Cortez
Tough but Fair
So how do you stop a horse from biting you? Have you ever dealt with a serious biter?
How do you deal with a horse that bites
- Thread starter Chocoholic
- Start date
SEL
Well-Known Member
I led a horse out to the field a couple of years ago and without warning it lunged forward and bit my bicep. Fortunately I had a coat on because it broke the skin through the coat. I couldn't smack it despite eye watering pain because if it had pulled back it may have taken a chunk of my arm.
That horse was big and had got to 12/13 with horrendous behaviour that had never been corrected. A few sharp slaps as a youngster may have made him a lot safer to handle by setting boundaries.
My mare was the same age and used to bite as a 4/5 yo. She did it one day when I was holding a whip and got it hard on her neck. She never did it again and can be handled by anyone now.
CDJ wasn't a safety issue.
Pointless1
Well-Known Member
Think about why the horse wants to bite you? Has it been treated rough, has it been hurt by humans? If anything should come from the publicity surrounding the CD J it should make horse people think a lot more about what we do and how we treat animals. There is a lot of hypocrites in the horse world.
Cortez
Tough but Fair
Any decent competent horse person will consider why behaviours are happening, and act accordingly. What are you going to do if a horse has taken a lump out of you, or is trying to? Some horses have evil tempers, or are spoilt and disrespectful and are fully capable of severely hurting you if not reprimanded. Sometimes one well-timed whack will stop an aggressive behaviour once and for all. It’s not really related to the current discussion of deliberate cruelty though.
Jinx94
Well-Known Member
CDJ's behaviour was not due to protecting herself from a horse actively trying to harm her.
Horses can bite for all sorts of reasons which is why you have seen a variety of methods on this thread. Not all horses/dogs/people behave aggressively because they have been abused. Some are just that way inclined.
If someone in the street came at you with intent to harm, would you just say, "No, no. Nice people don't do that" or would you do what you needed to to stay safe and hopefully prevent it from happening again? That line works brilliantly when handling someone making a nasty comment - I know, I've used it. It would not work (or is highly, highly unlikely to) on someone with a knife.
scats
Well-Known Member
I generally try to react accordingly. So if something bites or goes to bite my arm, they’ll get a jab with my elbow.
A friend of mine had a mare who bit nastily when handled. Friend was always being bitten by it but never did anything about it.
I’m afraid I wouldn’t tolerate that. Too dangerous.
I had a gelding once who bit my back badly while I was rugging him (through a winter coat, a gilet, a jumper, a T-shirt… and still broke the skin badly). I’m afraid he did get a fast elbow to his muzzle. But he never did it again. If it had been my face, I think he’d have ripped it off and I’m not even joking. I still had the scar on my back 12 months later.
A friend of mine had a mare who bit nastily when handled. Friend was always being bitten by it but never did anything about it.
I’m afraid I wouldn’t tolerate that. Too dangerous.
I had a gelding once who bit my back badly while I was rugging him (through a winter coat, a gilet, a jumper, a T-shirt… and still broke the skin badly). I’m afraid he did get a fast elbow to his muzzle. But he never did it again. If it had been my face, I think he’d have ripped it off and I’m not even joking. I still had the scar on my back 12 months later.
LadyGascoyne
Well-Known Member
Not sure if it’s right or wrong but when my babies go through a bitey phase - which sometimes they do - I usually grab (gently but firmly) and hold their nose until they relax, and then give them big neck scratches. I haven’t had one that has persisted beyond awkward mouthy baby stage.
I’m not sure how it would work on adult horses but my logic has been a sort of pressure and release approach. When you are bitey, I put pressure on. When you back off and relax, I release.
I’m not sure how it would work on adult horses but my logic has been a sort of pressure and release approach. When you are bitey, I put pressure on. When you back off and relax, I release.
Gloi
Too little time, too much to read.
Long time ago I got a call for help with someone who had bought a pony that bit. I went to see it thinking it was just a bit undisciplined and as I approached the paddock it slammed into the gate mouth open like a guard dog 
The pony had been hand reared and learned how to bully and intimidate people. To manage it she lured it into the stable with food, closed the door and put a driving bridle on when it came at her over the door. Amazingly once in blinkers and harness it was a reasonably good driving pony and it was actually a good looking pony. It had already hurt her quite badly and she had small children and I said it wasn't safe for her to keep it.
The pony got sold to Germany. I said it was revenge for the war.
The pony had been hand reared and learned how to bully and intimidate people. To manage it she lured it into the stable with food, closed the door and put a driving bridle on when it came at her over the door. Amazingly once in blinkers and harness it was a reasonably good driving pony and it was actually a good looking pony. It had already hurt her quite badly and she had small children and I said it wasn't safe for her to keep it.
