Does Your Horse Like to be Petted?

Perfect ending 😂

I started to recognize and respect these subtle signs some time ago. I still cannot believe how much my new mindfulness improved the relationship between me and my horse. It might sound silly but showing that you CARE about the mental state of your horse can save you many hours in the roundpen.

Love this. I was told my horse HATED grooming and petting, and would shake his skin if you touched him. So when I got him I made sure I was slow, and I would press into him so that I wasn’t “tickling” him. I use softer brushes on him and no try not to scrub him too hard with anything. I would also give him his grain and pet him so that touch wasn’t associated with work. Now he doesn’t shake his skin when I touch him, and he stands still to be groomed. I have recently found out that when he swings his head at me it’s because he wants attention before I continue 😂 then he will put his head forward when he is good and let me keep going. love how unique they are ❤️

I have 6 Tennessee Walking Horses and all but 1 love attention. They can be 20 acres out and when I whistle they all come running. I keep my stallion on 3 acres and he's the biggest baby of all

Completely right. Some times they like to be touched some times they won’t. You can easily tell from the way they stand, their eyes and more. As humans we want to touch everything. It’s a need we feel deeply and we try to nurture everyone that way. Animals don’t have the same needs. Forcing them will result in an opposite outcome.

4:36 a perfect ending note there :)

We have 3 horses and every is different. My horse love to be touched on her head. She loves to breath into my ear. The horse of my brother didn‘t like to be touched on the head but she loves to be touched on her back and on her neck. And the third horse in our group loves to be touched - whereever 🥰

I don’t have a lot of experience with horses, but when I do, I treat it the same way as a dog or a cat. I hold out my hand slowly palm down fingers curled in a bit and let them accept me, or not. Cats can be a little more delicate to get on board and can take a little longer. I’ve found myself to be a pretty good cat whisperer.

Great advice for beginners and everyone who doesn't realize this is so true! Marie Given

Just became really interested in horses I have recently went to a field to take my dog for a walk and one horse approached me and was so friendly to my dog and me. I instantly felt a strong connection and was extremely impressed by the horses temperament.

My TB appy is a pocket horse, in that she loves to be around me, and often touching me in some way - standing with her forehead against the back of my arm, etc. For years I misunderstood this to mean she wanted pets. She actually hates and moves away from petting, scratches, etc, no matter the location or force, so I've finally stopped trying, and she's even more affectionate than before. Its so easy to assume ALL horses like scratches, like assuming ALL dogs love under the chin scratches...

Thank you! Excellent video on horsemanship.

Your videos really help us thank you! I subscribed 💕💕🐴

What a very interesting topic ! Excellent video, and yes, I agree with all you say but must admit that I learned all these subtle signs over the last few years only by becoming a person who learned to interpretate even more slighter expressions and eager to listen to my horse(s) better and better. I know them so well now that we really communicate and they tell me where they like to be touched or scratched. Since I learned to respect their preferences they are like "hey this human understands me !" and I think it's a beautiful proove of trust that they tell me what they like because they know I will understand. They became more cuddly in general since they noticed that I understand what they like. Big improvement in our relationships and I must add that all three of them I know them so well now and each of them is totally different, they really have their own caracter. Fascinating and gratifying !

When they get sleepy and their face yeah is a great indicator whether they are stressed or calm and comfortable. Also if they are moving a lot like moving forward a bit moving back a bit; kind of on edge rather than staying in one place I see that as not liking to be touched/want you near them. When they love being petted I see them stick out their chin and kind of smile and move their head to one side like a dog would. 😃. Great video! I learned a lot!

Love your videos. Great advice. Thank you.

I have a mare and a gelding - both pretty much walk off if they don't want you to bother them. :-) That said, my mare will actually lean into me or touch my face with hers when she wants that comfort (usually if she isn't feeling well or is nervous/scared or in a new environment). My gelding will walk over and nibble/'groom' me when he wants attention and love. It is important to mention I've had them both for 7 years and my mare took about a year to begin to really even start to bond with me. I try very hard to let them know I care, while letting them take the first steps to really bonding with me. Horses take a lot of patience and respect to have that true 'best friend' bond. Both actually come running to me when I go out to their pasture. Again - that took an investment in time and patience.

Such a helpful video! I'm a beginner and I did wonder how horses communicate those signs.

Wow, I didn't know that if a horse slightly pulls away it's head it doesn't want to be petted! I'm a small youtube and your newest subscriber let's support each other!

Loved this and I am learning a lot from you too. How amazing was it that your horse came and touched you on cue!!!