I'm curious and unsure if this is a problem or not...Any Help?

Question

Ok, I have a nice lean, pretty mover, light colored haffy mare. Problem is she is skittish. When I ride her and touch my heels to her sides she flys forwards, and I tap her lightly. Even when I rub around her belly and do little taps around her here and there with my hands she flinches or moves away. I know there is a famous stallion out there that breeds pretty but skittish babies but I really don't think she came out of him. But could this be just a bloodline related thing or is there something wrong inside her or something else?

Answer 1

If you bought her from some one else...they could have abused her and she is afraid you are going to hurt her.they might have hit her with ropes on the belly so that might be why shes jumpy

EDIT  slash....it clearly says "mare" if you dont know what a mare is than you dont know what a horse is.

Answer 2

Has it been happening since she was a foal or just recently?

It could be shes in season & feeling rather tender round the belly area.

I have a little welsh mare at the moment thats just so skittish when she comes in to season.

Answer 3

this video may help:

1:17-4:30 is the importiant part

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ka0ys3vD0...

Answer 4

I think she's probably just particularly sensitive and "ticklish" - - I've know several horses like this, almost always fillies or mares, who were funny about any touching around their belly or flank.  You just need to keep working on desensitizing her gently.  Don't force the issue, but just keep touching her in that area, briefly and not too lightly, with your hand as you're working with her on the ground, and with your heel when mounted.  Just brush her side quickly with your foot.  Then repeat it.  Be ready for her to jump a little.  I wouldn't think there's anything wrong with her, per se, unless she's showing signs of pain.  Does she really pin her ears and/or swish her tail when she's touched in that area?  It could be an inherited trait, I suppose.  I'm super ticklish, and so are my sisters.

Answer 5

Yes she might b sensitive bcuz she's in season but i would have a Vet look @ her 2 make sure its nothing physical. Then if its only behavioral y not teach her Voice Commands these come in handy in a lot of situations. IE ur out Trail Riding the horse slips falls tries to take off u simply command Whoa {really it works i know from experience LOL} or the Back command comes in handy when unloading from a trailer. While @ da same time work on DeSensitizing her with massages.

Answer 6

could she be tickleish?!people get tickelish so im sure horses do to! is it both sides? has she always had it?cause if its recent then she may have injured it in some way and its painful to touch? other than that im not toosure? have your vet check her over the next time hes around on your yard just to make sure!goodluck i hope u sort it out!

Answer 7

Just as humans can inherit physical characteristics of sensitivities, ticklishness, etc, I'm sure horses do. I always think people underestimate just how sensitive a horse's sides can be.  If there are no symptoms that anything else is going on, I would just figure she's a more sensitive type, and proceed accordingly.

Answer 8

I hav a few ideas one being she might be in heat u might wanna try som medications for that another could be that maybe a novice rider got on her and did the famouse cow kick on her sides i dont know she prpbably just needs mor training

Answer 9

some horses just have lots of energy.  we lounge all of our horses before riding so they can get all their racing and bucking out to their systems before someone actually gets on.  it make a HUGE difference!

Answer 10

im a little confused. is this a dog, a horse, youre girlfriend or what. id dont see anywhere in the question if it mentions what youre talking about.

Answer 11

I find that with the more sensitive hot horses, I actually ride with more leg. My leg is CONSTANTLY at the girth, very passive, but there and supporting, so that when I do need to ask for something they react a bit less strongly. I ride the lazier horses with slightly less leg(still there and passive, but not as supportive or strong) so that they're more sensitive to it.

As for handling on the ground, she might just be a sensitive horse. When you're grooming, handling, and petting, just use more even, slightly firmer pressure(rather than a BIG pat on the neck, a quiet rub will do just fine).  

Answer 12

Try to contact her last owner and see what they say. She might just be really sensitive, but she may have been abused unfortunetly. Try just rubbing and petting her a lot everyday, and every once in a while tap her lightly like you said. Talk to her and give her some treats while you do this, it may help her understand that your not gonna hurt her.

Answer 13

Her sides are just super sensitive. Most advanced riders don't have a problem with that and actually prefer that because a horse that sensitive will be responsive to ever so slight pressure from the calf muscles. On the other hand, a horse which is a little dead sided is better suited for novice riders. In the middle then are the intermediate level riders who are best suited for horses whose sides are of average normal sensitivity. I know lots and lots people who would be ever so grateful to have a horse whose sides are as sensitive as your mare's. Lighten up, keep your heels off of her until your heels are as sensitive and soft as her sides and until you can feel the gentlest touch of your heels to her side. In the meantime, I am sure you will discover that she will respond marvelously to ever so slight pressure from your calf muscles. And be thankful for that. It's heaven sent!