Headshy

[FlashHarry]

My new horse (had about 10 weeks) is very reluctant to have his ears touched, making it very difficult to put his bridle on. His previous owner said he had hurt his ear when tied to a gate recently. She obviously knew him better than me and was able to slip his bridle on very quickly over his ears. I seem unable to do this as he looks very panicky and looks like he might pull back or rear. I dont want to make things worse, so I have taken to asembling the bridle on him. As I haven't had him very long I dont want to upset him. I have been rubbing his face with a grooming mitt and gradually working up to his ears - this seems to be getting better. He is also getting better with letting me put his headcollar on. When I approached him with a bridle after a gap due to the big freeze he looked like he was going to faint. He's fine with the bit, its definitely just the ears. Vet who vetted him didn't think it was a medical issue, and I do believe the previous owner as everything else she said about him has been true. I think he got his head stuck under the rope when tied up, but am unsure of the details - I should have quizzed her further, but it didnt seem such a problem for her - she was obviously more competant than me, but he also seems to be a horse who want to know you before he trusts you. I do feel we are building up a bond as he approaches me in the field, but wont let my 17 yo nephiew anywhere near him. Any tips?

 

[Echo Bravo]

Sounds like you are doing the right things take it slowly and don't force as he could go back as they say 1 step forward 2 steps back just have patience and remember he's new to you and you to him and you have to find your own system with him a bit of give and take, but don't rush.

 

[Angelbones]

I have a very ear-shy pony and grooming his ears is very hard and we do find it easier with the cactus mitt, but I find that if I start on his neck rather than on his face, and then work upwards towards his ears he is much better. Same with the fly mask - I bring it up from behind his head rather than front on. Also, to help with his head collar issues (which are now fine) I turned him out in a field safe head collar which meant I didn't have to have the battle each time i wanted to catch him, might be worth a try. Lots and lots of patience I'm afraid. Good luck x