Hippona
Well-Known Member
Anyone got any ideas on how to teach a mouthy pony that its not good to put EVERYTHING in your mouth??
I bought him when he was just 4- he will be 6 this June...didn't have a good start in life, was a rescue case then went to a dealer (posing as a private seller) and was broken in fairly speedily ( although TBF he is a very quick learner and eager with it)...then onto someone else for a few months and then finally to me.
He's very affectionate and people-orientated....loves a cuddle- but also loves to nibble....cuffs, jacket pockets, zip-pulls,belt hoops, nibbles hair when picking out feet...nibbles farriers bum...
you name it. He grabs the leadrope and holds it in his mouth like a dog. Very mouthy with his bit and tries to get his tongue over and quite often manages it (until I got a curved NS bit which gives his tongue plenty of room, he seems happier in that but its early days).
Teeth are fine- EDT says he has a 'lovely mouth'.
Now obviously I don't want to be making him headshy - I don't hit him- especially in view if his past- he has come through his early life relatively unscathed bless him...he does startle and stop it when I say 'No' sharply but obviously 18m later he's still doing it. I gather highlands mature slower than other breeds......do you think he will grow out of it, or is it just one of his quirks? I mean- all things considered I can live with it, he's not nasty or anything....just a bit irritating on occasion...
Anyone?
I'll put the kettle on
I bought him when he was just 4- he will be 6 this June...didn't have a good start in life, was a rescue case then went to a dealer (posing as a private seller) and was broken in fairly speedily ( although TBF he is a very quick learner and eager with it)...then onto someone else for a few months and then finally to me.
He's very affectionate and people-orientated....loves a cuddle- but also loves to nibble....cuffs, jacket pockets, zip-pulls,belt hoops, nibbles hair when picking out feet...nibbles farriers bum...
you name it. He grabs the leadrope and holds it in his mouth like a dog. Very mouthy with his bit and tries to get his tongue over and quite often manages it (until I got a curved NS bit which gives his tongue plenty of room, he seems happier in that but its early days).Teeth are fine- EDT says he has a 'lovely mouth'.
Now obviously I don't want to be making him headshy - I don't hit him- especially in view if his past- he has come through his early life relatively unscathed bless him...he does startle and stop it when I say 'No' sharply but obviously 18m later he's still doing it. I gather highlands mature slower than other breeds......do you think he will grow out of it, or is it just one of his quirks? I mean- all things considered I can live with it, he's not nasty or anything....just a bit irritating on occasion...
Anyone?
I'll put the kettle on
