Petting Horses

[Mistertron]

I don't have much experience with horses and was just wondering what was the best way to pet them? i tend to pat on the neck and stroke the nose but i notice that some horses move their head when you touch the nose - does this mean they don't like it??

Thank you :)

[Mehitabel]

it's quite familiar and intrusive, petting a horse on the nose - a bit like a person coming and putting their hand on your face or patting you on the head. you don't want anyone you don't know well and like to do it. stick to the neck or shoulder - most horses like being touched there.

[Teehee]

I usually spent a lot of time just standing near there pens and letting them decide if they want a pat or not.. that way they learn to know who you are and if they like you eventually they'll nudge you for attention... then of course their are always the sour pusses that don't like to be patted... but just ignore them!!! ;)

[mayoguinness]

Give them a stroke on the shoulder. That way your not being invasive but friendly. When you know the horse and trust each other then a stroke on the nose becomes more exceptable:)

[wanabe]

I was told to approach a horse from the front and side -- not directly from the front (so they can see you better) -- and then to hold the back of your hand in front of their noses so they can smell you (they will!).

After that, scratch the top of their necks at around the midway point, simulating the friendly bites horses give each other in greeting. After that, you have to see what the horse likes, although I haven't found many that don't like you running the palm of your hand down the underside of their necks.

[kerstin]

One thing Iv learnt which has seemed to work pretty well for me so far is to never look them directly in the eye! :D Most horses love to be tickled along the top of their necks in their mane!

[Yann]

Echo the comment about eye contact. Give them time too, we humans often rush things far too much :) A lot of horses enjoy a rub in the middle of the forehead or above the eyes too.

[Ms Kitty]

I don't usually ever pat a horse, I just stroke. And neck is the most common place, I don't really stroke a horses head unless the horse knows me.

Nina x

[mayoguinness]

And your not sposed to smile at them with your teeth or you look like a preditor threatning them, though when you've got there trust I think its ok. I can't help it with Mayo and I always look into his eyes and it doesn't bother him as he knows I'm his friend. Wouldn't dream of doing it to a horse I didn't know though. It all comes down to what sort of relationship you've got with the horse;)

[Sammii]

If you touch a horse on its' nose, it cannot see you doing so therefore will get a little fright because it's unexpected. I stroke the neck/shoulder area. Because it's just easily accessible. If a hrose brings himself into you, and feels comfort, then a stroke on the nose or a scratch around the ears is well appreciated sometimes! :)

[NoviceNic]

And your not sposed to smile at them with your teeth or you look like a preditor threatning them,

That is interesting cause I have watched a couple of youngsters and they also show their teeth to other horses. I thought it was their way of saying "Dont hurt me Im only a baby"???:confused:

[kirstie]

Amba doesn't enjoy being 'petted/stroked' - she get's very annoyed and strikes out she doesn't mind a good scratch on the bum, head and esp on the neck.

[mayoguinness]

That is interesting cause I have watched a couple of youngsters and they also show their teeth to other horses. I thought it was their way of saying "Dont hurt me Im only a baby"???:confused:

yeah they do a sort of chewing things, our babys do it at the yard to the older horses, but we are preditors remember, they are foals and they're not baring their teeth either;)