Q: Why does my pony sometimes roll in the mud right after I’ve groomed him?

A: It can be super frustrating — but rolling is totally natural for ponies! They roll to scratch an itch, to dry off after a bath, or to spread their scent and feel comfy in their skin. Rolling in mud can also act like sunscreen or bug repellent. So while you might not love seeing your clean pony turn into a swamp monster, he’s just doing what ponies do best: being a pony!

If you’re about to ride or show, pop on a rug to keep your freshly-groomed pony clean. And if he’s rolling constantly, it might be a sign of itchy skin — so let your instructor or groom know just in case!