[devilishjumper]

One of the horses i ride pretty often at my barn will not let you touch her any where close to her eass or forelock. You have to take the bridel completely apart to get it on her. Many people have tried everything to work with her and nothing works. You can get to where you touch her ear and then he when you go to touch her forelock she flips. My riding instructor said she has some kind of werid problem and needs to give her a shot for it. Any one ever heard of this? Is there anything you can do like working with them to let you touch them?

[Lou3]

if she is in pain in some way then no - its best to leave them alone. If she is just head shy (and she might remain head-shy after the pain clears up) then you can work with her. Its unlikely you'l cure her headshyness but you can make improvements. Trust exercises like join-up are good. Working gradually cm by cm closer to her ears with slow gentle rubbing movements will help. No sudden movements, talk calmly - act like nothings wrong. I used to have a mare that was very head shy, by the time i sold her i could stand in front of her and ruffle her ears like you would ruffle a dogs fur. Didnt completely cure her because she wouldnt let strangers touch them but she would people she trusted. It will take time but it will happen. Good luck
Lou