Handling a touchy horse

From Mugwump:
http://mugwumpchronicles.blogspot.com/2008/08/staying-safeon-ground.html

Now we had to begin physically handling Fobby. He doesn't want his feet touched. He doesn't like having his fly sheet taken on and off.Because he is so freaking limber, we began by teaching him to stand with both near legs quiet, whichever side we are on.That's pretty easy to do. I had Bruce take his tail and pull it towards him while holding his head.When Fobbly would drop his weight into his legs he would release.It didn't take Fobby long to pick that one up. Now Bruce can just touch his tail and he'll be still.Next I wanted Fobby to move whatever body part Bruce chose away from him. when he touches that part.I had Bruce place his hand on his face and push his nose to his chest. We taught him to back away from the pressure. This was easy, because that concept had been started on the first day when he was taught not to crowd, and followed through with every exercise after.Then I had Bruce take his face, and push his hip away.I always had him start with a touch, follow with a tap, and then make it happen.After he could point, and Fobby moved from his hand, I had Bruce do the same with his rib cage, and shoulder.I am compulsive about shoulder control.I pay more attention to where my horse's shoulder is leaning than any other part.Ray Hunt will tell you to get the feet, then you'll have the head. I agree 100%.I also think if you control the shoulder, you have the feet.After you get your horse guiding freely and easily this way, start watching how moving the feet effects the shoulders. If the right front foot stalls out, look to see where the shoulder is.