TCJpart66 Funny Faces

PLEASANT GROOMING:

One of the main reasons horses prefer sharing thier days with friends who are the same breed and of similar size, as they would in a herd in the wild,  is so they can benefit from mutual grooming.  Those itchy spots that just can't be reached by themselves alone or by using a fence or tree.

Tom & Henry spend all their time together, they know each other very well and share the tasks of scratching itchy spots, each 'asking' the other using body language, and picking that place on each other...mirroring where they want to be scratched...it's fascinating to watch. Actually Henry now has a section of very chewed mane half way down his neck from Tom's vigorous attention to the task at hand!

This is an important way for the herd members to bond together too, and if like me you have a great relationship with your horses you can bond further with them by agreeing to scratch their itchy spots.  

 
Now, I have a word of warning...if like me you have a 'special needs' horse like Henry, you might find yourself reversed into without much notice because he wants a scratch on his bum!!!  

 Tom is clearly enjoying this attention xx

Now, if the thought of this sends you into a nervous wreck and reaching for your Pony Club Health and Safety manual, perhaps you should avoid doing this, as you likely don't trust your horse enough yet. 

Personally, I love it.  Any pleasure I have give those horses I will, especially as they've been on a diet, instead of an apple, I give them a calorie free treat like a scratch. 

Jenny is used to them doing this to her and everyone who I 'allow' near my boys gets the 'chat' about their needs and anyone sufficiently nervous just wouldn't go in the yard at the itchiest time of the year - ie. now.

Their favourite places are:  chest and up under the centre of their necks to their throat, behind their front legs at the top - or armpit if you like, on their belly by the sheath covering and their bottoms all over!

Tom & Henry let me know clearly when I've got the right spot...they make their 'Tapir face'.

Here are Tapir, just so you know what I mean!

...aaaaahhhhh, pure satisfaction, and calorie free too, what could be a better way to show your horse you love him and understand him than to scratch him in a place he cant reach, and neither can his mate?

TOP TIP:  avoid wearing flip flops, you could get your toes trodden on accidentally.

Look at Henry's little face, it's a picture xx

So mutual grooming is very important and fun to watch too!