I dont know what hes saying.

Question
Dear Melanie,

I have a big appaloosa gelding that compared to me is bigger than life. He can be a gentle giant but he has this weird tick that after 3 years I still cannot understand. Since I bought him he has this strange urge to turn until his bum is in my face, at first it seemed like a threat but now after this time I don't feel that. He doesn't usually have a mean bone in his body, hes got an attitude but hes only kicked once when stupidly I got off when he smelt a moose that I didn't.
I don't feel like he is going or considering kicking me. It's kind of a strange thing. When I walk into the corral I don't usually make eye contact with him, I talk to him as I approach him and all is good until I start to work the brushes near his lower back, he shifts so his bum is directly in-front of me. I kind of get annoyed because a part of my thinks it is disrespect, and I don't want to be pushed around but the other half of me doesn't want to think negatively if all he wanted was for me to scratch him.
He gets very possessive and gets a little pouty when I brush our other gelding. He comes up to me while I am brushing the other geld and scoots his bum within reach.
I've noticed that even if I step away he looks back and backs up until I'm close again. I've tried scratching his bum, brushing it again, brushing his tail, pushing him away and even ignoring him and walking away. I really don't know what hes saying. Though I have noticed if I give him that attention hes still until I stop, but he won't drop it.
Got any ideas?

Thanks,

Jessie

Answer
Since he hasn't kicked, I would say it is more him wanting to be brushed or scratched.  But this still is something that needs discouraging as it could someday lead to, if he gets startled, him accidentally kicking you, or someone may punish him if he is ever resold or rehomed.

If you don't have him haltered and on a lead rope, do so, and when he does this, tell him to be still, and turn him the way he needs to be facing.  You also might try mixing some alcohol and Johnson's baby oil, 3/4 of the alcohol, with 1/4 oil, shaking it well, and rubbing that into his dock well.  He may be itchy, and too this is an area that horses can't scratch themselves in.