Preventing Biting

[lamb1977]

Hi all, I wonder if anyone can offer some advice? In November last year we bought my daughter a pony. For the first few months he was well behaved but over the last month or so he's started biting. It began with a bit of nibbling here and there when putting his rug on or stroking him but just recently he's become a bit more nasty. Today he bit my arm and it was blooming painful!! I need to nip this in the bud before he bites one of my children and the problem becomes worse. Any suggestions? Thanks

 

[Hayzeebailey]

Had you been tid bitting him and now he is expecting it? Someone on our yard did and her horse was getting pushy she was advised to pinch his lip next time he did it and also cut out the treats? I think it stopped it

 

[Nugget La Poneh]

Stop all treats, rule out pain elsewhere, think carefully whether you are making unnecessary rug changes. Get a jif lemon and carry with you ready to squirt at his mouth when he goes for a nibble. Should only take about 4 goes tops and he won't do it again. If the behaviour starts again, just repeat.

 

[lamb1977]

He's not been having treats very often so I don't think this is the cause of the problem. As for the rug changes, its only twice a day when he goes into the field in the morning or back into his stable at night. I'll give the lemon trick a go, thanks

 

[Echo Bravo]

Tie him up short with a haynet and talk to him or growl when he tries to nip, but it does usually start with a kiddies pony with the treats.