Bay Mare
Grand Prix Poster
Olympic Poster
Speak to the hoof
Posts: 1,818
|
Post by Bay Mare on Jan 2, 2011 9:57:16 GMT 1
It's lovely when they choose to interact with us and, yes, it can take a while for them to trust and accept us ;D I was going to be a grinch and say the same Michelle... in general, lips on, is a sign of disrespect, not affection. Sorry.... runs for cover. I can understand the safety aspect absolutely but why would it be disrespectful? Horses just don't disrespect us, it's not in their nature. They may push boundaries, they may do things that we don't like but, in general, it's because we haven't taught them what we expect from them.
|
|
|
Post by mandal on Jan 2, 2011 12:18:15 GMT 1
I don't see it as disrespect either. Think about it? If he was trained never to put his mouth to your face and persisted regardless of you asking him not to, that might be an indication he hasn't been trained properly or he needn't take any notice of you etc. ;D A horse that has not offered any physical contact before like it seems the case here to me is a sign of him feeling safe enough to be able to investigate with his mouth. I can fully see why op is pleased myself. I also don't see a problem with this sort of possible anthropomorphism either. I do see a safety aspect if the behaviour progressed and of course others may well slap a horse for doing this to them.
|
|
|
Post by wabuska on Jan 2, 2011 13:35:59 GMT 1
Just kiss the bleedin' horse.... kiss him God damn it!
|
|
|
Post by narkymare on Jan 2, 2011 19:22:08 GMT 1
ty for you replies and yes im very very happy he now feels able to do this - and i feel able to let him. i wouldnt encourage it with strangers, children etc but if i choose to trust him - finally - as an adult i know its my fault if i do get bitten - but i dont think i will I just trust him now and find it beautiful x
|
|
|
Post by narkymare on Jan 2, 2011 19:26:47 GMT 1
Just kiss the bleedin' horse.... kiss him God damn it! lol i do!!!!!!!!!!!!
|
|
l17
Olympic Poster
Fizzy boy!
Posts: 695
|
Post by l17 on Jan 2, 2011 21:00:06 GMT 1
My pony is very aloof with people and other horses and only tends to use his nose to push me away or nip (I do correct those behaviours). I had a lovely bonding session the other day after 4 years of ownership. He let me brush him loose in the field and licked my hands, he showed me where to scratch him. It might not sound like much, but I know him well enough to appreciate the little moments. Lx
|
|
|
Post by Lesley from Kent (Floydsmum) on Jan 2, 2011 22:11:28 GMT 1
Would normally absolutely agree with not letting horses near your face, and I do not allow anyone else to (a) feed him by hand or (b) play with his muzzle with their fingers. But a quick peck on the check from me is OK . I don't think Floyd would let a stranger any where near his muzzle with their face, nor indeed his cheek. Good point though.
|
|
Jane
Olympic Poster
Colo ("koala")
Posts: 938
|
Post by Jane on Jan 3, 2011 7:52:03 GMT 1
I think there's a huge difference between the horse that breathes softly with you, then touches you gently with the lips, and the horse that pushes forward, making you feel a bit under pressure, and is forceful and pushy with the mouth.
The invitation is there from the owner - it doesn't have to be just body language, but in the person's gentle feelings and intention that the horse can pick up.
My understanding is that the more dominant horse initiates grooming with another horse... but surely where this is being invited and welcomed, it isn't a dominant act at all? Everything the OP writes suggests timidity and emotional distance on the part of the horse, which has now been overcome!
Some of the most beautiful moments I've had with horses have involved gentle, mutual grooming, with a gentle cheek against mine and lips on my shoulder. The context of what happens beforehand is everything, I believe.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jan 3, 2011 16:05:32 GMT 1
I agree Jane, and I really thought long and hard before my previous post because I didn't want to put a downer on OP's high. But I don't think it's fair to expect horses to know they're allowed to be in your face but not other people's. So, if you choose to let your horse nuzzle your face you have to accept they may try to do it to other people. I won't let any horse do that to me. I don't let other people's because I don't know if I can trust them, and I don't let mine because I wouldn't expect other people to be comfortable if he were to nuzzle their faces. This doesn't detract from how close I am to my horse, we have a very strong bond, but I still push his nose away if he puts it in my face
|
|
|
Post by HolsBols on Jan 4, 2011 18:04:35 GMT 1
But I don't think it's fair to expect horses to know they're allowed to be in your face but not other people's. So, if you choose to let your horse nuzzle your face you have to accept they may try to do it to other people. I completely agree, which is why my horse will stay with me for life and any "bad habits" i give her will be of my own doing and i dont worry if its not to anyone elses liking. When introducing people to Hols we explain how affectionate she is and how she likes to give kisses and mutual grooming. Ive been into the stable with her while shes lying down with her nose in my lap and foreheads together, but before that she put her muzzle to my cheek and was settled breathing on me for a while. I will also stand scratching her wither or her mane and she will nuzzle the top of my head-she goes wild for ponytails too!! To me thats mutual grooming. She loves and trusts us so much that when we clipped her at weekend (we wanted her up to a good weight before clipping hence the late clip) she was grooming whoever was holding the end of the lead rope. She loved it!!! I will not change my ways, this is how i am with horses. but now ive encouraged it this far with Hols, everyone she is ever introduced to knows full well what she is like and is introduced with a mutual grooming demonstration!!
|
|