The Problem:

My wife says she owns a sweet little filly. I wonder how a horse could hoodwink such an intelligent women since the mare won't let anyone touch her ears. As you can imagine, haltering or bridling is near impossible. Would appreciate any information which might help my wife, and therefore, me with this problem.

Tom M., Chicago

The Answer:

Horses usually are not born with a built-in violent rejection of having their ears touched. Environment and circumstance are normally the culprit in the production of an ear shy horse. But then there was Bootlegger Zan.

Here was a mare that totally rejected the idea of having her ears fondled. Having raised her first four foals, it became a huge possibility that possibly some cases of ear shyness could be the result of an inherited trait. Each one of her foal expressed the same behavior: abject fear at having their ears touched.

Interestingly, over the years of traveling and discussing behavior we have heard similar stories about other mares consistently producing ear shy foals. Fortunately, if ear shyness can be an inherited trait it rarely occurs. Most of the time, ear shyness is caused by an environmental event.

As with most undesirable behaviors, the technique which will best eliminate the problem is related to the cause. The trick is to figure out what caused the behavior.

One common reason for ear shyness is ear ticks. These little critters may the horse's ear extremely sensitive to touch. The solution sounds easy. Remove the ticks. This can be difficult due to the amount of avoidance behavior the horse has to being touched around the ear. Once those ticks are gone, however, the horse will usually quickly revert back to an animal who will let his ears be touched.

Then there are horse ears that become stiff and rigid due to invasion of cartilage. Whatever the reason for this condition, the ear suddenly appears sore causing a rejection of the halter or bridle being pulled over these structures. Since there is no easy solution to removing the cartilage, it is wise to learn to live with the condition. Buckle the crown piece behind the ears.

On more than one occasion, we have encountered some high voltage horses who have been shocked by hanging their ears on an electric fence. Horses have memories like elephants and they also have an extreme sensitivity to electricity. They will do almost anything to avoid another sensation of touch on their ears. These horses and the ones whose ears have been traumatized by physical wounds or mishandling by overzealous humans are candidates for a desensitization program.

The first step in this process is for owners of ear deranged horses to realize that this procedure is going to take time and patience. Once committed to reshaping the behavior, technique is everything. Slowly working the hand up the neck towards the ear, stopping at the point of rejection and maintaining pleasant contact until the horse accept the touch is the crux of the program. Over the period of days or weeks, upon coming in contact with the back of the ear, the hand should be cupped so that the ear can be cradled and caressed. Absolutely no grabbing, forcing or sticking the fingers down the ear. The touch must create a positive sensation. A negative one will only reinforce thoughts of rejection.

As with most learning curves, it is possible that this technique will run into a snag. Sometimes a horse will violently refuse to allow the desensitization program to proceed. If time and patience fail to unlock the block, it may be necessary to resort to some force or flooding. Since flooding greatly increases the chance for extreme reactions and possible negative side effects from injury or stress, this approach should be the last resort.

Flooding occurs when a horse is not given an opportunity to reject what is being introduced. (i.e.: a saddle) He is simply overwhelmed and forced to accept the situation ( tied up and blindfolded). Disclaimer: This is not a flooding technique that we use nor do we recommend.

There are several ways to use a flooding technique to help eliminate a block in the desensitization process of an ear shy horse. All of these revolve around restraining the horse so that it cannot escape from the progressive process. This restraint can take the shape of a stock which will provide a safe place for both the horse and the trainer during periods of rejection. In the event that such a facility is not available, ropes can limit a horse's ability to escape. A rope around his neck or the use of a scotch hobble may be adequate. Since the use of ropes requires some expertise, a third possibility might include the use of a tranquilizer or sedative.

The purpose of the restraint is to force the horse to allow the handling of those sensitive points. However, extreme care should be taken not to make the phobia worse by provoking more excitement and trauma associated with this initially handling of the ear. It is paramount that contact be as pleasant as possible.

To speed a horse's tolerance and acceptance of the touch, progress should be rewarded. Pressure release is a reward system that works well in this situation. After the horse accepts the progressive movement of your hand to a new location closer to the ear, remove the hand rewarding the horse by letting him rest or relax.

Praise using voice and conditioned touch are also other ways to let the horse feel comfortable. Even the use of food can confirm that contact in this new area can be a positive rather than a negative experience.

We hope this information helps Tom eliminate the filly's ear shyness so that he will also be able to call the filly "sweet".
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Copyright © 1997. Dr. Jim and Lynda McCall