Mouthy pony

JulesRules

JulesRules

Well-Known Member
Joined
7 October 2012
Messages
1,806
Location
Green and pleasant land
Visit site
Took my new Highland pony out showing in hand on Sunday at our local agriculture show. He came second in a small class (I think the weather put people off) which meant we then went through to the M&M in hand championship winning reserve champion and going through to the show parade.

Anyway, I spent most of the day trying to stop him from biting me and came home with 3 bite bruises on my wrists.

I don't think his biting is malicious. He just seems to like to have something in his mouth all the time. He also does it when I'm tacking up or putting a rug on him. He's also the sort to grab anything in reach - rugs, head collars etc and throw them on the floor.

My question is, how do I stop him from biting me?
 
Various ways, but racking up short at home, popping on a grazing muzzle (can work a treat), reinforcement by groundwork in handling, pinching his lip when he does it, elbow connecting with him, blue pipe when leading
He needs to learn tho that it's totally unacceptable.
To start with, I would be increasing in hand work and getting him going from behind so his head is forwards and in front of you, then it's easier to deal with before it happens.

Hope you can work through this soon :)

Edited to say well done at the show! :cool3:
 
Showing my colt I always had a short sturdy cane in my right hand so if he was being mouthy and trying to grab something it would be the end of the cane. He could also get a poke with it if being over cheeky.
 
So he is 9 but had never had his teeth done before coming to me. He still has a wolf tooth which he is booked to have out in about 10 days. I do wonder if he's been mouthy due to sore teeth, but I think it's just become an ingrained habit now.

In terms of showing he doesn't do it when he's trotting round, just when we stop in a line up or for the judge to look at him. He's a fidget too and I think he has a short attention span.
 
Mine’s a fidget and quite mouthy generally. Doesn’t bite but does get a bit gobby. No obvious reason and his teeth are checked regularly. He’s been like that since he was a baby apparently so I do put it down to being a habit. Not a good one and I do remind him of his manners but he’s got the attention span of a gnat and is a stubborn wotsit at times so, whilst it’s def improved, he still does it when he gets a chance!
 
My younger highland is like this and always has been - he doesn't bite, but he sucks and holds and nibbles and investigates with his mouth constantly. He has never learned. He's 8 and he's been with me nearly 7 years. I don't think he'll grow out of it now.
 
My Exmoor tends to hold the cuff of my jacket when he's feeling unsure. He doesn't bite or nip, just likes to hold. My tweed is always green on my right wrist.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top