Question - how to get a rising 1 year old filly used to tummy brushing?

[RuthnMeg]

Penny is adorable, and is so good in almost everyway, apart from tummy brushing/stroking. It isn't her favourite, she puts her ears back, would nip if you let her, but she also tummy kicks to get you off her. The rest of her grooming isn't and never has been a problem. Just her tummy.
I have been trying to get her used to me just placing my hand there for a few seconds, and praising her when I don't get a reaction, and then leaving her to her hay. If I get a reaction I growl, hold my hand for a few more seconds til I 'win'. It is working, but I still can't move my hand as in 'gentle grooming motion' without getting a bad reaction.
The other thing going for me at the mo, is she is starting to change her coat, so is getting itchy. I can scratch her chest and rub her tummy at the same time with no problem - is this the way forward? Am I doing the right thing? I don't want a sour moody ''don't touch me there'' mare!!

 

[eggs]

I would be tempted not to force the issue. If she doesn't like her tummy brushed don't try and brush it for a while.

One of my foals hated having his mane touched. We didn't make an issue of it and and by the time he was 2 he had forgotten that he didn't like it !

 

[wowser]

a long handled bath brush and hold the head

 

[HBB]

Does she like her tummy being scratched by your hand? If she enjoys being scratched but not lightly brushed, She may well be tickly and objecting by being a grump.