This is great advice!! My gelding had an eye infection that he had to be sent to a specialist for. He's fine now, but when he had the infection, he had to where a special mask to keep him from getting anything into/scratching his eye. We didn't know it until afterward, but the mask was irritating the base of his ear and he had an infection there too! All it is is a scar now, but he is extremely head shy as well. Whenever I go to put fly repellant in his ears, there's always a big fight. I think I'll apply some of these tips! Thank you HC!
My horse doesn't like his ears touched but he's not scared, just annoyed. He doesn't like being groomed either and will try to bite me. If I tried the rubbing neck method he'd just bite me. Any advice?
I had a paint gelding that was very head shy too. I just took my time with him in the round pen. I would sit on the mounting block and he would walk over to me. Once he got use to me & trusting I would then slowly rub up his neck until I was able to rub all over his face. I left the ears for last. In about 2 months I was able to touch all over his face & even hold his ears. It's just takes time & trust.
Oh, so thats how you solve it! The horse that I exercise for a friend always does it! Thank you so much, this will help!
Thanks for the advice. My horse hurt his right ear when trail riding with his first owner. I think he said he got it caught in vines or branches; I can't remember how it happened, but that his ear was more sensitive than usual. maybe this will make bridling less stressful for the both of us. Thanks! :)