Horse rubbing head on me - how to stop?

Supertrooper

Supertrooper

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It's not a behaviour I particularly mind BUT it hurts when it's a 16.3hh shire x, how do I stop him doing this in a nice way as he is a little headshy and don't want to make this worse. He only does it when you get off after riding and are trying to sort stirrups/saddle out. So far I've just stepped away from him as he's tried and it does seem to work?!?
 
stepping away is about the best thing you can do - that said I take it as a compliment when my 16.3 Clydesdale does it - she was really headshy when i had her and i take it as a sign she trusts me enough to do it, and I give her a good rub back!
 
I agree stepping away is the best thing to do, and trying to avoid getting into a head rubbing zone if you know what I mean.
Also saying no in that 'ah ah' way, if you know what I mean?
 
My big elephant of an ID used to do this too, and he too was extremely head shy!

I found the best thing was to place my hand inbetween his eyes like a claw. I think he was just itchy after riding so would rub his head up and down my claw hand and would decide himself what places needed a good scratch! I kinda figure he goes well for me and dosent stop to scratch so a quick scratch at the end is kinda like saying thanks for working well :)

I did once hear of someone whose horse was rubbing their head on their owners back but the bars of the horses fulmer snaffle got caught under her bra strap and horse had a mini panic attack...so just be careful :)
 
Sorry but I don't see it as flattering I see it as rude. They're too big to be shoving themselves into you. Push his head firmly away from you every time he tries to do it. Give his face a scratch/rub when you want to but you are not his personal scratching post. Just because a horse is headshy/nervous doesn't mean it can't be taught manners.
 
An elbow (Gods greatest gift to mankind) positioned strategically, normally does the trick!:) Wait for his head to connect to your elbow, he won't do it again.
 
I have a headshy horse and I have found the best way to deal with it is to stand so you're either facing the same way as him or facing his tail and to keep your elbow up almost like a chicken wing. Keep it very still even when he moves towards you. When he goes to rub you or headbutt you he gets the hard nasty elbow in his face instead of a nice soft arm or back! Because you haven't moved your arm and aren't showing any aggressive behaviour the horse shouldn't associate the slight pain with you. It is imperative that you don't look at him while doing this and do something else. For example give his shoulders a brush or fiddle with his rug. This helps reinforce that it isn't you causing the pain.

This method shouldn't make him more headshy but if he thinks it's you who is causing him pain, obviously stop using this method.
 
Teach your horse to back up, if he is using you to rub he will be pushing you about and you need to gain control of his feet and move him back out of your space.

I think it is that itchy time of year when they still have winter coats but riding them over heats them slightly. My horse was trying to rub on me today so i must remember to practice my own advice and back him up next time :o
Sometimes its not until you see a question asked you realise you have been letting your horse do the same thing.
 
My bolshy mare does this. She's not headshy, so when she does it I use my elbow. If she still does it, I strategically place my fingers near her eye - I don't poke her, she pokes herself. That usually stops her!
 
my mare wants to rub her mouth either side of the bit as soon as I get off after a ride.
I don't let her do it on me because i do think shoving me with her head is a tad rude! Although not sure she means it to be, but i do understand her need to rub.
when i remove her leg boots i give her legs a quick rub as assume they need it as usually hot and sweaty. When i take my hat off tend to run my hands through my hair as a bit hot and 'squashed' (obviously not sweaty as i am a ladeeee) ..just like her mouth must feel I guess.

Anyway, one day, rather than have the usual " can i just use you as a rubbing post mum?"
"No you bloomin well can't!" conversations i offered her my hands to do the rubbing. she loved it.
so now i hold up both of my hands and she puts her head between them and has a quick rub. then i say That's enough, good girl! and she stops and is happy.
She has had the rub she is desperate for , but i have GIVEN it rather than her demand it. bit like giving a polo really - as reward for a nice ride.
Both happy!
rather that than she rubs on post and gets her bit/bridle caught.
and it's kinda nice to end the ride in a positive way.
 
simply push the head away firmly and gently - if ness 1 step back and push away - but dont wait for your horse to rub practice it all time if standing by head - make the space around you your space and you invite the horse in like they do with other horses - push head away a few times then gently brig head back to you give a scratch then push away again - some ppl think its nice to have horse rub on them but its dangerous with buckles and straps able to catch on face clothing etc( seen nasty injury to a owners face from a buckle) - but mine are allowed a good scratch with hand lol
 
A few thoughts
- if it is only/mostly after riding watch which bits horse is trying to rub and consider if there is anything you can do to make those bits of tack more comfortable
- I was taught that is is polite to brush any bits of horse that tack has been touching as soon as I take it off. That way horse gets itches/discomfort relieved fast but on your terms.
- as others have suggested make sure you are in control. By all means scratch (it is very flattering!) but make sure it is when you offer or he asks, not takes.
- with some horses it is possible to get into a routine e.g I had one who wanted a big head scratch in the evenings when he was sleepy (he groomed back very nicely, and learnt from when I jumped back that licking was fine but biting wasn't!) but not daytimes when there was fun stuff to do. So, again, it is understood to be OK only when you expect it.
 
blazingsaddles said:
An elbow (Gods greatest gift to mankind) positioned strategically, normally does the trick!:) Wait for his head to connect to your elbow, he won't do it again.
Click to expand...

This ^^^

May seem harsh but you will only have to do a few times, they soon get the message, stepping away from the situation is avoiding it, it's not teaching them what is and what is not acceptable.
 
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