punishments?

[Stinkbomb]

When leading my miniature Inky he sometime tries to turn a round and nip me. I have tried tapping him on the nose ( i know you shouldnt do this but was running out of options ) But this didnt work as it just made him headshy ( as i know you are all going to say no surprise there...... )

I have tried carrying a stick and smacking him on the chest but now he just does mini rears when he anticipates it, which is most of the time!. Any ideas on how to stop this without the above happening???? It is driving me mad and am reaching the end of my teather.

 

[Bex7]

might sound a bit far fetched but what is he like with water?

Could try a water pistol and squirt him with it to shock him out of the habit.......

I know someone that uses her baseball cap.....takes it off and waggles it at them....enough to make them think twice and seems to work.

 

[Fairynuff]

Give him a real good bite on the neck or muzzle then shove him away with all of your weight. The shock on his face will be a pleasure to see

. M.

 

[Theresa_F]

Shove him away as hard as you can with a good growl as he goes to nip. Then bring him back to you and stroke him, keep repeating.

You could also show him very aggressive body language - stare him in the eye - stiffen yourself and - try to make yourself like a square - arms out - I refer to it as the fish finger stance if he turns at you, I also give a big hiss (people think I am daft but for me it works.

I also make Chancer back up as punishment for when he is being too cocky or not listening - within a couple of steps his head goes down, he chews and submits. This is one of the most aggressive things you can do to a horse - force him back and involves no physical contact. Initially I did have to flick at him with a soft rope to get him to back up but now the most I use is a finger prod.

He is the immediately rewarded with a pat and cuddle and words of praise as he softens. I have found this very effective - far more so than a whip in most instances.

Has he got his boys bits? Removal of said may assist with nipping.

 

[casey2312]

I tried all the smacking-body language malarky with mine. Didn't make a blind bit of difference. Then went for the ignoring method. Now, he does the occcasional nip, but nothing like it was.

 

[Tinypony]

How long is your leadrope? I think it's quite good if you can do something really impersonal, but that makes an impression. My leadrope is long, one of those NH type ropes without a clip. For a biting horse I keep a few feet spare in my spare hand, and then spin it hard so it hits the ground on the side away from the horse when I feel that "I'm going to have you" attitude coming at me. Hmmm... that's a bit hard to explain typing, hope it makes sense. It means I'm not physically engaging with the behaviour at all, but there is a consequence all the same.

 

[Mid]

Growl

Really menacingly.

Works a dream with Jayjay - When he tries to eat on the end of a lead rope, my little sister yells 'RaRaRA' at the top of her voice, and it does the trick! He's a wuss, though, and really too lazy to argue.

 

[filly190]

Training mini's can be the most difficult, they are lovely but can be little terrors. Because they are so small and cute you just dont expect the bad behaviour - which they are very quick to learn. My suggestion is think horse, think big and treat him as you would with bigger ones.

I hear what you are saying about not wanting him to be head shy and afraid of you, they are very clever and do learn extremely well, its just a case of daily training and persistance.