Q: Why does my foal rub on me in the stable, even if she’s not wearing a halter?
Asked by Marle van der Merwe
A: Sometimes rubbing has nothing to do with what a horse, or in your case a foal, is wearing on his face. Rubbing can come from skin irritation as well. Look out for marks on the horse’s face where rubbing might be evident. Skin irritation can be caused by biting insects, dry skin, sweet itch or infection. It’s best to get the vet out to diagnose the problem and to advise on treatment. If you’re sure that rubbing is not being caused by skin irritation, it’s possible that your horse is rubbing on you instead of the wall or stable door. It’s best not to allow this behaviour from your horse, as this can become painful and dangerous for you as the foal gets bigger. Do not reprimand your horse aggressively for this, especially as you have allowed it for some time, but simply say ‘no’, and move your horses head away gently. Your horse will quickly learn to respect your personal space, and not rub on you.
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