Nipping

[Rudders74]

My 8 year old cob is the most well mannered horse in every single respect apart from the fact he nips my arm when I lead him to and from the paddock! It isn't a full on bite but it's a definite nip and I don't like him to do this. I don't know why he does it, does anyone have any ideas and ways of stopping it please? I try not to give him treats unless it's into his food bowl or after he has worked but on a yard others probably give him carrots at his stable door.

 

[meesha]

You need to make it very very clear this is unacceptable, believe me u do not want him to really bite one day, it is not a nice experience. I would have elbow at ready to give him a sharp jab when he tries it and maybe a growl at him to say no. Don't go overboard and yell or wallop him (save that for any real bite). Stay calm but make sure u r consistent and clear in your reaction.

 

[AdorableAlice]

Stuff a stiff dandy brush in his kisser as he goes to nip you.

 

[nikicb]

If he does it when you are leading then I would give a sharp swish of the loose end of the lead rope on his chest - hard enough that it stings and probably an 'Oi!' with it. Hopefully that will surprise him enough to stop him doing it. Definitely something you need to get on top of.

 

[Tobiano]

You could try the following - watch him like a hawk so that you can see the moment his nose comes towards you for the nip, then make a loud noise by hitting your own coat, or swishing a rope against it (not hitting the horse, but ward him off by making the noise). Or as above, stick your elbow out so his nose meets that instead of something soft. If you want some extra protection/ impact - when my colt did this a lot, I made myself some armbands out of bristly door mats so that if he went to bite me (a) it didnt get me, and (b) it was an unpleasant sensation for him.