Why hasn't someone invented.............

asmp

asmp

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....a sort of muzzle that can be used on a horse or pony when it's being led but also has a rider on board. I'm getting rather fed up of being nipped when leading at my local RDA group. I think I've been bitten by everyone of the horses, mine included, and obviously you can't tell the horse off when there's a disabled rider on board!
 
a pony at the RDA i take children to was always biting, found out they had a sore back :(
however, i have known a cheeky pony who wore a grazing muzzle to stop him nipping
 
When I travel one of the horses I actually put a grazing muzzle on him. He's very dominant and although he's no problem in the field where he has space, when stuck in a trailer with another horse he will bite them and has actually taken the hair off a few times. He can still eat his hay, but it makes the journey much nicer for my other horses! He never nips or bites any other time though, I have lead ponies that nipped and they got a smack around the nose- that soon stopped them.
 
The riding stables I used to work at used a grazing muzzle to stop a mare who'd happily snap her teeth at the other horses you were bringing in at the same time (4 or 5 at a time) as her. It worked a treat.
 
holeymoley said:
....because they shouldn't be biting in the first place?! Teach them some manners and they won't.
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I agree but some belong to the RDA and some are privately owned. I think it is the monotony of going round in circles. They seem to know that you can't tell them off! My horse is read the riot act if he even attempts it at home.
 
I would be carrying a hoofpick the ones with the hard brush on one side in my leading hand at such an angle that the bristles would dig straignt into the soft mouth part if the pony went to bite. This won't get the same reaction as a smack and thereby not upset the rider, but will certainly deter biting attempts.
It sounds like someone needs to do some serious manners groundwork with them without riders on board - it's completely unacceptable behaviour.
 
pennyturner said:
Teach it manners: but if it bites, hold the clip.
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please never ever hold the clip this is stupid advise.
A friend of mine took a horse to turn out and she was holding the clip, once in the field the horse decided to go before the handler was ready dragging her with him, she lost two fingers, as they were ripped off
 
The Fuzzy Furry said:
This - and particularly any animal that is being used by the public, especially disabled riders!
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I used to lead a pony at PC stuff who was foul for nipping when there was someone nearby. They had him checked out by a vet and a physio because it was really not pleasant for anyone, but he was fine- just a grumpy old man. The trouble was, he knew if he nipped me and I told him off, and he then jiffled or got cross with me, the child would get scared and so I never could tell him not to. On the ground he was utterly charming, and when lead by small children he was also lovely.
 
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