Should You Let Your Horse Rub On You?

[@calypso4554]

The trust Gracie has in you is incredible. Otherwise she would never let you rub her ears like this. And when she let her head down beside you and "giving her into your hands", it was moving. She might have other moments as well.but I am sure, these relaxed times with you give her big comfort.

[@StableHorseTraining]

I believe it does give her comfort, which is a good thing :)

[@Hollybank5]

Well, that was a LOT of snuggling from Gracie today ! She was definitely wanting you all to herself ! Very sweet 💕

[@emilycolangelo1876]

How can you ever doubt that you've made progress with Gracie?!! What a joy to watch your video today! I know that Annie wanted her turn too and she is too adorable but it really was a special moment with Gracie! What a difference from when you first met her!

[@StableHorseTraining]

Thank you very much :)

[@SwimmingInSunlight]

It's a quality video when every frame is at least 50% Gracie 😂

[@kelseystrouse954]

Gracie didn't scream when she had a nose to nose chit-chat with Annie. That's good. I think having these two together quietly like this will make Gracie associate Annie with her quiet time with you.

[@kkdoc7864]

I keep telling you, you have amazing draw. You could put yourself anywhere in the arena and your horses will find you to hang out. Don’t you wish you could just put your ears back and stare at your horse to get them to move away? So subtle but effective.

[@StableHorseTraining]

I have thought about an invention I could make to do that!

[@joannsmith9]

A lot of people would kill for their horse to want to be that close to them How blessed you are.

[@junomonroe1508]

I think this type of social interaction is important no matter what kind of animal is in your life. I like my quiet time with each of my cats testing their tolerance and getting them to except touching feet and belly as normal. Nice to know I'm not the only one.

[@StableHorseTraining]

You're definitely not alone!

[@Mahmah476]

I love how you gave Gracie not only the affection she needs, but also the corrections on her attitude towards Annie - also showing her how you care about Annie, too. I think you're teaching her how to be a socially responsible horse. Don't know how long it will take Gracie to emotionally mature, but what a great start. Thank you, Graeme.

[@StableHorseTraining]

Thank you :) Yes, I hope it's helping her along the way

[@kathyfisher155]

I didn’t realize how affectionate Gracie is!! She’s so adorable & trusting, I just love that little girl!! 💗 Annie’s a cutie too! 💗

[@EagleSoul]

I LOVE these videos, wouldn't mind if they were 60 minutes long😃. Gracie is your FIRST Baby and she wants you all to herself 🥰. It's so good to see her being snugly. She certainly enjoyed all that bonding time. And Annie is such a gentle soul. They are BOTH amazing 🥰your two baby girls. Cheers!!

[@marianstroup1]

Gracie seems like she's calmed down a lot. I just love where you live. I live on the other side of the country, with it's own beauty, but there's something about the Pacific northwest. I have a few cousins that live out there so I've visited many times. I also lived in Cali for eight years. Beautiful, beautiful area. Also love seeing sweet baby Annie. Gracie is really seeking out attention!❣❣ She's really eating it up today. She wants ALL of your attention!!

[@StableHorseTraining]

I agree, the PNW is a really good looking area in the summer with all the green and luscious foliage.

[@LoneDestiny6]

Annie's colors are so pretty, she looks like a toasted bread bun

[@AL-lz1hb]

Mm yummy. Pass the butter. 😋Actually maybe not? We were supposed to be saving wildies not snacking on them🤭

[@abigail1023]

Gracie may be a little "weird" and a high-maintenance girl, but your love for her shows in your every interaction with her, and words about her and the feeling is obviously mutual. I've always had a soft spot for the "problem children" too. 😊

[@tinachippas7075]

Can almost hear Gracie saying to Amnie. "He's mine. Stay away!"

[@GodisTruth914]

I GOT MY BRACELET!!! I GOT MY BRACELET!!! I GOT MY BRACELET!!! WOOHOO!!!!!Its gorgeous 😍 ✨️ 💖 ❤️ 💕 ♥️ I love love love it!!! Thank you Graeme!💜💜💜

[@StableHorseTraining]

You're very welcome! I'm really glad you like it, thank you very much for purchasing one 😊

[@MaureenYost]

Annie was so cute slowly creeping over to you one step at a time. Each time you panned to her she was a little closer. Gracie appears to really enjoy this time with you. She seems to feel happier with Annie because Annie listens to her without yelling back. Of course, it might be quite different when the camera isn't on.

[@StableHorseTraining]

They're quite good together when it's the two of them. Rather than Annie absorbing Gracie's energy and doing more, Gracie gets quiet

[@justinm.1]

I love how Gracie tilts her head when you scratch her ears 😜

[@fallbrkgrl]

I really enjoyed snuggle time with Gracie and Annie. ❤️🌵☀️⛈️🌈☮️🐎

[@kelsiecaswell9845]

awww how sweet when she's asking you to scratch.. the paw, blow and then she starts itching herself. "Dad, I'm itchy! scratch me please!"

