Touchy horse

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Touchy horse Moderators: luluwhit, gotothewhip, cindyt, crossspur, ForumAdmin Jump to page :	Last activity 2016-05-08 7:55 PM 7 replies, 3241 views View previous thread :: View next thread
General Discussion -> Barrel Talk


TimeFlys885 Reg. May 2016	Posted 2016-05-06 7:52 PM Subject: Touchy horse
Regular Posts: 52	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.
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kasaj2000 Reg. May 2005	Posted 2016-05-06 8:42 PM Subject: RE: Touchy horse
Horsey Gene Carrier Posts: 1888 Location: LaBelle, Florida	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.
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TimeFlys885 Reg. May 2016	Posted 2016-05-06 9:08 PM Subject: RE: Touchy horse
Regular Posts: 52	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.
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uno-dos-tres! Reg. Jul 2004	Posted 2016-05-06 10:30 PM Subject: RE: Touchy horse
Expert Posts: 4766 Location: Bandera, TX	Ulcers?
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turnedout Reg. Dec 2013	Posted 2016-05-08 1:32 PM Subject: RE: Touchy horse
Veteran Posts: 264	First thought is ulcers.
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TimeFlys885 Reg. May 2016	Posted 2016-05-08 6:30 PM Subject: RE: Touchy horse
Regular Posts: 52	Hmmm, I'll look into it. I have the vet coming out to do her teeth so I will mention it to him then. Thanks!
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hammer_time Reg. Jul 2007	Posted 2016-05-08 7:47 PM Subject: RE: Touchy horse
Money Eating Baggage Owner Posts: 9586 Location: Phoenix	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.
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cheryl makofka Reg. Jan 2011	Posted 2016-05-08 7:55 PM Subject: RE: Touchy horse
The Advice Guru Posts: 6419	If it is bumpy possibly the beginning of girth itch
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