Ticklish Gelding

[maren]

i was wondering if anybody had any advice on how to deal with a REALLY ticklish thoroughbred. my new gelding is horribly ticklish pretty much everywhere back of his shoulder. i clipped him yesterday and his was practically doing a piaffe in the aisle, and kicked the clippers out of my hand several times when i did his belly. when i blanket him he kicks out when he feels the tummy straps touch his belly, and grooming him is one big threat to kick me as soon as i start on his belly, sides, and haunches. he hasn't actually kicked me yet (except for the clipper kicking yesterday), and i'm trying really hard to ignore him when he picks up that back foot. he usually will do ****y little kicks to the back when he's being groomed, tacked up, etc. and i don't think it's really an agressive gesture towards me, but i'd really like to desensitize him! i grab him by the tail when i do his haunches to keep his weight down on that hind leg, and i'll give him a big "NO!!" when he actually kicks....but i'm not sure what else i can do. any suggestions? other than this he has PERFECT manners, and is a complete gentleman. :D

[Jessey]

I have no idea about tickly horses but I am super ticklish myself so heres my thoughts, If I have to get someone to do a necklace up for me or something I hate it when they try to be gentle as this is desperatly ticklish, if they are firm and to the point (so I can really feel when they touch my skin) I find it much better. So I would be kind of rough, make it really clear when you touch him and try to use the flat of your hand (far less tickly than the ends of fingers) When you do rugs up pull the strap tight against the skin and this should be less ticklish.
I can understand why he didn't like the clippers much if hes ticklish, must have been almost unbareable, but hopefuly if he gets more accustomed to you touching him he might not be quite so upset by the clippers.
good luck

J

[maren]

thanks jessey :)
that's pretty much the response i've been getting all 'round. (i'm definitely one of those neurotic/obsessive types who corners every person in the barn to ask them their opinion about my horse's problems!! :o ) i guess it's just one of those patience combined with firmness things....and you're right; the more hesitant i get the naughtier he becomes. i'm going to have to take some pictures of the faces that he makes when he's being groomed! he's a stitch! thanks again!

[galadriel]

A horse who is tremendously ticklish may have muscle issues. I have one who hated being touched anywhere except her head; after a fair bit of massage therapy, I can stroke her without her walking off, I can groom her without the "get the fly off me" muscle twitching, and I can touch her anywhere on her body without her threatening to kick. I highly recommend an evaluation from a sports massage therapist, if you have an extremely ticklish horse.