[@tanou5019]

I was moved to tears by Gracie’s total trust in you. Giving peace to me in a challenging situation. Thank you for sharing ☮️

[@sandyhayden-bristow1382]

There is nothing more beautiful than the eyes of a horse. Great video, loved seeing both girls enjoying their day with you.

[@DiverIsisKiehl]

These moments are just the best! :) I feel so relaxed watching Gracie ark for scratches... Makes me miss my old horse.

[@maureenawty6629]

Gracie just loves you she wants you all to herself 😊

[@GodisTruth914]

What a treat! Baby Annie and Baby Gracie!!💜💜💜

[@detsnumber1]

This made me smile my older mare is so jealous if I spend time with my baby mare. I know if I stand between them she won't do anything mean but if I step out it's all bets off .... Ears back to get away from us.

[@MarcoNotPolo]

Out of my three horses only the gelding will rub his head against me and I can usually tell when he's aggressive or gentle, and like Gracie and Annie they all have different personalities, great advice Thankyou for sharing

[@chanceremmy1629]

Great hangout :) I like how you processed the idea of horses rubbing on you. Good thoughts.

[@Amanda-C.]

My rule for itchy-scritches is, you can ask gently, but I can say no, and, if I'm on your face or neck, you can move your head around, but you can't move your feet even one step towards me. Not as consistent as I should be, but simple rules are best.

[@StableHorseTraining]

That's a good rule

[@petrahartog5934]

Sweet Gracie ...so cuddly ...my cats can rub on me . They need scratches too and they can't knock me over ... When a horse puts it's weight on rubbing it could , so i would not allow it , other then showing itchy spots . Cats like the same rubbing at the face ...the eyes and the area above and the cheeks are favorite for scratching

[@walshy886]

My horse's ears are perfectly healthy, and he loves it when I dig in there.

[@joannsmith9]

Precious Annie!

[@janw491]

Gracie is beautiful. Definitely a typical happy Arabian, very puppy like.

[@martineinfrance]

Thank you! They both are adorable, each in her own way😍. They have so different temperaments. 🐎👍👏🌷

[@StableHorseTraining]

Yup, almost opposites...

[@deniseheon8842]

So sweet! Annie is such a good girl! Her colors are beautiful!! Gracie is a love bug ! Gracie a beautiful girl. I love her dark eyeballs..❤️🐴❤️🐎

[@dekeriamack1387]

Awwwwe😂😂😂😂the way u tell them to back off is soo funny but sweet ❤❤

[@harlcc261]

Gracie doesn't want your attention going to Annie, lol

[@maureenstringer4362]

Very very interesting video! I do feel for Gracie in the fact that she can be so contented and calm while you were handling her then be startled into flight so easily. Wonderful that you can give her those calm times. She’s so beautiful. On the other hand, dear Annie has the fortune to have a peaceful mind, as you said. Life will be so much more enjoyable for her. Luck of the draw I guess. 😊 and breeding would no doubt play a part. My own horse had an “Annie “ nature for which I was always grateful, I had full confidence in her that she would cope with any situation, apart from trains!!! Unsurprisingly, big scary monsters!! I agree that horses rubbing on you can be dangerous, I witnessed my friends horse be too enthusiastic resulting in her falling against a concrete trough and injuring her jaw. It can go from cute to problematic in a flash as you said. Wonderful video, thanks Graeme. 👍😁

[@StableHorseTraining]

Yup, sometimes it doesn't take much for a horse to do too much and knock somebody over or hit them in the head

[@carolynthreinen1524]

Awe she is just a snuggle bug ….wanted some attention and human touches. …super sweet

[@lauraalbertson7821]

Love this ! Lots of good advice. This is a goal for me . Sitting in the same space with Him and He doesn’t climb in my lap 😱Bear does all of those scary things right now . We Will have the Gracie and Graeme Moments one day ♥️. Laura 💜 Bear

[@samhooton8427]

Such a nice quiet calm relaxing video 😁👍

[@sasmythe9350]

Good way to be the herd leader, Graeme. Gracie is acting like a well adjusted horse today, except for cutting off Annie.. Annie seems to have changed color since she arrived; maybe because of season changes or just growing up, but she is getting prettier and prettier.

[@StableHorseTraining]

I think her color is changing a bit, yes

[@sherriheikkila671]

Annie is looking Good 👍👍

[@haileyhenson9116]

Your animals are so fun to watch.

[@meycoe]

I HOPE ANNIE HELPS GRACIE BECOME MORE HERD FRIENDLY!!

[@meercatt]

My goodness she is just SO gorgeous … just next level beauty and snuggly 😍

[@birgit4314]

Both horses are wonderfull 🥰.

[@grassygaming8209]

What a great video! Question for you: I followed your advise to keep a horse moving when they're being a bit territorial/aggressive. Big improvement: she moves away now instead of getting upset. How can I improve my relationship with her, though? I'd prefer to not have to bribe her with treats. I can only really approach her to bring her in and out of her stall/field. Any suggestions?

