Cant touch my horse!

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rowdreyer

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I have taken on an ex racehorse who is a real sweety, loves having his face and neck stroked and scratched. However he is very sensitive about his sides, saddle area, tummy. He swings round to bite you (hasn't got me yet) he will even cow kick.
I suspect he's had/has ulcers (we are going to have him scoped in a couple of weeks) and will calm down as time goes on with careful handling and high fibre diet?!

Does anyone have any suggestions or ideas to help him, I'd love to be able to groom him and tack him up without dodging death threats!
 
Mine did this when I got him. He has got better with time to be honest. He still doesn't like "vigorous" brushing in these areas, but the reactions are much less violent - usually just the occasional dirty look
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. I think he had ulcers when I got him (teeth grinding etc) but he has been on 24 hour turnover ever since with plenty of forage/fibre, and symptoms have disappeared. I believe that many TBs have quite sensitive skin and never enjoy grooming.
 
mine is always sensitive around his belly, and i always stand well clear as i brush him underneath just in case!! try using a really nice soft brush or sheepskin mitten to get him used the feel of touch in these sensitive areas....might help
 
Hey, mine did the same too (biting and kicking) He was not always well treated before i got him, and it has got better over time. He still doesn't really enjoy grooming, but no longer bites or kicks, just looks grumpy.
 
Hi Whippety,

I'd rather suspect a history of 'the ole girth being done up a mite too quick'.

Your boy sounds lovely (+ in my humble opinion, this 'ulcer' thing has become something of a new thing, along with horse whisperers, etc...) Hmm........

I'd treat him as an unbroken baby, and if you don't feel up to this very important task, maybe ask other folk? Hoping my words have helped, + only ever wishing best for equines, BS x
 
Agree that using something like a mitten helps. Mine minds this less - he hates, hates, hates any type of brush. You'd think you were brushing him with barbed wire!!
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JumperAlex - I think you have my horse's twin! I have never seen such filthy looks as the ones I get from him at times!
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third the mitten or a really good goat hair brush( you know the ones that you see in the tack shop that you don't think you could ever warrent spending the money on
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) and gradualy build up until you can get a normal brush on him. Mine did get better in time as well.
 
I think you are right, time and a high fibre diet. Many ex racers are like this for one or more of these reasons: ulcers, tight girth, bruising/expecting pain as a result of starting stalls. Ditto a sheepskin mitt or soft brush too
 
Mine was/is the same, really only in the girth area. I have to be careful brushing it and have swapped his girth round so the elastic is the "wrong" side this way its harder to over tighten but according to my back lady this is very common in racehorses.
Mine also had a bit out on his spine by his whithers and she said this would affect his rib cage and under his belly- have you had his back checked?
 
Yes he saw the physio 10 days ago, his pelvis was tight but he seems quite comfortable now, will be keeping on top of it.
Girth is a good point, I use a leather and elastic girth, do you recommend an alternative for 'sensitive types'?
 
I had a horse who for years hated being touched anywhere behind his shoulders - then he had one session of Shiatsu and all of a sudden he was totally chilled about it. Strange, but true!

If they're not keen I always make a point of brushing them very slowly and with softer brushes. They do gradually realise it isn't all that bad, but doesn't mean they'll ever come to actually like it.
 
Used to look after one that was just desperately ticklish. When having his tummy brushed he would sink down on two legs so I'd have to crouch down. He'd bite when having any straps done up (used to have the leather anti-cast roller). He was fine in all other ways.
 
My mare can be a bit like this - once you are certain that he is not in any pain you'll need to desensitise him.
So if you put your hand on his side and he lets you, then take it away. If he kicks out or moves away keep the hand there until he accepts it. If you're worried about getting kicked you could use a glove stuffed with straw and attached to an old schooling whip instead of your hand.
The gradually move onto a brush - I use a jelly comb or very soft body brush on my mare, and never over do the brushing.
If he'll let you scratch his flanks and looks like he's enjoying it make a huge fuss of him but again don't overdo it. Some horses are just more sensitive and enjoy being touched less than others.
With a gelding you should see a huge improvement and he may become one big cuddle monster. With a mare it depends on the day of the week, time of the month, phase of the moon and the mood she's in!
 
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