How cuddly are your horses?

My Appaloosa looks at me as if to say are you mad if I show him any affection, but puts his head on my shoulder when I rug him and need to do the front up. I trained him to do this years ago as he used to bite
Rocco my Irish cannot get enough attention and often crushes me between his bit head and chest.
 
My new girl loves cuddles. She's the most people orientated horse I've had and I really like it. She's so fluffy at the moment so is like a giant teddy bear :D
 
6012nickyp said:
I guess they are all different...
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Yep. With a revolving stable door at the RoR yard of horses that are still a bit institutionalised, it doesn't pay to get cuddly and lots of the horses simply don't get what you're trying to do. So I always leave it up to them to work out what kind of physical interaction of that nature they like in their new life. Some get very affectionate, like the little mare who would stretch out and rest her head (heavily!) on my arm and shoulder while I gave her a scratch, or the little chap who liked to lick my arms and would droop and close his eyes in sheer bliss while he did it. There was the one who was so overwhelmed on his first day that he spontaneously pushed his head into my chest so I could stroke him and reassure him. I'll never forget that one.

Some like a chat and some always want to play. Some know you will dispense scratches and ask for them. Some don't care whether you're there or not. Rarely do they actively dislike people or interaction, but some can take it or leave it.

Mostly I've found that they like human company, but a lot of the time what they like best is just standing quietly with me. I'm not doing anything like grooming or feeding, I'm not asking anything of them at all nor them of me. Just standing quietly together, looking out over the fence or stable door watching the world go by. Peaceful and content.
 
JJS said:
I was hoping that snarky comments could be avoided, but it's H&H after all, so no chance of that! As I said, mine certainly are pets, but I respect that some people view their horses very differently. Just thought it would be a nice, lighthearted thread that wasn't too annoying for anyone who viewed them as working animals. Still, comments to the contrary at least add a bit of entertainment, and we all need some of that on a Friday night! :D
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It is a nice light hearted thread....the vast majority of horses these days are kept as pets. The horse industry wouldn't exist without people wanting pet horses, and that's why there is so much value these days in nice tempered easy going all rounders.

People love being condescending about other people's enjoyment - it's one of the many reasons most of us choose to associate with horses over people.
 
DabDab said:
It is a nice light hearted thread....the vast majority of horses these days are kept as pets. The horse industry wouldn't exist without people wanting pet horses, and that's why there is so much value these days in nice tempered easy going all rounders.

People love being condescending about other people's enjoyment - it's one of the many reasons most of us choose to associate with horses over people.
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Absolutely!

I love my boy and I think he quite likes me :)

12 years ago
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This Autumn
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DabDab said:
It is a nice light hearted thread....the vast majority of horses these days are kept as pets. The horse industry wouldn't exist without people wanting pet horses, and that's why there is so much value these days in nice tempered easy going all rounders.

People love being condescending about other people's enjoyment - it's one of the many reasons most of us choose to associate with horses over people.
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Totally agree.
Over the years, I've worked mainly with horses that definitely aren't pets. They had a job to do, and they were considered to be a commodity, rather than a pet. I cuddled them all anyway, and have found that 4-legged investments are just as cuddly as Joe Average - the happy hacker. Sometimes more...
 
LadySam said:
Yep. With a revolving stable door at the RoR yard of horses that are still a bit institutionalised, it doesn't pay to get cuddly and lots of the horses simply don't get what you're trying to do. So I always leave it up to them to work out what kind of physical interaction of that nature they like in their new life. Some get very affectionate, like the little mare who would stretch out and rest her head (heavily!) on my arm and shoulder while I gave her a scratch, or the little chap who liked to lick my arms and would droop and close his eyes in sheer bliss while he did it. There was the one who was so overwhelmed on his first day that he spontaneously pushed his head into my chest so I could stroke him and reassure him. I'll never forget that one.

Some like a chat and some always want to play. Some know you will dispense scratches and ask for them. Some don't care whether you're there or not. Rarely do they actively dislike people or interaction, but some can take it or leave it.

Mostly I've found that they like human company, but a lot of the time what they like best is just standing quietly with me. I'm not doing anything like grooming or feeding, I'm not asking anything of them at all nor them of me. Just standing quietly together, looking out over the fence or stable door watching the world go by. Peaceful and content.
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It must be so rewarding for you when their personalities start to come through.
 