[@StableHorseTraining]

Yup. Get really good at finding her scratchy spots. When she does move away, reach out and try to draw her. Find a nice spot to scratch and thank her for listening to you etc etc.. Rinse and repeat until you have what you need. It might not even be a lot of scratching, maybe light rubs, check the eyes a little bit, ears maybe

[@malcolmmcinnes9068]

When they come to you and lean on and rub

[@AL-lz1hb]

I think it depends on the person and also the control you have. Horses who think they can rub when they feel like it can be a pain. Not so bad in the field, friendly, maybe but with bridle on and all those buckles? Ouch! Leaving him with a friend while you go pee? he has to behave, not knock em over. What are you gonna do when next time and no-one wants to help out? The best fun one is horsey rubbing on that curious toddler. Oopsie? Reckon if you don't train in control, don't train in what might be seen as bad habits. But Gracie having a little rub on you, is still adorable. I'm just saying for the rest of us mere mortals 🙄

[@hazellove2144]

💓😊 That was nice.

[@annieshattuck8171]

Watching your videos reinforce that its an individual thing...If its a strange horse than yes we need to cautious...My horse is so trusting and communicates so well...My horse rubs her face on me after i take her fly mask off and once she stops or i brush her face and eyes she stops.....

[@annieshattuck8171]

If you know your horse and and always your always aware i believe they know

[@StableHorseTraining]

Pretty much. Horse by horse and person by person

[@allisont3159]

Do you think being around another horse as calm and peaceful as Annie can help Gracie to channel her own relaxed sort of no-caresies attitude?

[@StableHorseTraining]

Yes, that's what I'm working on exactly actually :)

[@susanr3560]

Annie's coat looks like satin now that her winter coat is gone.

[@malcolmmcinnes9068]

Interested to know about the rubbing

[@roygbivcreations5929]

So much trust awesome

[@goldenyearsacres9163]

My horse will run over to me & present body area where horsefly is so as to ask me to get it off. I can swat or smack anywhere to kill it & she will stand perfectly still until I get it. Have your horses done that, is it normal behavior?

[@StableHorseTraining]

It can be. Horses will go to another horse or human that they know will help them for sure. It's a good thing :)

[@odileflint7082]

I 'm curious as to how to deal with a herd when one horse has your attention and tries to push others away. Would it be wrong to move away from the lead horse to pay attention to another or should you redirect the lead horses attention? If so will the lead horse share attention and space of the person with another horse? The horse is polite and respectful towards me but is protective of the space. I don't know the answer and obviously want to always be safe but also not cause a horse to behave in a way that is at odds with their natural behaviour. This seemed like the best place to ask this question as other channels feel overly concerned with correction or dominance of the horse.

[@StableHorseTraining]

I appreciate that, hopefully I can provide a useful answer as it's a really good question. The one thing I think most about is my own personal safety. This has me thinking about the series of events that happens when I'm with horses. If we look at it like that then we can consider how to stop things from happening before they happen before that thing happens that the thing that started the other thing from happening happens. Does that make sense? That way we get away from the "correction" mentality and pay more attention to the thing before the thing before the thing before the thing.... anyways, I'm belabouring that particular point but it's vital to think about to be safe. So, when I'm in a situation (which happens a LOT) where a horse thinks they should go talk to another horse while hanging out with me, or another horse thinks they should talk to the horse that is with me, I put a stop to the conversation. Essentially letting both horses know that if there is any conversation to be had, I'll start it, otherwise be patient and just hang out quietly, or leave. Which means that if the horse that started the conversation doesn't get quiet with a loud "hey" or clap or stomp of my foot or a small lunge of movement (if they do get quiet, thank them immediately) then I'll just send them away and then just stand there for the other horse to choose to come over or not. If I feel like I need to protect one of the other, I'll go to them. The key in the end is to be as quiet as you can and as quiet as you can as soon as possible. Too many horse "trainers" are incredibly noisy, horses hate that and it's usually overly domineering. They just want a friend and with that mindset you can rarely go wrong.

[@em1985]

Does Gracie not like Annie? I’ve never seem Gracie so snuggly! 🥰

[@StableHorseTraining]

she doesn't mind her, she'd just like to make sure to keep the scratching post to herself

[@malcolmmcinnes9068]

Beautiful day. Interested in the rubbing stuff

[@maryr8063]

😄

[@beestarr1845]

Do horses "laugh"?

[@StableHorseTraining]

Not that I'm aware of

[@beestarr1845]

Do they show "delight""?

[@StableHorseTraining]

I guess they can show content

[@jacksg1809]

I find it disrespectful rubbing on u .

[@StableHorseTraining]

I find that to be an interesting viewpoint. I imagine that you have told your horse to get off of you at one point and then they disobey your orders, hence disrespect. Horses that have fantastic relationships mutually rub on each other all the time.