Tickilish horse

[Barlow]

My new horse is very tickilish. I can't groom his belly (including the girth area) without him kicking up at me. I have gone from using a body brush to using a jute canvas mitt but even this still causes a reaction if he is particularly muddy. He's not in pain and he is fine to groom other parts, just not his belly. Just wondering how other people have dealt with this?
Can anyone recommend a brush or other technique that will leave him clean and happy?

 

[Ceriann]

MIne is like that so if you get a response that works i'd love to hear it! Mine tends to threaten to bite - she doesnt but she clearly doesnt like it (she's fine everywhere else - although she generally isnt a cuddly horse). I look to distract her with her favourite thing - food! If its hay then it might work but haylage works every time!

 

[lhotse]

Might sound strange but have you tried using a stiffer brush? Mine dislikes a body brush yet loves a stiff bristled dandy brush.