Nipping pony

[helenski]

Hi everyone,

My 10 year old gelding who I have had for just under a year has an unpleasant habit of nipping my hands when he's stressed. He's done it at shows and in other situations when he's alone and becomes clingy. It's kind of like he's grabbing at my hands like you might grab somebody if you were nervous. He's quite mouthy and in those situations he'll also grab whips and anything else to hand. It's painful and unpleasant though! I'd really appreciate any advice or to hear if anyone has had a similar experience.

Thanks!

 

[henryhorn]

Sorry I wouldn't allow this. Nervy or otherwise he should learn it's not on to grab people with his teeth.
Our stallions would love to do this but have never been permitted, especially as a bite from them tends to be more agressive than a gelding.
A sharp reprimand of "No!" followed immediately by a smack on the neck and if that doesn't stop him on his nose will soon stop it. Follow it up with body language of facing him head on and making him move away from you.
I am sure you will get replies advocating no smacking, but watch what horses do in the field to others that bite, they retaliate instantly and with agression.
Your problem is he doesn't see you as above him in his pecking order so will therefore think it's ok to bite you!
Once you establish who is the top horse in his mind he won't even attempt to bite.

 

[Hettie]

I've found that holding something unpleasant like a metal curry comb and "letting" them nip that instead tends to do the trick

That way he can't blame you for the pain as it only happens as he bites, if that makes sense.... Also used to groom for a really highly strung ponio and we used to give him a rolled up towel to chew on... What ever works I supose as long as it's not you!

 

[SueHammond]

I have a young gelding who used to nip when he got stressed, I used to realy squeal when he did it and quickly send him backwards, move him away, anything to show him it was not on. He still bites things when he is stressed, but fortunately not people. If you are going to smack just remember that smacking noses etc may lead to headshyness, so I always avoid it.

I remember reading somewhere that stallions sometimes have a rag tied to their headcollar or bridle so they choose to bite that, I realise that this isnt solving the problem, just managing it. My Grandfather use to breed shires and advocated having a round pebble in your pocket. When his youngsters tried to have a nibble he would ensure they bit down on the pebble and they learnt that it wasnt nice.

 

[helenski]

Thanks for all your replies!