Unhappy horsey,could it be change of coat or jealousy???

[Porkie]

Does anyone else's horse get over sensitive to being groomed or just generally very grumpy because they are changing their coat??

My lad is normally so placid and I can normally spend hours grooming him but the last week he has got grumpy whenever I get near him with a brush!

Its not just in one place like he is hurting or anything just everywhere, his ears go back and he tries to bite (not a really mean it bite just a warning type bite, he doesn't actually get me).

Everyone says its because he is getting his hairy bear coat but I've just been a bit worried, its not his normal character and am guessing he is trying to tell me something?? He doesn't seem to hurt anywhere and is still happy with fuss and cuddles etc.

He's seemed a little down as well, can't put my finger on it he's not ill just not quite 'normal' - his appitite is fine and he's pooing fine. Don't think he is hurting anywhere or sick or anything. Could he just be feeling the change in weather more this year - he is of the 'older variety' !!!

Have been helping out with a friends horse and where he is used to having me all to himself he hasn't seemed too impressed sharing me! Do you think he could just be jealous and grumpy at me ???

 

[jumpthemoon]

Do you still ride him? If so, do you feel any differences in him when you do? Is his weight normal and his coat shiny/eyes bright etc? If you are worried I'd get a vet to give him a quick check over, or he might be a bit achey as the weather is getting colder - does he wear a rug?

 

[lisan]

Mine was like that last week, I was quite worried. Have only used a goats hair brush since, and been very gentle and she has been fine!

I had been brushing her saddle patch with a dandy brush (which she does'nt like anyway) and she turned really funny. I went back down to the yard at 9pm the just touched her and put a rug on, she did'nt flinch. Saturday morning, had a good feel all over, she was fine??? Just overly sensitive lil mare I thought!

 

[debradley]

My mare doesn't have a particularly thick coat and has never liked a coarse dandy brush used on her. I've always had to use a softer body brush, but when she's changing coats she does really seem to appreciate a massage with a soft rubber curry comb and polish off with a soft brush afterwards. Nothing like being fussy eh!!

 

[aimeerose]

My mare gets a huge grump on while her coat is changing!
as soon as she is clipped her lovely quiet temprament returns - but while its changing she is a real cowbag, hates being groomed/touched etc

 

[Daphnelia]

Dilly was nipping at me today while i was grooming her. She is changing her coat at the mo so I guess thats why!