I just recently bought a horse and she has been with me for about 3 days so far (She arrived Wednesday). She was used mainly for cow work but has done a little bit of everything else. She is very sweet and friendly but I noticed that when you touch her sides she gets upset (pins ears and throws her head up). I first noticed it when I went to brush her and when I ran the brush over her ribs she immediately got uncomfortable and moved away from me. So I touched her with my hand in the same spot and she reacted the same way.
My initial thought... her previous owners were a little spur heavy with her. I know the barn I bought her from used spurs on her. So my question is...
1. Would heavy spur use cause her to act like that or should I worry it might be something else?
2. What is the best way to fix the issue? I hardly ever use spurs. I stood next to her and rubbed my hand over her side and eventually she calmed down a little but when I stopped and went back she was touchy again.
Does she seam like a thin skinned horse? She may just be sensitive in that spot. I have had horses that I had to use a really soft bruch on because they were what I called 'thin skinned'. It could be a lot of things, but I would let her settle and get to know you first before jumping to any conclusions.
She could be. I also noticed that the hair near where I was touching was different. It wasn't discolored like scarring but it was shorter and her skin underneath looked almost bumpy or wrinkled. She also spent a few days on a trailer to get to me so I thought maybe it could be sore from hitting the divider with her body.
You're probably right though... I should give her more time before I jump to conclusions.
Sounds like it's from Spurs, especially with how you describe her skin. My general experience with mares is that they are a lot thinner skinned than geldings and more sensitive overall. I'd let her settle in like someone else said.
Touchy horse
