Tickly horses when rugging up Saddling up

[Flibble]

My Boy is a sweetheart but does seem to be very ticklish/Grouchy when rugs are put on or his saddle put on his back.

He doesnt turn his back or go to the back of his stable he just swings his head round and goes Oi Gerroff!!

Unfortunatly last night he made contact with my thigh.

I do not believe it to be a pain issue but wondered if anyone else had the same problem.

Its not new he has always done it but never actually nipped before.

 

[3Beasties]

Charlie does this when he has a sore back or is just generally feeling a bit Cr@p!

A few years ago he actually turned and bit my mum so hard that he lifted her of the floor

Needless to say she isn't very keen on him anymore!

 

[posie_honey]

my horse can be like this - she has regualr back and saddle checks (has had back issues) so i know it's not pain related but is prob now habit - she also does it more if i tighten the girth too quickly or if i'm in a rush

if i go really slowly and tighten the girth slowly she's fine

 

[gaelann]

you can try and cross tie so they can not reach you but still gives them freedom to be grouchy and get the frustration out the way before you mount

 

[Slave2Magic]

My mare has always been like this with rugs, girth and grooming. She has had physio and bowan treatment and is still the same. Its just the way she is. Once the saddle is girthed up she is fine.

 

[Weezy]

Mine is the same, I tie him up

 

[MillionDollar]

I always tie horses up that are like this. With rugs I really recommend keeping them in a well fitting T/O, so you're not changing rugs all the time. I think it really helps.

 

[Flibble]

Reply thanks all for your replies.

I hate to admit that in 20+ years of horse ownership I have never actually been bitten before I'll tie up tomorrow and see what he says.

 

[coen]

Mine is like this, he got really grumpy in Autumn when he needed to start having rugs on. He isn't as bad now he's used to it but is still like it with the saddle. I have had back saddles checked ect but all is well and he is fine once it's on.

I just am aware of it and makes sure I do it slowly/ gently and keeps his head away from me.

 

[nikkinoo]

my new mare is the same you cant even do the front of the rug up she threatens to nip, she hasnt caught me yet I just give her a stern look and she stops, but my boyf whent to do her x over surcingles and she took a chunk out of his head. oops i forgot to warn him

she will either bite or try to kick you when you are doing stuff with her including clipping and grooming, she is such a sour puss, but fine when you get on, had all the back teeth and saddle checks done and been looked at by vet but just put it down to her being her.

I usually put bridle on first and then while doing up the saddle loop the reins through my arm and pull down on the opposite rein (right rein) so her head turns away from me so she cant bite or turn to threaten.

 

[Flibble]

I have tried a basic back rub and scratching all the ticly areas before saddling and this does seem to reduce the nipiness.

 

[Flibble]

Well I just thought I would give a quick update on this.

I have spent some time grooming the more tickly areas and talking to the beast and fingers crossed he has become much more affable to presentation of rugs and saddling up.

Maybe I made the mistake of leaving tickly areas alone rather than getting stuck in and telling him it was alright!