The pony got sold to Germany. I said it was revenge for the war.
Chocoholic
Well-Known Member
Thanks for all your replies everyone. Interesting to read the different opinions on this. I have toughened up with him (by no means am I beating him) and he's improved massively. I am not one to hit horses but at the same time the softly, softly approach was not doing anything and at the end of the day as his owner I have got a responsibility to show him that biting is not acceptable. This is for his own benefit as well as mine as in the unfortunate event I may need to sell him one day (I hope this never happens). I’m also having someone out to do groundwork lessons with me and I’m finding it really useful just to have the extra support and advice 
webble
Well-Known Member
I appreciate I'm massively projecting here but Kiki goes thorough phases of biting, hindsight has made me realise they tie in with when he was most uncomfortable
Not saying yours is in pain but do rule it out
Not saying yours is in pain but do rule it out
sbloom
Well-Known Member
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Sorry for the odd link, it is kosher, a lovely trainer that I know posting about biting and how to deal with it.
Orangehorse
Well-Known Member
An experienced groom said that if she had a nippy youngster she would meet its mouth with a metal curry comb. She DID NOT hit it with the curry comb, but let it make contact and after a couple of times they realised their error.
But I agree, sometimes you have to take decisive action - a biting horse can do serious damage.
But I agree, sometimes you have to take decisive action - a biting horse can do serious damage.
maya2008
Well-Known Member
The way my mum explained it to me when I was a child went like this:
- if you need to correct an animal it has to be within 3 seconds of the undesirable behaviour or it’s just cruel because they won’t connect one with the other;
- be consistent and use minimal force;
- aim to TRAIN so the animal learns and understands, changing their behaviour for the future.
So what Charlotte did is dead wrong - a flick to get them to go when you already asked every other way? Fine. They learn from it, next time don’t need it. What she did? There’s no learning there, no opportunity for them to either understand what they were supposed to do, or to act to stop the whip. The horse would have thought it was supposed to go faster, then was being held back. Confused, scared, no way out.
A sharp slap with a hand for a bite? Far nicer than what another horse would do, appropriate and easy for them to understand. Get the timing right and you will only have to ever give a few. Learning done, no one got hurt, everyone safer in the future.
I think sometimes understanding goes awry when advice for an untrained horse and a trained horse get mixed up. If I had an adult that was suddenly biting/bucking/behaving in an unusual way, I would assume pain and straight away stop, investigate. If I have a youngster, I know their stage of training and sometimes these are just things they have to learn not to do. They should respond quickly to appropriate correction and without drama, so soon the issue is far behind them. If they didn’t, I would investigate further.
Honey08
Waffled a lot!
Yes I agree there’s a huge difference between a quick slap after a bite and whipping a horse 24 times because it isn’t lifting its legs high enough for your liking.
My gelding bites, always has. He’s the softest, most cuddly horse, but it’s like he just can’t help himself.. We’ve had him 17 years. It’s like he never grew out of baby biting. He’s not lunging at anyone or being nasty/defensive. It’s like if his mouth is near anything bite able he bites. He does it with humans or horses - he can be grooming nicely with another horse (he adores grooming) then out of the blue he bites them. He was perfect on ride and lead with my mare, but would suddenly bite my thigh or her side if I didn’t have an eye on him. He absolutely knows he shouldn’t bite and thst he’s going to get a slap or shouted at, but he still does it. I’ve never got to the bottom of it.
My gelding bites, always has. He’s the softest, most cuddly horse, but it’s like he just can’t help himself.. We’ve had him 17 years. It’s like he never grew out of baby biting. He’s not lunging at anyone or being nasty/defensive. It’s like if his mouth is near anything bite able he bites. He does it with humans or horses - he can be grooming nicely with another horse (he adores grooming) then out of the blue he bites them. He was perfect on ride and lead with my mare, but would suddenly bite my thigh or her side if I didn’t have an eye on him. He absolutely knows he shouldn’t bite and thst he’s going to get a slap or shouted at, but he still does it. I’ve never got to the bottom of it.
Fieldlife
Well-Known Member
Is he play biting? More nipping? Or it he breaking the skin and really bruising.
Fieldlife
Well-Known Member
this is very solid advice. Though I would add - an adult who normally understands about appropriate behavior and manners. Lots of low key amaterus have adults who haven't learnt basic manners.
