An itch?

Question
Hi, it's me again.  My appaloosa mare has started rubbing her head against my chest whenever she has the chance.  Is this a show of affection or does she just have an itch?  Should I encourage it or try to prevent it?

Answer
Hi Jessyka!

Nice to hear from you again!  I don't really let my horses rub on me.  If I know where they are itchy, I'll sure go there and make them feel good but, I'm still in control of the situation and I'm not a tree.  Sometimes the rubbing can get a bit out of control and disrespectful.  I don't allow that at all.  Don't let the behavior build.  Just make the rubbing ON you a bit uncomfortable.  Some bumps with your fingertips is usually all it takes to get your horse to change his mind.  Then YOU can scratch, and they can enjoy and not knock you over.

I do spend a lot of time scratching and itching my horses and they will groom me back.  It is wonderful bonding time.  I also spend lots of time scratching them on the bumm and around the tail head.  As I'm scratching I am also working on "changing of eyes", very important for a horse.  

If I've not talked to you about "changing of eyes" here goes.  Horses have several blind spots.  One very troublesome area is directly behind the horse.  Many times horses become worried and spooky when an object leaves one side goes behind them into the blind spot and then pops out on the opposite side.  When working on changing of eyes, I step behind my horse keeping in the sight line of an eye, while rubbing and scratching, I'll step to the opposite site and get them to look at me out of the other eye.  The horse becomes more comfortable with things moving in and out of the blind spot and much more handy about changing the eye and the field of vision.  Cool stuff.  

Everything I do around my horses is purposeful, even a good grooming session.  Lots of itching, rubbing, scratching, and grooming.  It is great for the both of you.  Just keep it respectful.  This also helps keep the relationship clear for the horse.

Always leave them wanting more, another good trick.  When my horses see me coming, I don't have to  chase them down in the pasture.  They know a good grooming session is next, something they all enjoy, it just gets tough to divide my attention 7 ways!  There are some days when it is a race to see who gets to the gate first.

Happy to help when ever you need me!  I hope you are getting lots of time in the saddle and enjoying your summer!

Smiles and Miles, Denise