Pony bit my face today....

Mogg

Mogg

Well-Known Member
Joined
9 August 2010
Messages
513
Location
S Yorks
Visit site
and i don't know where to go from here with her. (altho knackers-yard was a suggestion :() Sorry, this is long....

Sister bought a pony last Autumn with a long term view to having her for her kids to ride. 13.1 mare, turned 4 last month. She was quite depressed and in poor condition when she arrived, heavy worm burden etc, but in conjunction with vets advice worming & feeding regime soon got that sorted and she started feeling better in herself. At the time we also had a cob gelding who was 'in charge'. He has since been sold and she now shares a field with a mini shetland that she bosses around, and a mare 'friend' in the next paddock

She's quite sensitive around the girth area and flanks, but we're aware of this and so are quite gentle in approach when grooming/touching these areas. As time has passed tho she is becoming more and more unpredictable and aggressive, lashing out with hooves and teeth for no apparent reason. For example she can be being stroked, she seems to be enjoying it, i.e eye is soft, no negative 'get off me or else' body language when suddenly it's like a switch is flicked and she lashes out.

Today id been poo-picking and she came over for a nosey. i backed her up away from the barrow and then was stood talking to her & stroking her neck. Suddenly she went to bite me so i pushed her away, she came at me again and i said a sharp no and pushed her away again (one hand on neck to block her head & other on chest) then suddenly she just launched herself at me, mouth wide open and teeth bared. Her upper teeth cut me just above my eyebrow and her lower ones under my jaw. She came at me so hard and fast i landed on my back about 10 feet away, blood pouring from my face. Luckily my dog ran over and started barking at her so she turned to him and i managed to get up and out of her way.

i have wondered if it's something i'm doing wrong, i.e is my body language all wrong, but tbh she's like it with everyone, it's just that i have more day to day contact with her than anyone else. She tried to bite the vet and the farrier, and when they've not let her get away with it shes come back at them again. The only person she hasnt gone for is the dentist... she's seen her twice since getting her and each time she's been like a lamb.

Vet was out last week to give her her 3rd vacc, and said it may be an age thing, i.e testing the boundaries, which i can see. But what i dont know is how to deal with it when she wont accept a 'no' and reacts with aggression.

Gonna ring the vet Monday to have a chat and see what they suggest, eg any possible medical issues that could be a cause, like ulcers, hormone imbalance, or whether they can put us in touch with a behaviourist to help us.

Its such a shame. i want to be able to understand why she suddenly 'snaps'. we can't in all conscience sell her on, cos unless its to someone who knows exactly what they're taking on i feel sure she'd end up in a downward spiral. if i'm doing something wrong i want to know what, and change it. But she is, at present, dangerous. We cant allow the kids near her, and rest of the family dont want to be anywhere near her either.

If any of you have any advice for me, i'll gladly take it.

ETA she lives out 24/7
 
I read somewhere on here that such behaviour could either be a result of behavioural problems or a brain tumor. Not really of much help sorry.

Personally I think she'd be better off being put to sleep rather than the knackers yard.

Speak to the vet and allow them to do tests if that's what they recommend. If they suggest any changes then give her a few months to come right (I know it can take a lot longer but at present she's dangerous).

Just a question though - does she act the same with a male handler?
 
Get her blood tested for hormone imbalances, and also as she is sensetive about her stomach/flank areas ask your vet about scoping for ulcers.

Good luck, I hope your face is not too sore.
 
Ouch! Hope your face, and you, are okay.

As to the mare, as others say, ulcers or ovaries may be the root cause.

Without withdrawing all affection, I would be very wary of being within attack distance/reach of her until you get this bottomed out.
 
It might be a hormonal imbalance or it could just be that she is testing her boundaries and by the sound of things you are being way to soft with her.

I can assure you that I have well mannered, very laid back TBs that know the rules and boundaries and even if they are in pain or discomfort they will NOT get away with biting or kicking anyone.

Stop pushing her away when she threatens or tries to bit and instead give her a darn good hard slap with an open hand across her muzzle. Stop being overly gentle with her in her ticklish areas and get on and handle them. Get a bamboo pole stuff a glove wiirh some straw or shavings and tape it to the end stand by her shoulder and use that to poke into places that Heineken does not reach. Boss her. If she moves into you shover her back hard. Do not allow her to blink without you permission.

She is meant to be a child's pony and as such she needs to learn respect and unless you start owning the air that she breathes she is never going to be safe around children.

It is all very well looking for excuses and reasons for an animal misbehaving and often they are there but 99% of the time these reasons are minor and it is just because the people handling them are afraid to take the lead and be the boss.