SEL
Well-Known Member
I watch my younger horse in the herd and he is given boundaries. They expect boundaries from us too and if we seem OK with "bitey face game" then why not play it?Thanks for all your replies everyone. Interesting to read the different opinions on this. I have toughened up with him (by no means am I beating him) and he's improved massively. I am not one to hit horses but at the same time the softly, softly approach was not doing anything and at the end of the day as his owner I have got a responsibility to show him that biting is not acceptable. This is for his own benefit as well as mine as in the unfortunate event I may need to sell him one day (I hope this never happens). I’m also having someone out to do groundwork lessons with me and I’m finding it really useful just to have the extra support and advice
Good to hear you've got someone to help. It's hard online when the are 1001 different opinions and every man & their dog can pass themselves off as some sort of equine professional.
Honey08
Waffled a lot!
Yes play bites, not malicious. But they hurt! He can be snuggled up to you for cuddles one minute and then suddenly bites. Almost does it without seeming to be thinking.
MiJodsR2BlinkinTite
Well-Known Member
^^^^ I too am "a rider of a certain age" and yes we oldies can remember a different age of "horsemanship". However, I must - as gently and respectfully as possible - disagree radically with you on this one.
There is a lot more I could say, but I won't. But essentially having at least half-a-ton of horseflesh being in the situation where they might feel they needed to use their physical strength against me, simply because they are fearful or afraid, doesn't fill me with confidence.
Much better surely to have the situation where the horse never has to feel the need in the first place; and they have learnt to respect and trust you as their Herd Leader. I don't want my horse afraid of me, I want to have achieved a level of communication and listening skills, so as to be that effective Herd Leader who's always got my horse's back; and they've got mine. It is all about trust.
Fieldlife
Well-Known Member
You can have trust and respect.
Ideally a horse learns to lead, tie up and be handled as a foal, when handler really is stronger. Then if well handled they don’t test the boundaries.
But I think most horses like dogs and children, will test the boundaries and see if you do enforce them. And if you don’t set boundaries they will walk all over you.
I don’t want my horse scared off me. But nor do I want him thinking he 100% in charge either. I want him to respect my leadership, know where the boundaries are and understand there are consequences for breaching boundaries.
P.forpony
Well-Known Member
It is entirely possible to physically reprimand dangerous behaviour and still have a trusting and affectionate relationship with a horse.
It's called setting boundaries.
My colt is incredibly mouthy at the moment and knows for a certainty that his teeth on flesh is an absolute no no.
Sometimes he just can't help himself. I exert far less force than my older gelding does when he corrects him for the same behaviour but the message is the same. Dangerous behaviour is not tolerated.
It's immediately moved on from once reprimand issued, no grudges held and we get back to whatever we were doing.
I have had him nip me while at liberty, issued a physical reprimand which made him leg it. Then he came back to me immediately after when I whistled for him. No fear at all just the understanding that manners = comfort for everyone, bite = discomfort for everyone.
It's called setting boundaries.
My colt is incredibly mouthy at the moment and knows for a certainty that his teeth on flesh is an absolute no no.
Sometimes he just can't help himself. I exert far less force than my older gelding does when he corrects him for the same behaviour but the message is the same. Dangerous behaviour is not tolerated.
It's immediately moved on from once reprimand issued, no grudges held and we get back to whatever we were doing.
I have had him nip me while at liberty, issued a physical reprimand which made him leg it. Then he came back to me immediately after when I whistled for him. No fear at all just the understanding that manners = comfort for everyone, bite = discomfort for everyone.
Cortez
Tough but Fair
I have kept horses in herds; proper bands of 20+ mares, foals, yearlings, stallion, all living out on a large range. I can tell you that every one of them was afraid of the lead mare; her retribution was swift and merciless, and the youngsters learned to be respectful, pleasant animals as a result.
ihatework
Well-Known Member
For me it completely depends on the age and history of the horse and the type of biting.
Is it young/playful nip? If so that is usually dealt with just by consistent handling and mild reprimand. They don’t get away with that from birth - as foals they get a flick on the nose and soon stop and don’t seem to ever try again. Anything just mouthy and playful I haven’t had from the outset would initially be met (or should I say they would meet) an elbow/brush/whatever - timing is everything. They may get a growl and sent back too. If not corrected pretty quickly then I wouldn’t hesitate to escalate the reprimand and yes they would get a wallop. By stopping them at this stage you make their future life so much easier.
However, is it a response to ‘something’. Tacking/rugs/girth etc? If so then I wouldn’t necessarily go straight in with a bollocking (would kind of depend on the horse & circumstances) but would try and ascertain what specifically was causing that response. It may involve stage managing the activity and if it was starting to become a little more pre-emptive from the horse rather than reactive I’d start corrective work.
