young gelding and biting

[kerrieberry2]

Hello

Might seem a bit over the top but I was hoof picking my new rising 2 gelding yesterday and he bit me on the arm! then came over to me a licked me and didnt try it again.

but then this morning he was grooming with one of the mares and they were in a rather frisky mood, she was rearing up and they were biting each other pretty hard, then he followed me around the field and tried to bite me a couple of times!

i gave him a tap and said no but not really sure that is the best way to deal with it! I don't want to make him head shy and he's not scared or anything so just being told no doesnt really make a difference! since I've had him he's been a complete angel but the mares are a bit agressive with him and I wonder if he is learning from them?

plus they have just been put out into a field that hasnt been grazed on for a good few years so they have lots of grass so i dont know if thats helping towards him acting like this?

advice would be good on how to tell him off effectively

 

[sychnant]

My 9 month old colt has recently turned into a velociraptor, so I feel your pain! He hasn't got me yet because I am very aware of not getting into a position where he can.

When he tries, I either make sure to have something spiky, ie a plastic curry comb, that I can move into position quickly so he bites that instead, and hopefully will not associate it with "punishment" as such - or if it's when I am leading him to the field, I growl "no" quite loudly to out him off.

Fingers crossed it will work with no adverse effects, but any other ideas are welcome

 

[L&M]

Went to a friends today to have a look at her 9mnth old gelding and she has the same problem.

When she leads/handles it, it spends the whole time trying to bite, and not just little nips either!

No advice as have no experience of youngstock, but will be interested in any replies....

 

[LouS]

Depending on the situation you're in/where you're stood I will either use a swift elbow or push his face away firmly. Swift elbow is my weapon of choice though, I don't find smacking to be very effective, I find meeting an elbow when they go to bite is a very clear message of 'NO, not acceptable'.

 

[minkymoo]

I used to squeal at my baby (he was 7mo at the time). It sseemed to have surprised him enough that he no longer tries to bite. He's now 15mo.

He does like to eat stuff, your collar, your hair, the lead rope, his head collar.. You get the idea!