Mouthy pony

[LHIS]

I'm looking for some advice please...
My pony is a bit mouthy, he likes to be in your pockets, have a nosy, but he's gentle. He also likes zips, chewing on them a bit and pulling them up and down. Recently he's started to try taking liberties, and nipped me sharply with his lips.
I don't want this to progress to a bite. How should I be telling him no? I currently shoo him away, make a loud sound - usually 'Ah!' Or 'no!' And give him a tap on the nose. I don't know if this is the best way though, so would like some guidance.
His ground manners are ok, I've learnt it's not a case of him learning them and that being that, instead he needs reminding regularly, which I have started doing.
I use a dually on him when needed which he responds to well.
Any ideas or suggestions are most welcome.

 

[Cortez]

You need to stop all the nosing and nibbling NOW! It's not cute, and you will end up with a rude, pushy and nippy pony. I never allow my horses to put their noses or heads anywhere near me - a horse that swings his head across your body can easily break your nose - and once they know the boundaries they are happy to observe them. To stop the behaviour you are presently allowing I would use a sharp poke with a finger in the side of the nose; if you slap at the pony he may become head shy or even think it is a game and respond with further biting.

 

[LHIS]

You need to stop all the nosing and nibbling NOW! It's not cute, and you will end up with a rude, pushy and nippy pony. I never allow my horses to put their noses or heads anywhere near me - a horse that swings his head across your body can easily break your nose - and once they know the boundaries they are happy to observe them. To stop the behaviour you are presently allowing I would use a sharp poke with a finger in the side of the nose; if you slap at the pony he may become head shy or even think it is a game and respond with further biting.

Thank you - I appreciate the advice. One of the other horses on the yard swings his head across you and have caught people before - so yes you're right it's dangerous and not behaviour I want.
I will try the nose poke next time he does it.
He is a naturally cuddly pony - is this a no no too? The thought of making him not like this seems a shame, but I understand that allowing him into my space is asking for trouble. Is it possible to have him respectful as well as keeping his part of his personality in tact?

ETA - as you have probably gathered I anthropomorphise my pony, of course horses aren't 'cuddly'. Perhaps affectionate (or what I interpret as affection) is a better term.
Ultimately I want a respectful and safe animal.

 

[Cortez]

Personally I can't stand horses, or ponies, "cuddling" - bloomin' dangerous! But if that's what you want to do then make sure it is always you that initiates the contact, and make sure he steps back afterwards. A half ton animal is not one you want in your lap.

I have a lovely horse who belonged to a young teenager before I got him and he is inclined to be all over you and head butt (and nip), but he has learned not to do it with us. Still tries it on with people who get too gooey 'though.........

 

[Shay]

(Getting ready to be shot down...) I do let my ponies "cuddle" if they want to - but with strict boundaries. Horses use close contact, muzzling and mutual grooming to form up within a herd and express emotional connection within it.

They may never approach me or invade my space without permission. But if invited (and if they chose) they can nuzzle or hold their heads close to me. One likes to just rest his head on my front. One does like to investigate pockets and zips - but there are never treats there and they know it - he is just an investigative soul. I've had ponies who just wanted to breathe with me. And one that liked to wrap her head around and hold you against her (although she had belonged to another teenager before she came to us so I'm not sure if that was learned or innate.) If we're having a good scrub or a massage and they want to express mutual grooming behavior they can - but again within strict limits as their teeth and my skin are not compatible!

They are tactile creatures and they should be able to express that - but as Cortez says - they are also bigger and heavier than us and they can't sit in our laps!

 

[LHIS]

(Getting ready to be shot down...) I do let my ponies "cuddle" if they want to - but with strict boundaries. Horses use close contact, muzzling and mutual grooming to form up within a herd and express emotional connection within it.

They may never approach me or invade my space without permission. But if invited (and if they chose) they can nuzzle or hold their heads close to me. One likes to just rest his head on my front. One does like to investigate pockets and zips - but there are never treats there and they know it - he is just an investigative soul. I've had ponies who just wanted to breathe with me. And one that liked to wrap her head around and hold you against her (although she had belonged to another teenager before she came to us so I'm not sure if that was learned or innate.) If we're having a good scrub or a massage and they want to express mutual grooming behavior they can - but again within strict limits as their teeth and my skin are not compatible!

They are tactile creatures and they should be able to express that - but as Cortez says - they are also bigger and heavier than us and they can't sit in our laps!

This is what mine does too - he likes to press his face gently against my torso and just rest it there. It nearly always happens after some hard work, he's tired and his brain is processing everything and sinking in, when I dismount I will stand near his head and give him a 'well done' rub between the eyes, this is when he lowers his head and rests it on my chest. I admit I do like this.

By way of an update - I have taken your advice Cortez and the minute he goes to snuffle around a pocket, nibbles at a zip pull or puts his nose in my face I have been giving him a sharp prod. At first he was a little taken aback, and I'm still having to do it but he does seem to be learning that if he's to do it then it's by invitation only.

 

[VikingSong]

When I read the thread title, I couldn't help but to imagine a surly pony hurling obscenities over the gate.

 

[LHIS]

When I read the thread title, I couldn't help but to imagine a surly pony hurling obscenities over the gate.

Haha!

 

[Cortez]

When I read the thread title, I couldn't help but to imagine a surly pony hurling obscenities over the gate.

Which I'm sure they all do from time to time

Glad to hear your pony is learning to be a polite boy, OP. Best of luck with him.