Kissing a pony/horse

Question
QUESTION: after feeding the pony apple slices by hand is it safe to kiss the pony on the lips
or muzzle. Is it  safe to ever put your face close to the ponies mouth . I see
people nuzzle above the nostrils but is it safe below them .

ANSWER: Dell,

I guess it's a matter of trust.  My horses kiss me on the lips and face with their lips.  Some are more demonstrative than others.  They are comfortable with me and I trust them completely.  I've heard of people being bitten.  Never seen it happen myself.  Me, I have no problems with it.  Nor do any of my friends, horsey or not.  My ponies give kisses to the kids when we do pony rides, as long as the kids want a kiss. The whiskers do tickle! :) So it's up to you whether you wish to or not.  The only time you cannot/should not do this is if you have strep throat.  What causes strep in people causes strangles in horses.  There are documented cases, I saw it happen, where someone had a strep throat and was around a young horse they were training and it came down with strangles.  I won't let anyone with strep near my horses or me.  

That's the only caveat to kissing with your horses.  Otherwise, it's us showing love and affection to each other.  Plus, mine are usually trying to get goodies.  It's a personal decision.

Lyn

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I should have added ,A strange pony, one that you have never seen or do not
know. Thanks dell

Answer
Dell,

For me, I go with my gut instincts.  Some animals I'm just immediately in tune with when I meet them.  I just read the horse's body language.  My ponies are delighted to kiss anyone, especially if a treat is involved, and wouldn't hurt a fly.  They are appalled by the very idea of hurting anyone.  So, like I said before, it's up to you.  I'm very comfortable with animals and exchange affection with mine and any I meet.  I'm a massge therapist and am a horse's best friend after I work on them the first time.  I've got several clients who are very attached to me.  So yeah, I've kissed and schmoozed with lots of horses the first time I've met them and never had any negative thoughts or hesitation doing it.  

If it feels right, do it.  If in doubt, don't.

Lyn