[Fantasy_Horse]

(This may or may not be in the right section of the forum..if it isnt, sorry! )

We have one colt(still on his dam) that has a problem with trying to nip people. He's great with everything else, leading, picking up his hooves, fly spraying, ect. But I suppose every horse has at least one flaw, . When he first started doing this, we gave him a good pop in the muzzle and firmy said, "No!". He doesnt really care about that. We then tried the "You bite me and I'll pinch your lip" He didnt/doesnt seem to mind too much about this either. What do you suggest we do about this? And yes we are still playing with his head...playing with I mean petting, scratching, ect so he doesnt become head shy.

Thanks in advance!

[Cowgirl_Up]

everytime my mustang would try and bite i just popped him on the nose and said "dont bite" that seemed to work for me. some of my friends actually bit their horse back if they bit them and that worked for them. well good luck.

[*BaRrEL_BaBE*]

When I first got my colt, I was also paranoid that he'd be head shy if I hit him on the head. But I also couldn't allow him to nip. Everytime he nipped me, I'd actually like slap him across the nose. Since punching didn't work for you, a lil' schwack on the nose might do it. Anyway, after I did that he'd always go FLYING backwards like 'omg what'd i do?' lol and then I'd have him come forward and I'd pet his nose. Another thing I do is kind of swing my hand at my horse's head but not actually touch them. At first they'll always flinch but if you do this repeatedly(like 7 times) they won't move at all because they know you won't hit 'em. So I've done with my filly, Echo, everytime I ride her and she's now super calm. And as for the colt, he's definately not AT ALL head shy in the least. Hope I helped!

[Black Magic]

just tap him lightly on the nose and say no. try and start asap. how old is he?

[AnnaBelle02]

My colt saw the nose tapping as a bit of a game so I followed John Lyons advice (which has worked wonders with my colt) if he is giving you attention (ie. biting) with his mouth give him back the attention he deserves. That is every time he goes to nip put one hand under his chin (to hold his head) and use the other hand to rub rub rub his muzzle/nose with the palm of your hand. Do this until he takes a step away or turns his head away. When I would do this to my boy he would usually just back away and lose interest in you for a minute or two and then come back only to be pet (not to nip).

[hay burner]

some people do think it will make your horses head shy but really it wont they knowe what there doing wrong. Ray Hunt said "do what it takes to do the job no more no less" so if he needs a little pop go ahead but if hes abnoxious etc like my foal he'll need a hard one just once then soften it again so he knoe if he doesnt listen softly itll hurt. also you can rub him soon as he doesnt do it. Bert from New Zealand srry cant remember his last name i feel sooo stupid anyways he said rub there skin off. so rub him make em crane there neck ect give em your heart cuz theyve given you theirs and all of it cuz when a horse gives you his all its not half its all of it!!

[Super_Trooper]

You should be aloud in your horses "space" but he/she is not aloud in yours unless asked.....tap him on the nose with your fingers...teach him NO, and be constant.

[MissBandit]

Be careful about 'bopping him on the nose'. Young horses view this as play often. They don't see it as a 'punishment' thing. If you are having to 'tap' your youngster on the nose over and over - it's obviously not getting through. I prefer to throw myself into his space while making very aggressive posturing and sounds. I find that much more effective.

[Super_Trooper]

Ohh, good point MissBandit, expecially with babies, actions have to be MUCH bigger and more clear!

[Elesha]

My gelding has the same problem only he never does it to me it always seems to be my sister, she goes out to see her mare and my gelding always seems to grab her by the pants. I have no idea why but its always her thats gets all of his negitave attention. Any ideas/suggestions?