The next one I just think is funny. Stinker has been quite grumpy about grooming for awhile, so I got fancy brushes in hopes that he would enjoy grooming more. He did not, still pinned ears and general grumpy behavior. The one day when he was being especially bad I decided I was going the same spot until he stopped turning his head to nip at me (also using verbal corrections). I discovered if I brush him long enough, he will start licking and chewing and relaxes. I have also noticed that our rides go better when I take the time and do this all along his back, shoulders, and girth area.
Stinker is such a little weirdo and this is just the tip of the iceberg with his quirks. But I enjoy figuring our all the little quirky things that are his norm. What are some quirks your horse has?
hah hes probably like OW LADY THAT HURTS and then dealing with it
ReplyDeletei dont know why horses dont like brushing ever. or bathing. i want someone to wash and brush my hair forever.
I would be the horse that doesn't like grooming or bathing... 😂
DeleteQuirky things are my favorite 😀 my first horse Jack (who I still have) always sticks his tongue out after drinking, haha.
ReplyDeleteI love it when they stick their tongue out!
DeleteHmm, I never thought to keep brushing a spot until Penn gives in. That's something to try- he's been progressively grumpier about grooming (he and I both liked summer when he wore fly stuff and was rarely dirty). I'll have to try that next time!
ReplyDeleteAlso, maybe Stinker is just playing king of the hill and he has to make his own hill?
I like the king of the hill suggestion. Much better than the rabbit hole of crazy my brain wants to go down.
DeleteIf you do test it out on Penn start somewhere he only sort of objects to. I get the quickest reaction along his topline. And now he doesn't even really object up there.
That is so cute! I love that you thought to write about Stinker's quirks. Crimson doesn't mind grooming, he just hates the standing still part ;)
ReplyDeleteStinker didn't stand at first. He wasn't allowed to wiggle around but he would dance in place (shift his weight around without moving his feet). That has disappeared over time as he settled in.
Deleteawww Stinker! haha and that's interesting about the lick and chew too. goofy guy. sometimes i think horses get so caught up in some 'routine' or whatever that they kinda can't actually get into the moment. like a horse who is girthy getting tacked in the cross ties but then is suddenly oblivious if you saddle him literally anywhere else
ReplyDeleteThat is so true about the routine!
Deletebaww, he is so cute! Leo has a couple of annoying quirks - terrified of farrier shed, hatred of needles, dislike of dewormer - to name a few. Some of the more endearing ones - he loves having his mane pulled and will completely chill out whenever I mess around with it, or brush out his tail; and he nickers at me every time I walk by his stall or he hears me talking from down the aisle.
ReplyDelete