 at 6:03pm

I wonder whether there are any other people out there with similar experiences to mine: I bred a half-Arab filly; but I couldn't handle her at all. Reason? Somehow between us there was friction. I'm talking STATIC here. If I laid so much as a finger on her, we'd both get zapped. I couldn't stroke her, brush her or even stand too close to her without it happening! Unbelievably we struggled along - hating each other I guess - for about 4 years before I gave up and sold her to someone who could brush, stroke, cuddle and handle her.

It may be a reason why some horses seem to dislike being touched - they've been the victim of an unintentional static electric shock from someone (probably me).

I rarely wear any clothes that aren't natural fibres; I once made the mistake of wearing nylon jodhpurs when I tried out a synthetic saddle: it's no exaggeration to say I almost had third degree burns after trotting! In the days of nylon carpets and metal filing cabinets it used to take me ages to pluck up courage to do the filing; knowing that I'd get zapped as I went to open a drawer. I once zapped some poor guy on the nose when he tried to kiss me after I'd got out my car!

Permalink Reply by Dressage For The Rest Of Us on July 16, 2010 at 6:18pm

Oh my gosh, does this happen with other horses as well when you touch them? I find this interesting as hell and I wonder if there are varying charges put off by different people and/or beings and if maybe that particular horse had a "charge" incompatible with yours.

You should check out what other advantages/disadvantages your "charge" gives you. (aura, telekinesis, etc).

Permalink Reply by Sarah Siler on July 16, 2010 at 6:27pm

Wow Jenny, you've really given me something to ponder. I have a gelding that, while I can groom him, doesn't seem to enjoy it all that much no matter how lightly I touch him. He doesn't seem to like being touched, although he will endure it. Maybe that's why we aren't clicking like I'd hoped. I've never shocked him or been shocked by him, but he may just be very sensitive to touch. Something for me to think about.

Permalink Reply by Jenny Mustoe on July 16, 2010 at 7:13pm

It only happens rarely, and when it does it's generally a fine skinned horse. This maybe why I stick to the hairy cob types much as I like the sleek models.

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Permalink Reply by Sarah Siler on July 16, 2010 at 11:39pm

Beautiful horses! My gelding is an Appaloosa, and he's always had a 'touchy hide' as my husband would put it. He's not a horse that seems to really enjoy being touched, although when haltered he will endure it. He really is not happy about being brushed in a vigorous manner and can barely stand a stiff bristle brush used on him. This thread has really given me some insight on dealing with him. My mare on the other hand, is of undetermined breed, and seems to be rather 'thick skinned', like you mentioned about the cob types; once she understood she needn't be afraid of me she took to grooming with a passion.

Permalink Reply by Shaiarabs on July 17, 2010 at 7:05am

have dealt with one that you could not touch with a brush, he would attack the brush, lift his front leg and try to lay down.. it was a sensation thing... his skin just could not stand it

only way to groom him was with a dry towel and a wet towel and just keep going till he was clean...

Permalink Reply by Sarah Siler on July 17, 2010 at 9:14am

A thing called a jelly groomer has been mentioned previously in this discussion, that it helped with a sensitive skinned horse; I don't know what that is. Do you know?

Permalink Reply by Shaiarabs on July 17, 2010 at 10:24am

nope no idea.. we have here rubber curry combs but it didnt matter the material this horse wouldnt have any brushes touch him....was just his phobia I think