Horses that are bullies need to be bullied back, give them a dose of their own treatment and as with most bullies they soon back down. I am not advocating beating her up - just making her know that you are not going to take her ill manners and that you can and will put her in her place if she does not comply.
 
Foxhunter49 said:
It might be a hormonal imbalance or it could just be that she is testing her boundaries and by the sound of things you are being way to soft with her.

I can assure you that I have well mannered, very laid back TBs that know the rules and boundaries and even if they are in pain or discomfort they will NOT get away with biting or kicking anyone.

Stop pushing her away when she threatens or tries to bit and instead give her a darn good hard slap with an open hand across her muzzle. Stop being overly gentle with her in her ticklish areas and get on and handle them. Get a bamboo pole stuff a glove wiirh some straw or shavings and tape it to the end stand by her shoulder and use that to poke into places that Heineken does not reach. Boss her. If she moves into you shover her back hard. Do not allow her to blink without you permission.

She is meant to be a child's pony and as such she needs to learn respect and unless you start owning the air that she breathes she is never going to be safe around children.

It is all very well looking for excuses and reasons for an animal misbehaving and often they are there but 99% of the time these reasons are minor and it is just because the people handling them are afraid to take the lead and be the boss.

Horses that are bullies need to be bullied back, give them a dose of their own treatment and as with most bullies they soon back down. I am not advocating beating her up - just making her know that you are not going to take her ill manners and that you can and will put her in her place if she does not comply.
Click to expand...


After a vet check have to agree. Knew someone who's pony started behaving like this....some one told them it was a confidence thing so every time the pony tried to kick or nip they stroked it...within one week it was savage...I kick they pet me....I bite they pet me.....kicking and biting result in a good deal for me. They literally conditioned that pony to kick and bite.

If one even tries to bite me I don't think twice about whacking it with my hand. Strangly hardly ever bit and never twice by the same horse.

Years ago used to work for someone who is now a fellow of the BHS. She was very highly respected and nationally known even then. I was holding a horse and she was trying to look at a wound. It tried to kick her, missed and I instantly reacted by shouting agressively at it and thumping it really hard. It was my automatic reaction. Thought my boss would be mad so I said "sorry, I just reacted"...oh "well done" she said, "you can't have them doing that!".

Suggest you take a long stick into the field when poo picking and don't hesitate to threaten with it using an aggressive voice should the pony try to invade your space again.

Really hope you feel better and it all heals up well. Sounds really nasty. You have my empathy.
 
Last edited:
The_Hooligan said:
once again foxhunter has advised abuse to deal with a problem, please ignore her/him.
Click to expand...

Can I ask how you would deal with this situation??? :confused:

If this is indeed a behavior isssue then I too would be giving a hard smack for biting! That is not a cheeky nip shes drawn blood!!

Good luck op hope you get her sorted x :)
 
Sounds like a dominence issue too ie who is leader of the pack. Being nice to beasty just isnt going to work with aggression at this level. I think she needs putting in her place horses are creatures of habit and this will be repeated if you dont tell her off. Easier said than done but if she comes at you give her a good hard wack with whatever you have on you, I have picked up sticks before if mine wants to play buckaroo with me on the ground or wacked with the poo picking shovel. Lunge whip?

I think if your vet cannot help etc hormones/exclude tumours or whatever. you are right to think PTS..I dont know where she came from but if she has had to fight for her food etc it could be a habititual???? Childs pony quite scary /dangerous, even for an adult. Sounds like she just hates humans? Bad experiences. Can see why someone has said dont be nasty as well its trying to have the balance but to do this to you is very unacceptable dangerous behaviour. Order in the herd????

If you have covered all aspects you have not failed in anyway but been realistic. Could you sell her on and have this happen to someone else or their child??
 
If a dog had done this in such a way.... It would most probably and quite rightly be put down. Im not saying this pony should be put down but Personally I think it's gona take a firm hand to correct this kind of behaviour. I'm not saying or condoning that you beat or abuse it but a sharp smack won't do it any harm if it's trying to bit you. Obviously get the relevant checks and tests done by the vet but if all comes back clear, you need to lay the law down with ponio..... That could have been a child she attacked :-/. I hope you can resolve this soon :-)
 
I would have given a slap across the muzzle for nipping/biting too and indeed I have with my own youngster when she nipped my daughters face. She has never done it since. She has in the past threatened to kick and been told off sharply and doesn't do it now. If the bad behaviours are nipped in the bud when they first appear you 'shouldn't' have any more problems. By being firm and fair my youngster knows that I am the boss and as such does as she is told.