Auslander said:
Totally agree.
Over the years, I've worked mainly with horses that definitely aren't pets. They had a job to do, and they were considered to be a commodity, rather than a pet. I cuddled them all anyway, and have found that 4-legged investments are just as cuddly as Joe Average - the happy hacker. Sometimes more...
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Absolutely agree with you. Just because a horse has a job to do, why deny it the basic affection that they so obviously appreciate? Cost nothing, time or money wise, and clearly has payback.
 
They're all different (as are people). Horses are pets to some, just working animals to others, but this is a nice fun thread obviously addressed to people who enjoy their horses as pets as well as animals they ride and sometimes compete on. I personally woulld never choose a horse without a friendly personality. That sometimes means they love cuddles, but IME most do not. My last mare loved to be petted and cuddled. My current mare is just as affectionate but I don't cuddle her as she just like to nuzzle my ear face and neck to show her affection and I show her affection by scratching her sweet spots (chest and withers). I take care of livery horses too and they are all lovely horses but none enjoy a cuddle. One does not like to be touched much at all but she is still a friendly, affectionate horse who loves humans being around her and is very vocal about it.
 
Love that bottom pic Sussex - well done!

Of the ones ve had, the geldings haven't been that cuddly really. Very food orientated and I have developed a bond but it's taken time to get to know them and they've not been overly cuddly. My mare's much more demonstrative.
 
Diva is the cuddliest mare I've ever met. She loves attention, kisses, arms round her neck and head buried in her mane... which suits me down to the ground as I like this sort of interaction with them.

Hooligan was cuddly outside the stable, but not inside. He loved kisses in the field. This last 6 months of him living out was fabulous because I could kiss and hug him every time I visited and he genuinely seemed to enjoy it (the polos and treats probably helped!)

Polly isn't a cuddly mare particularly, but she's not narky either. Shes just a bit more aloof I suppose.
 
Flicker said:
It must be so rewarding for you when their personalities start to come through.
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It is. It's not so much like a personality pushing through, it's more like racehorse stress and silliness and the old life dropping away, so the horse they always really were can properly be. It's even better when we find a home for them based on that. Some thrive and blossom by becoming eventers; others love family life, being happy hackers at home with no pressure on them anymore. Funny, the really intelligent ones tend to like dressage - not just do well at it, but quite like it. They like being asked to do things they need to think about - and getting the answer right.
 
I would expect my hand reared horror of a mare to be cuddly but she's not fussed at all. My big old Ardennes though will potter over for a scratch and a cuddle. Since he's realised humans can scratch inside his ears it can be very difficult to get away!
 
I have one mare who would be cuddled all day, she runs up to me as soon as I walk towards the field and is generally a lovely affectionate horse. My other one looks up and occasionally neighs when she sees me, but if you give her a cuddle, her ears go flat back and you can hear her teeth grinding behind your back. It doesn't stop me though, I always give her a cuddle before I leave in the evening and she always does her grumpy thing :)
 
LadySam said:
It is. It's not so much like a personality pushing through, it's more like racehorse stress and silliness and the old life dropping away, so the horse they always really were can properly be. It's even better when we find a home for them based on that. Some thrive and blossom by becoming eventers; others love family life, being happy hackers at home with no pressure on them anymore. Funny, the really intelligent ones tend to like dressage - not just do well at it, but quite like it. They like being asked to do things they need to think about - and getting the answer right.
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That is so interesting, and seems so logical too. What lovely work you do. You are very lucky!
 
I love cuddly horses. I used to have a shettie who was basically a pony shaped labrador! None of my current 3 are cuddly though. Amber was very territorial and grumpy when I got her. She has mellowed and seems happy enough to be scratched & groomed now and does seek out my company. But she is not overly tactile. Max has always been very aloof. He ignores you completely when you fuss over him so at least he is safe for my daughter to shower with affection. The newbie, Ginny, is still so unsure of people that I can't tell whether she will end up affectionate or not once she relaxes. I hope so as my other daughter (who now has Ginny) has just moved on from a very affectionate pony and she is really missing that side of things.
 
