Young horse, mutual grooming (me not other horses!) question.

[custard]

For those who've successfully brought up well mannered babies!

I used to let my first horse do it, didn't have a lot of choice but trusted her and was young and foolish then. Willow has never really bothered to groom me in his opinion, affection is a one way street and just 'what humans are for darling'.

However, the newbie started on me tonight. Was giving him a nice brush but he was very fidgety shuffling forwards and backwards. When I got round the front end he started giving my hair a good old munch so just told him to be gentle and moved away when he got a bit overkeen. I've come in looking like Tina Turner's stuck her fingers in a socket but just wanted to know whether this should be encouraged or not!

 

[the watcher]

I know some people consider it to be rude, but I personally don't have a problem with it, as long as it is on your terms and the horse only enters your space when you permit it.

 

[lexiedhb]

Awwwwww I think thats actually really nice! My share horse has just started grooming me, gently I may add....

 

[nicholls07]

Lol, thats great tina,

 

[Forget_Me_Not]

My rule is as long as theres no teeth involed!

 

[KatB]

Mine does it and always has done! I personally find it really endearing, and he is really good about it and very rarely uses teeth!!

 

[spaniel]

Ive always allowed it and consider it quite an honour that another species is happy to groom me.....as long as theres no teeth involved!

 

[magicchett]

IMO i think its like being accepted as a friend regarding a herd relationship, so i agree thats its an honour!!

 

[custard]

Well that's my feeling too, I was rather flattered TBH

 

[Shilasdair]

Mine do it to me and that's fine as long as it's gentle - no teeth (and stealing my hat is also frowned upon

)
S

 

[Blizzard]

Beau loves doing it, he is very gentle and just either licks your head oris very gentle LOL, on your back etc he can get a bit carried away and has been known to lift Oh up by his trousers before LOL.

He wastrying to groom me in thefield yesterday but I find it too ticklish LOL