nudging pony

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Liz Blunden

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I've been loaning my 6 year cob for about 6/8 weeks now and, having followed good advice both from here and my yard am successfully solving a napping problem. She is a dream to ride and well mannered on the ground. Just wondered though that every time we finish a ride she tries to nudge me, almost as if she has an itchy nose!! Pretty sure she hasn't! Not sure if she's being rude for a treat as she's done well (I don't give her one when she does that and wait until she stops) or it's just her way of saying well that wasn't too bad!
 
I'd be telling her off for it. I've seen a pony nudge a child and knock them over onto a concrete floor, it's not funny behaviour or acceptable behaviour.
 
Agree with the others, it is not a good habit and definitely not her way of saying that wasn't too bad. If she has got a bit sweaty she could be itchy. One of my horses always rubs his nose after he has been ridden but he isn't allowed to use me as a rubbing post and I don't let him rub with his bridle on.
 
It's bad manners! I have a TB who used to do that, and he would also rub his head against you given half a chance. A bit surprising given he was straight out of racing, but presumably someone somewhere let him get away with it. Just move her away when she does it, and if she continues then as mentioned make sure your elbow is in the way next time!
 
It's bad manners! I have a TB who used to do that, and he would also rub his head against you given half a chance. A bit surprising given he was straight out of racing, but presumably someone somewhere let him get away with it. Just move her away when she does it, and if she continues then as mentioned make sure your elbow is in the way next time!
 
Bump her on the nose with your elbow, shoulder or head (keep your hat hat on) whatever is closest and ignore her reaction. It is a bump not a whack and do it immediately she goes to push you. Timing is everything.

Treats, if you must give them, in a bucket not your hand.
 
FfionWinnie said:
Bump her on the nose with your elbow, shoulder or head (keep your hat hat on) whatever is closest and ignore her reaction. It is a bump not a whack and do it immediately she goes to push you. Timing is everything.

Treats, if you must give them, in a bucket not your hand.
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^^^^ This. She's obviously been allowed to get away with this. It is rude, unacceptable, and potentially dangerous - also something you'll have to watch doesn't escalate.

Best to totally avoid treats or having anything on your person like Polo's or whatever, so there's no smell of anything.

When she goes to do it; then you need to be on the ball and in that instant just as she's about to do it, immediately move into her space with your arm outwards and upwards in a swift pushing movement backwards. Use your body and physique to deliberately make yourself taller than her and move towards her, you could also use your voice - to let her know that this is NOT acceptable. Ask a NH trainer to show you if needed, as the trick is the timing and also knowing just how to do it. I learnt a lot from going to a Horse Agility session and watching Vanessa Bee - she is absolutely superb to watch for this sort of thing, if you can.

I once had a horse that did this in my yard, he was a spoilt-rotten horrid little pony who'd perfected the art of nudging and head-butting as obviously he'd learnt that he could get away with it. One day I had to lead him out onto the road and he decided to nudge me hard, and as well as winding me, nearly knocked me over. I put a training halti on him and gave him a few sessions with that - which is another thing you could try - again, its all about getting the timing right.
 
My boy used to rub his head on me after riding on a hot day but only on a cue - he was never bargy or pushy and never did it unless I gave him the cue! He also never mugged me for treats but I did give them occasionally. Its all about setting boundaries that you are happy with and the horses soon learn that treats are given by you and not on demand. I carry treats in my pocket all the time but none of my horses mug me or nudge me for them.

If I do meet a horse that mugs me for treats, I simply put my hand either in or under the pocket and every time they nudge the pocket, I flick my fingers and it doesn't take long for them to associate the pocket with a flick rather than a treat - which is not as pleasant!
 
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