What would you do?

S

Seahorse

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Axel really doesn't like being touched at all, he hates being groomed and finds even the softest brush too tickily.
So I don't often brush him, unless he's really muddy and even then on his face I have to sponge off the mud with warm water!
So, I was wondering the other day if this is really the right thing to do, or should I brush him all the time and make him get used to it?

I did actually groom him yesterday and he wasn't too bad, he's moulting so perhaps he's a bit itchy and appreciated a nice brush!
 
How about starting off with a soft mitt and then seeing if he will tolerate a soft body brush. I'd avoid his face and belly though if he really objects. I like to perservere with the grooming as it is only by being up close and getting your hands on them that you notice little lumps and bumps and scratches.......
 
Ty wouldn't let me touch him with anything harder than a body brush when I got him two years ago. He jus thad to get used to it though and loves being brushed now......
 
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Ty wouldn't let me touch him with anything harder than a body brush when I got him two years ago. He jus thad to get used to it though and loves being brushed now......

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That's good to know, I'll persevere with it then.
Although it seems that the more I brush him the more annoyed he gets with me, I couldn't catch him in his stable the other day because I went in there with a brush in my hand.
I'll have to buy myself some body armour now!
 
Hiya ... do you think he is just trying to tell you he is boss and knows that you may back off if he does this .... or a bit like how he plays with other horses ... even tho you aren't one
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Do you see where I am comng from
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My old Arab hated being groomed - the only brush he would just about tolerate was a Stubben ultra soft body brush (cost me £20 over 20 years ago
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). I used to get the mud off with my hands and then use the body brush and a soft mitt. I had him over 19 years and he never did enjoy being groomed.
 
I do see where you are coming from, and I deliberately don't back off or step away when he's pulling faces at me and I carry on brushing him. But he genuinely hates being touched, but I suppose he would get used to it if I did brush him all the time.
I'm just fed up with having an evil horse that puts its ears back as soon as anyone walks up to him!
 
I presume he has always been like this then, and not since his recent back problems?

It was just a thought as I thought he may have been 'playing' with you .... but you think he 'means' it
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Binky is exactly the same, funnily enough she looks a bit like Axel too. I do brush her body with a rubber curry comb and a body brush, as I don't want any dirt to rub her, but I just rub her head clean with my hand as its just not worth the fight!

"I'm just fed up with having an evil horse that puts its ears back as soon as anyone walks up to him! "

Welcome to the club!
I might actually start that clique, want to join?
 
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Binky is exactly the same, funnily enough she looks a bit like Axel too. I do brush her body with a rubber curry comb and a body brush, as I don't want any dirt to rub her, but I just rub her head clean with my hand as its just not worth the fight!

"I'm just fed up with having an evil horse that puts its ears back as soon as anyone walks up to him! "

Welcome to the club!
I might actually start that clique, want to join?

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LOL yes why not!
 
I think grey's (as I am comming to learn) are very sensitive.

Thumper doesn't mind being brushed on his body, but is not keen at all on his face. Although loves a good rub with either a cactus cloth or a towel.

I would personally only do what made the horse happy. Although obviously there are times when a brush is needed - a hand mit cactus cloth, with sheepskin on the reverse can work just as well.
 
Have you tried a harder brush? I know it sounds odd, but my friends mare is reallly ticklish and hated being groomed or touched an dwas generally a moody mare. I don't know what made her do it but she used a dandy brush one day and mare loved it.
Might not work on yours though and please don't get eaten trying!
As for having a horse that no one approaches I wouldn't worry about that at least you won't find your horse making wierd faces adn discovering someone gave them a chewit!!!!!!!!!!
 
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