Comfort is a stronger motivator for horses than even food, water or shelter. Horses that are irritated by insects or have allergies or hypersensitivities to insect bites often rub fences, causing trauma and hair loss to their skin, manes and tails. Unfortunately, this rubbing causes further skin irritation and attraction of more biting insects, not to mention damage to fences and potential injuries from broken fence posts. As horsemen, we strive to improve the comfort of our horses through husbandry, including proper feeding, farrier care, saddle and tack fit, and arena footing. We devote a lifetime of learning to improve our horsemanship, handling and equitation skills to achieve a partnership with our horses. Environmental enrichment is known to improve the well - being of any animal raised in confinement, including equids, cattle and zoo species. The BellyBrush is an excellent example of a simple tool to provide enrichment and improve comfort for horses and livestock.

Sharon Spier, DVM, PhD, Dipl ACVIM

Professor Emeritus, University of California, Davis School of Veterinary Medicine