Young horse threatening to nibble - best corrective measures

P

pennyturner

Well-Known Member
Joined
1 August 2006
Messages
2,594
Visit site
I've had plenty of colts, and this particular chap is kind, gentle and willing, so not likely to be a big issue. However, at 4yo he's decided that he'd like to try reaching for me with his teeth sometimes. Not nasty - but not acceptable.

Previously I have taken a two-pronged approach to mouthy youngsters. I tell them off firmly and push them away (calmly - I don't want headshy!) when they do anything wrong, and encourage them to mouth nicely by teasing their muzzle / lips when we're having 'grooming moments', so that they understand that I do want to play, but gently.

Does anyone have a tried and tested method which works?
 
I don't pay any attention and just bump them with whichever bit of me they are going for. Elbow/shoulder/head whatever (best if you have a hat on). Because the correction is totally instant they link it with the mouthing behaviour and desist. It is by far the most superior method.
 
A poke in the nose with a finger usually does the job (can be quite a HARD poke), means you're not lashing out at them (which is what causes the head shyness). Needs to be instantaneous or even before they open the lips; literally if they even think about it or bring the head near you. I wouldn't be playing around with the head at all either.
 
Cortez said:
A poke in the nose with a finger usually does the job (can be quite a HARD poke), means you're not lashing out at them (which is what causes the head shyness). Needs to be instantaneous or even before they open the lips; literally if they even think about it or bring the head near you. I wouldn't be playing around with the head at all either.
Click to expand...

This is really intersting I never thought of a poke! I was grooming a 4 year old for the first time today and when I got near her legs she would turn her head with ears pinned back threatening. I didnt push it too much today as was by myself and didnt want to be smacking her if she did do something, so I just pushed her away and while she did stop Iv the feeling she didnt really get the message
 
poke with a finger in the nose-the bit between the top lip and nostril is effective and if you are are expecting it and are ready they poke themselves pretty much. If they are going for another part of you, what FfionWinnie says works in same way.
 
Thanks everyone. My 'push away' is not a million miles away from what you're describing as a poke, so it's good to know I'm not missing a trick.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top