Rubbing head after exercise

[ponies4ever]

The moment I take the bridle off she goes and rubs her face on her haynet. I kinda just assumed this was just because she was itchy from sweat but was reading something the other day that said it was a sign of bridle discomfort? Havnt been able to find much on it so would be appreciative if someone could enliven me on what does cause it.

 

[Bernster]

Following. Never thought anything of it before but now you've got me curious. Is it very vigorous/for a long time, or just a quick rub? Mine does it briefly round the bit area, likes me to give him a quick rub, or rubs his leg, but I've always assumed it's just brushing off around the bit area.

 

[Red-1]

I think often it is because a browband is too tight, especially as most horses do not do the same when taking a head collar off. I know that for years I have bought a Full size bridle, but had to specify an X Full browband, as those that come with a Full bridle seem to make the cheek pieces/ head piece lie too close to the ears.

I fact I have recently seen a bridle manufacturer advertise that they now fit an X Full browband as standard, so I guess I am not the only one to comment on this when buying a bridle.

A bit fitted to be very high can also make the bridle too tight.

 

[be positive]

I have known many do this when they come in from the field or even just get a new net so not related to being sweaty or wearing a bridle, it may be discomfort but to me it seems a natural way of removing sweat around their face it then becomes a habit, the makes of the new style bridles would probably promote the discomfort angle so they can sell more of their products, given half a chance most horses would roll after exercise, preferably naked in a muddy field or sandpit so I suppose that means their saddle is uncomfortable.

 

[rachk89]

I think often it is because a browband is too tight, especially as most horses do not do the same when taking a head collar off. I know that for years I have bought a Full size bridle, but had to specify an X Full browband, as those that come with a Full bridle seem to make the cheek pieces/ head piece lie too close to the ears.

I fact I have recently seen a bridle manufacturer advertise that they now fit an X Full browband as standard, so I guess I am not the only one to comment on this when buying a bridle.

A bit fitted to be very high can also make the bridle too tight.

See this is what I thought was wrong with my horse as the browband was too tight. He was shaking his head a bit when being ridden and itching after the lesson. Stopped the head shaking with the bigger browband but was itching again yesterday. However he was really sweaty yesterday after being ridden (not clipped yet but going to get done soon) so I assumed that was why as he was fine the first day I tried it and we didn't do enough for him to sweat.

 

[AdorableAlice]

Tight browbands and tight nosebands would be my first thoughts.

 

[AmyMay]

My little mare used to do this. Her bridle was not too tight, she was just warm and sweaty. I used to hold a towel out for her and give her face a good old rub down, which she loved.

 

[Mrs G]

My boy does this; def not due to a too tight noseband or browband in his case; it makes no difference if he's in a normal cavesson bridle (with or without a noseband) or a micklem bridle. I just put it down to being itchy/sweaty and wanting a bit of a head/face rub; and a bit like when I take my glasses off I give the bridge of my nose a rub!

 

[chestnut cob]

Mine always does it, even if we've just pootled around the block. He just likes having a scratch, he's like a big dog! He's loves being fussed & groomed so it's just another way for him to get scratches & attention. Nothing uncomfortable about his tack, just a habit.

 

[Micropony]

Mine does this too. Browband and noseband definitely not too tight. Just a normal bridle though, haven't tried him in a Micklem or Fairfax or anything. Come to think of it, he even does it after a walk hack when he's not sweaty. Do you think I should experiment?

 

[GirlFriday]

Would suggest that anyone who has a horse who does this and who is also safe enough to ride in a head collar simply try and observe what happens after a non-bridle ride? I've seen a horse do it for bit discomfort (confirmed using above method prior to switch to bitless) and was always taught to rub/brush anywhere tack touches as a courtesy to horse by default, regardless of how well it fits... I rarely disagree with be positive but on this I'd say yes, rolling is partly due to discomfort - I don't mean to the extent of poorly fitting tack necessarily, but just like we might stretch or rub after taking off tight footwear/clothing at the end of the day.

 

[Lintel]

Would suggest that anyone who has a horse who does this and who is also safe enough to ride in a head collar simply try and observe what happens after a non-bridle ride? I've seen a horse do it for bit discomfort (confirmed using above method prior to switch to bitless) and was always taught to rub/brush anywhere tack touches as a courtesy to horse by default, regardless of how well it fits... I rarely disagree with be positive but on this I'd say yes, rolling is partly due to discomfort - I don't mean to the extent of poorly fitting tack necessarily, but just like we might stretch or rub after taking off tight footwear/clothing at the end of the day.

Mine runs with and without being ridden in a bridle especially in the winter as he has fuzzy ears and fuzzy face that sweats wherever anything lies. Not so bad in the summer

 

[Exploding Chestnuts]

I had an itchy horse and used Gallop no rinse wash on any sweaty bits, [anti itch or lavender]. What made a big difference was micronised linseed, and minerals 365 days a year.