grooming? maybe not?

[Horsegal014]

I just got my mare and she was pretty much been ignored for the past couple of years. I mean, no riding, grooming, loving, nothing. So needless to say I've been spending ALL my free time with her and just loving on her and grooming her, the stuff all the horses I've been with before have loved but it seems she really doesnt like being brushed too much. She'll get antsy in her stall and walk in circles and just inch away :( I want her to enjoy being cared for, but I'm not sure how, any help would be appreciated....

[virtuallyhorses]

Grooming can either be an invasion of personal space or a bonding activity - in your case your horse doesn't know you from Adam and is taking it as an invasion of personal space. Give it time - be prepared to only groom the bits that a 'friend' would - thats the withers, top of the shoulders, neck (upper surface in and around the mane) and perhaps along the back and loins. Always start in that little bit between the withers and the base of the neck\mane - there's a relfex point there that can actually cause a relaxation response (reduced heartbeat).

Don't touch the flanks, belly etc for a while until there is a little more trust. Once you start do attempt to build this up slowly by doing a little then leaving it alone, then the next day do a little more etc

Also remember than some horses are much more sensitive than others - be aware of your equipment and technique - are the brushes just to spikey for her? Some horses don't really appreciate a lot of 'fussing' either - hugging etc just doesn't impress some so just take it slowly and see what she likes.

[Zantetsuken]

Mm..My horse was like this too..If it's a new place she's in then she'll have to get used to that too..And the horse we got...We couldn't brush her for a while and just had to start petting on her first..Heh..I don't know..It worked for me :rolleyes: -James

[Mehitabel]

copper hates being groomed and always has done. sone horses just aren't the cuddly types, so after following virtuallyhorses' very good advice, just keep in mind she might just not like it.

[S_F_S]

She'll get antsy in her stall and walk in circles and just inch away

Definately tie her up when grooming her- its OK to do it untied if you KNOW the horse- but as she is new and you don't know how she might react I'd tie her up.

Some horses just plain dont enjoy being groomed. Scratch is an evil sod indoors- he gets claustropobic- but better tied up outside. Still very ticklish all over his body- have resorted to pimple palm gloves to get the mud off!!

Good luck!

[fair~filly]

What is she like when you are just stroking her..??.
You could get a grooming mit & try that....just stroking her gently.
Also you could try some Lavendar oil. That's very relaxing too.

F~Fxxx

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[chev]

I wouldn't tie her up myself. I've had a number of horses who have been left for one reason or another and who have trust issues as a result, and having tried both methods, I can honestly say I had far better results working with them loose. If you can have her untied in a stable then do that. Maybe just hold the rope yourself to reduce the space she can put between you but the danger in tying her up and forcing the issue is that you are not curing the problem, simply masking it - and if she comes to see you as someone who insists she does something without listening to her, then she will just make sure you can't tie her up in the first place!!

I'd have her loose in a stable, hold her on a lead and follow virtually horses' very sound advice.