Head Rubbing

["arikara appaloosas" <arikaras@iafrica.com>]

Hi all,
My mare Shanni always rubs,I let her though,even on a trainning ride at
every gate she rubs me,sometimes to say lets get on with it(nudging more
than a rub)then on 50 milers and 100 milers she always rubs,it relaxes her
so I dont mind,she does not do this at the vet check though,so I dont mind
her rubbing me at all,sometimes she lands up pushing me all over the place
while rubbing away merrily.She also only does this to me and no one else
who rides her(and she has had plenty of diffrent riders on her back at
endurance rides).Even out in her paddock she will come to me for a head
rub,I think it also a sign of affection.It is the only way she does show
affection and I know this horse and I love each other dearly.My other
horses I have not encouraged them to do this,its a special priveladge for
Shanni only,after all she has done 12 years of endurance now ,so why should
she change her habi.ts at this late stage in her life,if this is what makes
her happy so be it.
Just my 2 cents worth
Regards
Kathy and "Shanni" who is 8 months pregnant at the moment and will come out
of her short retirement next year for the 300 Miler