Horse rocking when groomed ??

[TommisMum]

Yesterday when grooming our Tb I found that when I gently rubbed (just a single finger) a couple of spots on her back she started to rock from hoof to hoof and pushed her top lip out ....
any suggestions?

She's not in work, living out, well rugged ...

 

[Cath&Vinnie]

Shes just enjoying it thats all! Nothing to worry about!!

My yearling rocks backwards and forwards when being scratched!

 

[Pygmalion]

My boy does that when I hit the right spot. If I keep doing it, he falls asleep too

 

[forestfantasy]

As above! ^^^
Carry on doing it, she'll love you for it, just watch her trying to groom you in return!

 

[galacasinoking]

yes my shetland does it becuz he has a thick coat and gets itchy

 

[maresmaid]

She's telling you she loves it - rocking to make your finger move against her more, top lip out shows she wants to "groom" you back, just like she would if you were an equine friend. A mare I used to have loved her belly being rubbed and would "groom" the wall with her lips - and hold her hind leg out to the side, and wriggle til I found the right spot. You've found a good spot to give her a scratch if you want to tell her she's been a good girl.

 

[TommisMum]

thanks - after 20+ years of horse ownership I have never met it!!

 

[noblesteed]

Both my horses have done that! It's their happy face!
My gelding will point with his head to where he wants me to rub him, and he will have me standing there for ages if he can! He has a few favourite spots, usually those he can't quite reach with his mouth. He lifts his head like a giraffe and often snuffles at me while I am doing it. Some people say I shouldn't rub him as it makes him dominant but he is polite enough nowadays, I think it's good bonding and shows he trusts me.