[SunBun]

Hey everyone I was just wondering everyone's opinions on wether or not to hit/smack/punch/whatever a horse. I have my thoughts on it, and I think that sometimes it's necessary (well, maybe not necessary) to hit your horse. I've also heard that if your horse, say, bites you, then it's ok to reprimand it by hitting it within 3 seconds of it biting it or else he won't know why you're hitting him. Just wanted some other opinions!

[Midnight Felicity]

i think also in some cases it's okay but voiceing it also does good, when a horse does something bad tell them no and if you still feel it necessary then give them a little smack. I dont think outrightly punching them or knocking them to the ground or any very unnecessary BEATING is good, just a little smack for something unnecessary is okay. But also make sure they know what your punishing them for and male sure they know this behaviour is not aloud or else they will think that you are just hitting them for no reason at all. Also if you must give them a little smack make it a little on and only do it once, one time is plenty to make them understand especially if you have a very sensitive horse. I think that if the horse does something good treat them with a nice rub and not a pat on the neck or w/e that way when they do get a smack they understnad what it was for. But all of this is just my opinion lol.

[minilove]

not punch or smack but if he bites well then sure lightly hit him on the mouth

[Horse_gurl]

Yeah it is ok. think about it horses are bullied around in the wild by other horses and in the paddock. they have tuff skin, if the horse deserves it give him a slight smack, however i do agree that punching should not be done unless it is a very bad thing the animal did. ex. kicking at you. but still punching is not the ideal way to go. everyone has different oppions on this one but i know people that give their horses little kcks in the stomach if they kick out or lunge at you with teeth baring. remember you are the boss and what you say goes. if u have to sometimes use a bit of force to reminde your horse then that is ok. as long as ur not slapping him/her forno reason at all. make sure they really deserve it

[madvoice]

If one of my horses is being bargy or generally nappy they get an open handed smack. Most of the time I use a raised voice though.

[SyntheticTrust]

Jacqueline bit me today. I popped her in the mouth, then rubbed her. Punishment is sometimes nessesary. I always do to my horse what she does to me. If she kicks me, if I'm still standing I'll kick her back

[*BaRrEL_BaBE*]

I agree with Synthetic Trust. Raising a horse is like bringing up a kid; sometimes they just need a good spanking. In addition, both the horse and you benefit. If a horse is allowed to kick, bite, etc. then they are dangerous and horses like that end up in slaughter houses. Beating is never neccessary but any horse needs to know right from wrong. Today my mare went to attack my sister's yearling and grabbed my back instead(I was wearing a sweatshirt, but none-the-less there's a definate bite mark). I turned around and smacked her across the nose then made her back off. If I had allowed her to get away with that, then she would have thought it okay to try and go after other horses while I, or anyone, is handling her. I want to have a bond with my horses/ponies, but also want equal respect. This is a great topic and I'm glad you posted it; it's quite a controversial one.

[Blistering Winds]

Yep, after 3 seconds they go Dumb on ya. Kind of like Dory the Fish. Their short term memory isn't the best. Reason why you stay consistant and repeat things in order to lodge it into long term memory. Usually one or two smacks, and it is in their long term memory, as it can be painful. I always open hand, never fist.

If it is dangerous, Nip it in the bud immediately, or you might get seriously hurt the next time around.

[just_ride]

My mare was really cincy, so when I was getting her saddled I would stand at an angle where she thought I was not watching her and when she would turn to nip me she would run into my friend MR. Elbow. It stopped her from nipping me. Also my mare use to be really pushy and would run over me. When she would walk up on me to quickly I would swing my arms out and she would run into them. I have not been walked on in ages and my toes and heels are very greatful. So, yes I do smack my horses I just do it so they think they did it and not me. Sometimes you just have to apply a little pressure, or they will walk all over you!

[i_luv_moth]

when moth trys to bite or does anything bad she gets a smack on the shoulder.its just the way it goes for us.thats the only way she learns(has a very weird view on life!lol)when she nips i get a lead rope and give her abit of a tap on the nose with it. they get worse out in the paddock with other horses so this is nothing