Bolshy Foal

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EquestrianFairy

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I dont post on here very often as im normally nattering in soap box, but my baby (shes 7 months) has become rather bolshy of late.. shes build like a house and is around 11hh currently.

Shes not dangerous, just abit above her station- she's started to try to nip me at every possible chance and has once or twice got my arm badly. My reaction to these was a startled 'OW!' and a bit of a tap on her nose.

But this is not working.. so what can i do about that?

Secondly, shes obviously annoying her mum as she keeps messing about and my mare is NOT impressed so keeps lunging for her and nipping her (Never hurting or leaving marks)

Baby is very independant, scarily so and can be led away from mum (and vice versa) mum weaned her without my help which is not suprising as she doesnt feel she needs her mum and my mare is an old pro.

This is my first foal and my mare has already made it very easy for me as my mare is extremely laid back and a complete star so in most respects so is baby.

Baby understands personal space (when it comes to me) she leads impeccably, farrier, grooming, calling- all brilliant.

Thanks in advance everyone
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Nip her back using the firm command NO, by nipping I mean twist the soft loose skin just above the front of the shoulder blade on her neck. Spend time with her reinforcing the command. First time might come as a bit of a shock and might well run off in disgust - lol but she will come back. Reinforce this every time you spend with her and do it even when you THINK she is about to nip. Nipping is normal behaviour, watching foals togther, they nip each other all the time, usually going for the legs, in play, but you are alpha and not a playmate and she needs to learn that it's not acceptable behaviour. Of course when she is not nipping spend lots of time scritching her, she is allowed to rub her muzzle and groom you back but no nipping... Hope this helps.
 
I second both Opie amd MFH_09, especially re titbits, that'll only make her worse. I bought a 10 month old foal once who bit and kicked for exactly that reason. His breeder had always fed him titbits! I did cure him of it but had to get a bit heavy-handed to do it which is not my style at all. My foal likes having her bum scratched and not a bit narked one day when I wouldn't do it (she was scouring and a bit yucky round that area) so she tried to kick me. Quick as a flash, I turned round and kicked out backwards at her, just like a horse, I only just about made contact but she's never tried it again.
 
I was interested to read about this as my mare is in foal due May 08 and this will be my first. Can anyone recommend any good books which will give me some sound advice? I am surrounded by breeders in my village which is great but I want to be be prepared. Soooooo looking forward to it.
 
I think most foals go through this stage at one time or another. I find that standing my ground and being firm with them works in the end. If he nips you,do not back off. I once litterally bit back. It worked a treat apart from the mouth full of hair I got!
I also found that after weaning if I put the foal with a dominant, but non-aggresive, mare the foals behaviour improved.

Pinkweasel, I read as many books as possible inorder to build up my knowledge. You will find that they all contradict each other, so just pick out the bits you feel relevant. Also, chat to any experienced breeders you know, as first hand knowledge is always the best. Good luck and enjoy. the thrill of watching your first foal being born is quite something.
 
I bought from Foal to Full Grown for my mum to read as i didnt find it that good.
However im sure im awaiting one in the post? Hmmm.

Thanks everyone above.
 
My foal went through this stange at about 2 months old, if he bit me he was told off with a slap on the shoulder an a NO. the one time he kicked out at me i kicked him back and within a week he was angelic, he never nips me now (he is 7 months old) he has recently been weaned and is out with my gelding who is dominant but not a bully, he is as good as gold to handle and if he thinks of messing about all it takes is a NO and thats enough to stop him. Good luck
 
Thanks for the tips, I feel it will be a big responsibility but am determined to do as much as I can to produce a well rounded youngster. I will do as advised and read lots and be selective about what I adopt as my "policy". My mare is a sweetheart and so is the sire so I hope I get a nice personality. Cheers all.
 
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Quick as a flash, I turned round and kicked out backwards at her, just like a horse, I only just about made contact but she's never tried it again.

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I too use this technique, it's really effective at telling all ages off and for reinforceing personal space. My four year old gets a bit above herself when not in work fully and will take liberties, I only have to turn my back on her and move backwards and she takes the hint. Watching the mares with her they will do this too!
 
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