Help my horse is acting strange!!!

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racytrace72

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I have recently got a new Irish horse. He is a lovely boy, 6 years old and very much a 'people person'. He always comes when called and loves attention. When I put him back out in the field after a groom and cuddle in the evenings he rubs the inside of his bottom lip and teeth on my flat hand, nods his head quite hard and high and paws the ground with one foot and then sometimes the other. It doesn't seem nasty as the herd leader can stand right next to him whilst he's doing it and he falls asleep! Surely he would react if my horse was being dominant or nasty! Has anyone else come across this behaviour? Whilst I find it quite amusing at the moment I don't want to encourage anything that could be a dominance issue in the future. He is worked every day, hacking schooling, jumping etc so his life is very varied and I don't think he's bored. Also he only really does this to me. When the herd leader's owner put her hand out to him to see if he would do it to her, he went to then looked for mine instead!!! :confused:
 
Hi It could be that he is expecting a treat when he goes back into the field and its his way of asking you. just an idea, he sounds a lovely horse with lots of character best wishes:)
 
Mine does something similar - rubs the inside of his top lip down me - doesn't paw the ground though. I have never taken it to mean anything except that he has an itch inside his top lip! I find it quite amusing.
 
I wouldn't really like the pawing bit. It doesn't sound like he's being nasty but I discourage pawing since it can lead to an accidental strike. Other than that, it just sounds like he's got some personality and likes to interact with you.
 
Thanks for your replies guys, I'm sure you are all right and it is just his way of interacting though I'll try not to encourage it too much as the head nodding could be a tad dangerous if he knocked me. Having just had a really bad experience with a bronco horse and this one I have now is an exchange I am just a bit wary of any unusual behaviour!
 
Hi again, forgot to add maybe his previous owner gave him or did something with him when he was turned out and he enjoyed it or he had to ask for a treat :)
 
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