LadySam said:
It is. It's not so much like a personality pushing through, it's more like racehorse stress and silliness and the old life dropping away, so the horse they always really were can properly be. It's even better when we find a home for them based on that. Some thrive and blossom by becoming eventers; others love family life, being happy hackers at home with no pressure on them anymore. Funny, the really intelligent ones tend to like dressage - not just do well at it, but quite like it. They like being asked to do things they need to think about - and getting the answer right.
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Love this idea of horses being able to become who they always were.
 
My riding horse isnt at all affectionate and would be horrified at being hugged!
Old retired never used to be overly friendly, he was nice, never one to bite or kick but i'd be the one to go to him and after a while he'd wander off. Since retiring he seems to seek out fuss more which is lovely.
His mini me companion is a little charity rescue, very nervous hug= possible heart failure.
Cob- I used to swear was hand reared he was the cuddliest animal ever, to the point it annoyed some people as he was unaware of personal space and it made chores difficult. Since being ill last year, he's very sadly not quite the same person. I really miss him hassling me now.
Shitland, well he's not a pony, he's a person and adores people. he would choose a person over horse for company all day long. Very cuddly. In summer i used to sit in the field and he'd come and lie next to me in the sun. He also stays to "muck out" with me standing in each stable as i do them rather than going out into the field with his friends. He's very cute!
 
Henry is a very cuddly horse! He loves attention and will let you cuddle and fuss him for hours, he's very much a "people horse". This photo was taken less than a month after I got him, and he continues to enjoy times like this, he also loves you to scratch him all over his face to get his itchy spots.

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Rosie was less outwardly affectionate and friendly, especially at first, but once we'd got to know each other she grew to enjoy the attention more. She was never a "cuddly" horse, but she really enjoyed a good wither scratch upon occasion, and on a couple of very special occasions she fell asleep with her head in my arms. I'd often just "hang out" in her stable or field, and we'd just enjoy each others company.
 
My share gelding will wrap his head and neck around you and cuddle you right back!

He adores his scratches (especially inside his near hind leg and around his elbows), and will fall asleep with his head on your shoulder. And if he's particularly enjoying being groomed, he'll groom you right back.
 
Harry my little section a is a cuddle monster, his favourite thing to do is to come and rest his head on your shoulder and have a cwtch. The other two not so much, the big one will tolerate a brief hug but that's about it. The Shetland, although hugely tolerant of small people, would rather just be left alone given the chance, but is so impeccably mannered, she would never do anything naughty to a person.
 
The youngster loves attention of any sort, and once he's had enough of playing, he'll happily be cuddled or doze off resting his head on me. My old boy was more cuddly when I was a child but I think so many years have passed that he no longer recognises me as the same kid who used to hug him so often. He loves a good groom though and he'll wait patiently no matter what I try to do to him.
Mad lad is a different beast entirely. He's very moody and actively dislikes being interfered with by anyone other than me, but if I'm upset he'll bend his neck round and hug me back. If he's in the right mood he can be very affectionate until he remembers his dignity.
 
My share horse adores being groomed and scratched and will groom back, or put his head over your shoulder and pull you in for a proper cuddle. Mine doesn't hate attention but doesn't seem to relish it in the same way. She is happy to be fussed over and may wander over in the field to say a quick hello but is pretty independent. Occasionally she'll come up and I can give her a cuddle and she stays and does a big sigh and really relaxes which is lovely, but most the time if I try I get 5 seconds tolerance then she walks off, so I try to respect that.
 
One of the most overtly affectionate horses I have ever met was the fabulous Draft horse who has just had to be pts because the Cushings got her. She was very closed down when she arrived her - the previous owner told me that they hadn't got on. As she settled in she started to relax and appreciate physical contact and having people in the stable with her. She progressed to snogging over the stable door and playing games of 'Whose turn is it next?, Is it yours?, Is it yours? No, it's yours!' and peep.
Funnily enough since the Draft mare went, the cob, who has never been aloof as such but wasn't so affectionate, has taken to nuzzling the back of my neck.
 
I've had my gelding 24 years and he is not at all the cuddly sort. If I try and cuddle/kiss him he reminds me of a small boy being kissed by his old aunt/grannie..... kind of a bleugh manner about him. but never nasty. He does enjoy a good scratch when he's in the mood, as long as it doesn't interfere too much with eating... obviously!
If ever he seeks me out for contact I know he's telling me something is wrong. And I like the fact that he knows I'm 'his human' and the person who fixes things and makes them better. :)
 
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