Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
A horse confined an excessive amount of time (for a week or so) may try this behavior
to fill his need for exercise. If he is then properly exercised, he may still retain the habit,
even when pastured.
TAIL, MANE, AND BODY RUBBING
Rubbing, like weaving, is often a continuous, rhythmic, swaying motion. Like other vices,
initially it may have had a legitimate cause, but even when the cause has been removed, the
rubbing habit often remains. A horse may start rubbing during shedding, when wearing a
dirty blanket, when there isn't sufficient room to roll, or when the mane, tail, anus, udder
(if a mare), or sheath is itchy from poor sanitation, lice, or ticks.
Thisbroodmaremighthavehadliceorsimplyanitchfromshedding,butshedidnot
stop rubbing until she removed the entire middle portion of her mane.
The chronic rubber is hard on facilities, actually knocking rails down, stretching wire
fences, breaking branches and small trees, and damaging stall walls. The horse that persist-
ently rubs his tail or mane often ends up with bald spots. Cleanliness is frequently the key
to preventing rubbing.
