Horse Who Don't Like Grooming

Many riders complain about their horse that they bite, kick, pin ears, or just walks away from you avoiding grooming. Grooming should be relaxing and fun for both the horse and groomer. If it is not, there are few tips to follow...

Firstly, try to be familiar with horses. Slowly and steadily try to get near to the horse with the grooming tools; make him familiar to tools. If the horse starts smelling the grooming tools then it is a good sign, let him smell. By this, he confirms his own safety from tools.  It is advisable to talk to your horse in a native language as it provides your horse comfort. It also pampers your horse and makes him feel safe in the surroundings. 

Secondly, it might be your horse is otherwise mannerly,  but maybe your horse is sensitive or 'thin skinned'. Horses are somewhat like humans in their sensitivity. Some like good vigorous groom, while others might find it too stimulating or even painful.

It is often seen breeds like Arabians and Thoroughbreds are more thin-skinned than ponies or draft breeds. They don't like a very hard brushing, and you may have to lighten the pressure on the brush so they can tolerate it. Some may prefer a light whisking off, rather than an energetic currying. Others will be able to take a good rigorous brushing. It may be a matter of adjusting your touch to the horse's sensitivity.

It may be not just your touch, but the brushes that are the problem. A thinly coated horse may be happier when a soft rubber or 'gel' type curry comb is used, followed by a soft-bristled finishing brush. Try using a coarse cloth or rubber grooming mitt to clean off mud and dust. And be careful with grooming sprays. Thin-coated sensitive horses may react to the ingredients in spray more readily than a thicker-coated horse.

Some horses may find antithesis to soft brush and light hand groom. They might react adversely to the groom. Try using a little more pressure.

Some horses have a ticklish area- usually along the belly, ears, on the face and between legs. They can get quite snappish if you brush these areas even lightly. You can easily desensitize your horse to make grooming pleasant for both of you.

To desensitize your horse, try only brushing with pressure it can accept in areas that don't cause the horse to react. Little by little, push the boundaries. If the horse flinches and reacts negatively, retreat to a 'safe area' on its body. Work slowly and stay relaxed. Use your voice soothingly for addressing your horse. Don't try to get the whole horse covered in one day and don't let it come to test of wills. If a brush seems too harsh for your horse, start with a cloth or wear cotton gloves and just use your hands.

It is many times observed that horse likes grooming by touch when the brush is likely to be harsh for them.  If your horse suddenly seems sensitive for no reason look for heat or swelling that may indicate injury.