OP I hope your face isn't too sore and heals quickly
 
Tend to agree with Foxhunter -- after the medical checks have been done.

Many years ago I taught 12 year olds. One in my class had a massive scar covering the whole of one cheek. He'd been bitten by a mare. I can only assume, from the extent of the scarring, that the horse had bitten out a chunk of flesh.

Biting horses need to be viewed in the same light as dangerous dogs, especially around kids.
 
I have to say, Foxhunter has given the same advice as I would. She needs to learn her place. That doesn't mean a beating, she just needs to understand her behaviour is unacceptable.

Tough love!
 
The_Hooligan said:
once again foxhunter has advised abuse to deal with a problem, please ignore her/him.
Click to expand...


So tell us, how would you deal with a childs pony who had drawn blood on the face of an adult?

OP I agree with Foxhunter, a short sharp slap is in order, the pony (assuming there is no medical issue) is testing the boundaries and this seems to be a dominance thing. You will now have to be very black and white with this pony and immediately chastise for ANY undesirable behaviour but be equally quick with praise when she does even the smallest thing right.
 
Foxhunter49 said:
It might be a hormonal imbalance or it could just be that she is testing her boundaries and by the sound of things you are being way to soft with her.

I can assure you that I have well mannered, very laid back TBs that know the rules and boundaries and even if they are in pain or discomfort they will NOT get away with biting or kicking anyone.

Stop pushing her away when she threatens or tries to bit and instead give her a darn good hard slap with an open hand across her muzzle. Stop being overly gentle with her in her ticklish areas and get on and handle them. Get a bamboo pole stuff a glove wiirh some straw or shavings and tape it to the end stand by her shoulder and use that to poke into places that Heineken does not reach. Boss her. If she moves into you shover her back hard. Do not allow her to blink without you permission.


.
She is meant to be a child's pony and as such she needs to learn respect and unless you start owning the air that she breathes she is never going to be safe around children.

It is all very well looking for excuses and reasons for an animal misbehaving and often they are there but 99% of the time these reasons are minor and it is just because the people handling them are afraid to take the lead and be the boss.

Horses that are bullies need to be bullied back, give them a dose of their own treatment and as with most bullies they soon back down. I am not advocating beating her up - just making her know that you are not going to take her ill manners and that you can and will put her in her place if she does not comply.
Click to expand...


What a good way to make a already nervous pony headshy.Well done
 
I'd also go with what foxhunter has written but with an addition.

Check out her feed. I currently have a pony on the yard who is the sweetest most compliant thing going provided she gets NO hard feed. Feed her pony nuts or mix, even just a handful and she changes dramatically, cut it back out and she's a darling again. If your pony is getting ANY grain, including in snacks and titbits, cut it out and see if that helps. It will take a few days but is worth trying IME.
 
I can't be much help as I am way to soft with Av and as a result her behaviour is by no means perfect. I picked up Horse magazine the other day and they run a feature with a lady who helps owners deal with behaviour...maybe a NH lady? Now I'm no carrot stick brandisher but it may be worth getting some advice from someone who can show you how to handle her (not necessarily an NH person)....ie when to ignore/ when to punish/ when to reward etc.- If I was in your situation thats what I would do coz although soft I am good at rule following and if someone shows me what to do I would be much better at doing the right thing in the right situation!...Good luck:)
 
Ulcers was something which went through my mind with her reaction to being touched around the flanks and girth area.

I'd get one of the Intelligent Horsemanship RA's out, or some other local recommended behaviourist after any pain issues have been ruled out to set you all on a good path with future ground manners.

This could have been really nasty, glad you are relatively ok. I got bitten on the face once by a food aggressive pony at a RS, not nice.
 
The first thing that should be done is to get the vet out and some tests done for hormone inbalance etc. people that are saying hit it should have a bit more sense. The pony could well be in pain somewhere and you are saying whack it round the head.
If all tests are ok and nothing found to be wrong you could try a good experienced behaviourist but be careful who you get.
You can only go from there, but remember violence breeds violence
 
You didn't do anything wrong, most people assume you are safe from being bitten by your horse...!!! I hope you are ok!

Once you rule out problems, I too would take a firm line with her, don't know if I'd smack her in the mouth - but I'd sure smack her. When you are doing field chores do not let her do the approaching unless you want her too - if that means you have to take a long broom with you or lunging whip to keep her back - do so!
 
itsmylife said:
You can only go from there, but remember violence breeds violence
Click to expand...

