Itchy spot, or back pain?

Question

When I brush my horse's back with a metal curry comb in a certain spot, he lowers his rear end and kinda twitches. It doesn't seem painful, but rather kinda itchy but I'm not sure either way. I want to make sure its not a sore spot and also if I use a soft brush over that area he won't do anything, its just the curry comb.

Answer 1

He's probably just sensitive there....my arab gelding does the same thing if I use a metal curry, but not if I use a soft rubber one.

Answer 2

If you use your fingers to probe the area, he should tell you if it's a sore spot. I would do that first to be safe, then if it's not sore...

Have fun with him. You've found his ticklish spot. I've had a few horses that have them and it's always funny to play with them that way. Some really like it. If he's not pinning his ears at you, or trying to move away, then I'd bet he's enjoying it. Might be really itchy there. At the farm I'm working with, there's a 28 y.o. retired cow horse that has this one spot on his belly. If you rub it right, he makes hilarious faces.

If it is sore, you'll need to figure out why and get him doctored up. Also check for rain rot, bites, scratches, etc. Make sure your saddle's not rubbing him. On all those things I mentioned, there will be a disturbance of some kind with his coat. Hair missing, or his skin will feel different there - maybe scabby or scaly.

You didn't say where the spot was, so it could be a bruise if it's sore.

Also just thought of this one, you could be in his flank too much with the curry comb and he doesn't like it. Watch his body language to see if he likes it or not. If it is his flank, be easy there.

Answer 3

Have a look at his ears- some horses are much more sensitive than others, if his ears are back then it is probably sore but if his lips are twitching then its just his sweet spot. Also i would recommend using a rubber curry comb as it is softer and kinder on the horse - metal ones are usually only used for cleaning brushes