Now proper biters - the very defensive/scared unpredictable dangerous type, it’s generally too ingrained and stems from some form of previous trauma. Those horses would be treated very carefully - restricting who/how handled and using precautions. They are horses that wouldn’t be given the opportunity to bite someone.
Is it young/playful nip? If so that is usually dealt with just by consistent handling and mild reprimand. They don’t get away with that from birth - as foals they get a flick on the nose and soon stop and don’t seem to ever try again. Anything just mouthy and playful I haven’t had from the outset would initially be met (or should I say they would meet) an elbow/brush/whatever - timing is everything. They may get a growl and sent back too. If not corrected pretty quickly then I wouldn’t hesitate to escalate the reprimand and yes they would get a wallop. By stopping them at this stage you make their future life so much easier.
However, is it a response to ‘something’. Tacking/rugs/girth etc? If so then I wouldn’t necessarily go straight in with a bollocking (would kind of depend on the horse & circumstances) but would try and ascertain what specifically was causing that response. It may involve stage managing the activity and if it was starting to become a little more pre-emptive from the horse rather than reactive I’d start corrective work.
Now proper biters - the very defensive/scared unpredictable dangerous type, it’s generally too ingrained and stems from some form of previous trauma. Those horses would be treated very carefully - restricting who/how handled and using precautions. They are horses that wouldn’t be given the opportunity to bite someone.
planete
Well-Known Member
A horse who has been made to fear ill treatment can also decide aggression is necessary to keep himself safe. My pony was uncomfortable and nippy when I first got him but he only really bit in a dangerous manner when feeling he needed to get out of a potentially dangerous situation. He was petrified of a macho farrier and caught his whole hand in mid air when the man was waving it about while talking to me. He bit me drawing blood when I was trying to hold him for a clueless Masterson person who insisted on carrying on some very invasive moves (tongue hold) in spite of his attempts at getting away from her. He has not attempted to bite anybody for a couple of years now. He started improving when I realised telling him off made him even more nervous and stopped. It helps to know why a horse bites before deciding how to deal with it, bad manners need correcting, nervousness needs to be worked with while protecting yourself.
scruffyponies
Well-Known Member
Colts almost always lead with their teeth when they know no better, but I haven't yet had one which I would describe as a biter. It's investigation, play, sometimes an attempt at being pushy.
A sharp repremand (with or without a prod, poke etc) is usually enough to get them to back off. Persistent offenders are offered something uncomfortable (metal curry comb as above) which they rarely grab twice.
I like them to learn that enjoying lip contact without biting is the way to go. They get the sensory input they're after, and nobody gets hurt.
<< This one loves having his lips tickled.
A sharp repremand (with or without a prod, poke etc) is usually enough to get them to back off. Persistent offenders are offered something uncomfortable (metal curry comb as above) which they rarely grab twice.
I like them to learn that enjoying lip contact without biting is the way to go. They get the sensory input they're after, and nobody gets hurt.
<< This one loves having his lips tickled.
Jinx94
Well-Known Member
I'm sure some of them do it as a bit of a game.
A friend of mine had a stallion who was very sweet but extremely nippy, only with her. He was always told off. He loved a fuss, but if she was away for more than a couple of days he'd become really withdrawn and stop interacting with people. As soon as she was back, he'd perk up and it was business as usual
Sanversera
Well-Known Member
My colt started to nip,as colts will, I find holding a showing stick or crop when leading stopped him,he went to nip and instead of getting me his teeth fastened round the stick. After two or three times of this happening he stopped mostly,he he goes to bite now I just growl at him. It works he's getting better all the time.
Sanversera
Well-Known Member
This is good advice, with my youngsters I find this effective and rubbing their nose,over stimulating seems to stop them. Remember that a horse has no hands or elephant trunk,it explores with it's muzzle and teeth.smacking them in the face only makes them headshy.
Lois Lame
Well-Known Member
So people keep saying. I have never found this to be so. And it's not smacking the face (or ears) - it's directly the offending area - the muzzle. I have never hit a horse anywhere else about the head.
Catbird
Well-Known Member
I find a quick elbow flick towards the muzzle if I think they're going in for a bite helps. A friend's horse was awful at biting but didn't try with me after he got a bony elbow pointed at him a few times! Thought it was good as if he really tried to get me then it hurt, and if he just moved his head towards me then it didn't - the negative was always down to how much he went for it so he learnt not to bother pretty quick. Obviously won't work unless you're stood in the right place!