Sometimes yes, but in some cases, a slap which administered properly doesn't hurt more than it offends ... breeds respect. These are animals - they do not have the capacity to think and communicate as we do - I'm sure otherwise the new horse into established herd would sound like this:

Hey mate you new?
Yeah mate!
Where from?
Surrey mate!
Ah well, come on in, nice patch of grass by the tree there...

Instead it's hooves and teeth body language. I think good sense should dictate you communicate on THEIR level not ours.. which means sometimes when body language doesn't work - you have to be prepared to back it up with action..
 
It makes me laugh how people always come up with 'ulcers' or some other medical problem expecting the person to pay out a load of money investigating when in actual fact its probably behavioural.

Give the pony a good whack if it comes at you again. Scare it off and turn away.

It is not acceptable for her to do something like that, i really feel for you. But i would take a very firm approach as many others have said. I hope it works out and you arent feeling too sore today!
 
Syrah said:
As a novicey owner, I'm curious to know how those who are against Foxhunters suggestion would deal with it.
Click to expand...

well first of all get vet out out to rule out any problem, make sure no children go near her and I would like to bet that it turns out to be a physical problem.

IF it turns out to be behavioural then get some good professional help. In the meantime dont put yourself in a position to be bitten. Take a broom etc with you and drive her away dont whack her round the head.
 
Get her checked out for ulcers, hormones etc as others have suggested.

Please be careful because sometimes being aggressive back can result in more aggressive behaviour depending on the animal and the issues. If it is behavioural, have a look for someone to help and advise you. Keep yourself safe though until you have come to a conclusion of what the problem is and can deal with it, I've seen a horse's skull and the power in their jaw without all the attached tissues alone is breathtaking. She has the ability to seriously hurt you, please bear that in mind.
 
Tormenta said:
Get her checked out for ulcers, hormones etc as others have suggested.

Please be careful because sometimes being aggressive back can result in more aggressive behaviour depending on the animal and the issues. If it is behavioural, have a look for someone to help and advise you. Keep yourself safe though until you have come to a conclusion of what the problem is and can deal with it, I've seen a horse's skull and the power in their jaw without all the attached tissues alone is breathtaking. She has the ability to seriously hurt you, please bear that in mind.
Click to expand...

Well said.
 
I am sorry to hear you are having problems with your rescue and I hope your injuries mend soon.

Do you know anything of her history, breeding etc. if so it might be worth contacting her previous owners (or whoever bred her) to ask what her temperament was like when she was younger. They probably wont tell you the whole truth, but you might get some insight into her behaviour.

Of the advise you have received here I would recommend strong caution approaching her with aggression as from your description of her temperament, she will meet it and raise you.

A long shot but could she be in foal? It might explain the change of behaviour which is getting progressively worse and sensitive flanks.

If she is meant for the children in all honesty I can only advise you to try to re-home her, telling the complete truth about her behaviour. Equine charities sometimes take on problem horses, it might be worth contacting one of them as they may know of someone who would be interested in helping you, even if they aren't.

Please don't ever let this mare near a young child without constant supervision, even if she appears 'cured'. I would never trust a pony who has lashed out to such a extreme with any child or even a novice adult.
 
Last edited:
itsmylife said:
well first of all get vet out out to rule out any problem, make sure no children go near her and I would like to bet that it turns out to be a physical problem.

IF it turns out to be behavioural then get some good professional help. In the meantime dont put yourself in a position to be bitten. Take a broom etc with you and drive her away dont whack her round the head.
Click to expand...

Thank you.

Must admit, I think my initial reaction if a horse or pony had it's jaws locked on my face would be to smack it to get it off and away.

Once I'd managed that, I would get the vet out, but wouldn't go near her without company.

I'd make sure I wasn't in a position for the horse to take a chunk out of me, so whacking her around the head to prevent it happening again shouldn't occur. However, if she came at me again, I would have no hesitation in hitting her, whether it be driving away or otherwise, for self preservation. My safety is much more important.
 
If this pony were mine, I'm sorry to say it would be shot. Harsh I know but once it's done this once it'll do it again. My children's safety and the safety of others on the yard would come far and above any sentimental feelings about said pony. NO WAY would I "rehome" (dump my problem on someone else) it.
In this day and age there are many lovely childrens ponies on the market at sensible prices, I would far rather get rid of the dangerous one and aquire one of these.

And, like Foxhunter if I had a pony come at me like that - I'd belt it too, I cannot afford to be off work having surgery or whatever poncing around trying to "make it my friend".

Like I say, you lot don't like hearing it, but the kennels would be recieving fresh meat first thing tomorrow morning.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top