As a result of the previous post, we learned 3 important things: 1. The rare view of teats showed just how many nooks and crannies invite smegma to build up. 2. Horses speak clearly, if we listen. One kicks out under saddle when her teats are crusty. Clean is healthy and willing. 3. TOLERANCE and CONFIDENCE are important factors for SAFETY and HEALTH. Horses are instinctually sensitive at the flank, where no ribs protect their organs. Normally, we touch horses a lot at the flank and between legs. It is important that the get desensitized there. I speak quietly and look the horse in the eye first. Given the instinct, it is important they are not surprised. It is a good habit to keep them tolerant and understanding. 4. Yesterday I learned of a mare that kicks out whenever someone approaches her flank. This is problematic. Someone will get hurt. Plus, it is better to be able to clean her. Firstly, I’d ask the vet to make sure she does not have a health issue that is making her sore. Assuming she is healthy… When the mare speaks out, her loving owner tries to comfort her. From the horse’s perspective, this is weak energy reinforces the behavior. The owner is submitting and rewarding. I imagine she is a bit unnerved. REMEMBER: ***horses hear what you feel.*** So, the handler needs to first be truly on board and clear in her heart, that this behavior should be in the past. Then, I would start to gradually work toward touching her flank. She needs to understand this is not a problem and that it will not be tolerated. Don’t make a big deal about it, which would get her concerned. Just go easy and be quiet inside. Since I know neither, I would say get a professional to help. We need to be careful not to hurt the horse that is already defensive. But, she needs leadership. The fact that she has gotten away with this over time says something more. She thinks it is up to her to call the shots. Sometimes a little surprise can go a long way. *As soon* as she starts to make a face or *think* of shifting her weight, I’d throw out a QUICK, GUTTURAL growl. It should plant her feet. The idea is to get her out of her own head. She needs to pay attention and be polite. If she is corrected consistently and several times with crisp timing, she’ll start pay mind. When the vet does come, I’d get her tranquilized and cleaned. You don’t want to make her sore by pulling off old, hard crud. Lucky Braids Handy Salve dissolves crud on shins. So, it should help soften the smegma and will soothe the skin. Lucky Braids Shampoo would be a good choice for cleaning it off, as it kills bacteria, fungus, etc., while conditioning the skin. Cesar Milan’s book “Be a Pack Leader” is a valuable read. Horses are herd animals. I found the information very handy. ~Ruthann
Posted on: Tue, 05 Aug 2014 18:02:49 +0000
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