Issues with Nerves down the crest line

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Potato!

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I have taken on a project pony recently and having some real issues with him not letting anybody touch his mane. J Howard can vouch for this as she came to see him on Monday.


He is a 5yo conemara pony with trust issues. i have been able to get him to pick up his feet within the last week and various other things but he just has this issue with his mane.
you can touch his forelock with no trouble and his tail. Also you can scratch and rub his neck just dont touch the mane. Even the ends of his Mane is unbarable to him.

Just trying to figure out a reason as to why you cannot touch his mane. Does anybody have any ideas? Can horses have nerve damage from a mane being pulled in the past?

What other causes might there be?
 
Very odd. Interested in replies but would hate to think what may have happened to him.

Good luck!
 
Let it go hun. You will never ever know the background to the problem so just let the past go and quietly deal with what you've got. Advance and retreat works every single time as long as you are calm, patient and have spot on timing. Start by giving him a good groom, massage in the areas he will tolerate. Then watch his body language carefully, and gently move your hand up to touch the end of his mane, right by his withers. The instant you see him even begin to think about getting anxious or crabby, move your hand back to a safe area where he won't worry and carry on grooming or massaging. Don't talk to him, don't flap, don't use jerky or worried movements. Be firm and business like. After a minute, do it again. If you are 100% patient and keep your timing perfect, you'll eventually get to the point where he'll let you rest your hand on the end of his mane. End it there, on a high, with a rub and a "good boy". Next day, same thing. Trust me, if you are 100% consistent, you will soon reach a point where he will tolerate his mane being touched. Then try to find a scratchy bit in his mane that makes him groan with pleasure and lean into your hand. You'll have cracked it then! Good luck x
 
I knew a riding school horse who was like this due to sweet itch. I think he had remembered pain or something because you couldn't touch his mane even in winter.
 
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