Odd Behavior to Me

Question
I have a coming 2 year old 1/2 Arabian 1/2 Quarter horse Filly. We lunge her in a round pen without a lunge line. She has had a saddle and a bridle on her now for 1 1/2 weeks. I have also been on her. She has reacted great to the saddle and the weight on her back. When I lunge her in the pen she has a habit of having her head down almost to the ground sometimes. Her neck in really stretched out. She will do this in a trot and a canter. If she picks up speed she will pick up her head and hold it mid level. She doesn't buck at all. She is very easy going and receptive to new things. Is there a reason she does this? Also, my husband has a coming 2 year old Quarter Horse filly that likes to lick me. My hands, jacket and anything. She never tries to bite me. I thought at first it was because of the natural salt on my hands but then we got her a salt block and she still licks my hands and my clothes. Is there a reason for this. Thank you for taking the time to answer this.

Answer
Hi Kristina

Sounds like your fillies are both pretty accepting of anything you do with them.  Please don't ride either filly yet, they are still growing, and their bones are not strong enough.  

Sounds like you have two filles who have great temperaments, and will easily accept new things.  Don't worry, and just enjoy it.  There are no physical reasons as to why a horse licks, a mare I kew licked the top of her stable door for years, even though she had no mineral or vitamin deficiencies, she just enjoyed doing it!  

The filly who carries her head low, she is just making sure that you know she knows that you are the boss, nothing to worry about.

Consider yourself very lucky that these two fillies both have loving temperaments, and enjoy your lives together.  Take time, and you will be rewarded with two horses who will give you everything.  

Good luck, and enjoy it!

Emma xx