Suncream

G

Grace1020

New User
Joined
30 June 2015
Messages
6
Visit site
My horse has a really pink nose/mouth. I have no chance whatsoever of keeping a fly mask on him, if I try to put Suncream on his nose he lifts his head right up and spins round trying to knock me over, I can tell he is scared. How could I fix this phobia?
 
Bach Flower Remedies or essential oils can help to relax, and flower remedies particularly help with educating that it's not that bad.

Try to be reassuring but confident and only do a little bit at a time.
 
Offer him something to eat! Keep whatever it is in your hand and keep him interested in the feed while you apply a blob of suncream with your other hand and let him have the food IMMEDIATELY you have put the cream on. Or you could try clicker training.
 
Wo
Pearlsasinger said:
Offer him something to eat! Keep whatever it is in your hand and keep him interested in the feed while you apply a blob of suncream with your other hand and let him have the food IMMEDIATELY you have put the cream on. Or you could try clicker training.
Click to expand...

I tried that but he still spun round and knocked the food everywhere
 
Ok you need to go back to basics and build this up slowly. Make sure you have a headcollar on so that the horse can't spin around. Practise just running your hands over his nose and mouth with no suncream on them. When he is happy put a small amount of suncream on your hands and encourage him to sniff it. If he does without spinning then give him a treat. Keep repeating until he is happier. The trick is not to push him too far that he has the violent reaction. Once he seems happier take a tiny amount of cream on your hands and try to gently stroke his nose area. These things are all down to patience. I had one that would turn on me and bog off when the fly spray was produced. I can now spray him loose in the field - but only if he gets a treat afterwards for standing still! Be patient and try to build it up in small steps. I know it is difficult in this weather as you want to get the cream on asap but the work will pay off in the end and your horse will not forget your patience with him! Good luck :)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top