NEW TO HORSEBACK RIDING. Just started taking lessons at a new place and I'm having trouble with the horse?

Question

The teacher is great but the horse (who I adore) is a bit old and really should be retired. But because it's not my place to tell them how to run their business, is there anything that I can do to reassure my pal that when I put the saddle on him, I will not be rough the way that others probably have been which is why he nips and fusses a lot while I do it. The other day while my instructor was adjusting the girth, he nipped me. Of course I didn't take it personal but is there anything I can do to help calm him such as give a carrot, pet him, anything? Hitting is NOT an option. Nothing cruel-ever so any tips would be greatly appreciated. He is fine when I ride him but I would love it if he weren't so uncomfortable. Damn the others who have not been nice to him! Fast responses as my lesson is in 2 hours!!! :)

what great advice everyone, thank you so much, I will absolutely take heed. :)

Answer 1

i am riding a horse right now that does the same thing she gets grumpy when you girth her up in cross ties but not if you tighten the girth in the arena or somewhere else. the reason is because she is like work sour and before i started riding her all she constantly did is get saddled, rode in the arena, and put away. that may be the problem with the horse you are riding also. since he is older and probably calmer then alot of other horses he probably just gets saddled and rode in the arena and put away. there isn't much you can do besides, when you learn to ride better maybe your instructor will let you ride on trails and things like that and the horse may get better. i am pretty sure that the instructor knows the horse and if he had a sore back or other problem he would probably let him rest for a while but if you have any doubts you could always just ask why the horse gets grumpy when you saddle him and i'm sure they'll give you an answer. it isn't a good idea to give them treats when they are grumpy though because in a way you are rewarding him for nipping and you want him to get better not worse

Answer 2

Others may not have been mean or creul to him.
Horses do and will take advantage of people who do not have much experience with them. They are pushy and unless you put the horse in his place he will push you around. You do not have to be mean about it just like another horse would treat him if he nipped them. You put the min their place and move on. Otherwise the small problems you have now will get bigger.
He is most likely an old school horse and they tend to get sour from having beginners ride all the time and will take advantage of them if they are allowed.
Ask you instructor about it and they will be able to help you learn how to correct the horse for misbehavior and that is what the nipping is.
Do not reward this type of behavior it will get worse.
You could not hit a horse hard with your hand to hurt him anyway.
More likely it would hurt your hand not the horse.

Answer 3

Sweet feed always worked for me. A little bit while grooming, before and after riding. Before you put a saddle on a horse, you should be grooming it for a good half hour, as well as half an hour after. Older horses often behave this way, and not because they've been mistreated. Don't jump to conclusions. Some horses are like that and others aren't. It's up to you and you're instructor to develop a good relationship with the horse, which is just as important in your riding as anything else.

Answer 4

I happen to ride horses and own two of my own. (I've ridden for three, almost four years) Anyway, the first horse I rode was very old, but perfect for a beginner. Perhaps, when you saddle the horse, be real gentle when you lower the saddle onto his back. Tighten the girth slowly and gradually. If he is kind of edgy, petting him or scratching his shoulder or withers can calm him down. Be sure not to get nervous yourself. The horse can sense your anxiety and will become anxious as well.

If you feel really strongly about this, talk to your instructor and make SUGGESTIONS...not orders or anything. I hope this helps!

Good luck and happy riding!

Answer 5

I had one that did that and I anticipated her nipping and I just sternly said no as her head came around. Most lesson horses are already seasoned enough to know the word NO and they will usually stop. As others have suggested take the girthing process slow.
Just because he nips at you doesn't mean that someone was mean to him in the past. He is testing you and your skills as he probably has everyone that has ridden him. Be firm and consistent. He should get the message soon that you are not willing to put up with the nipping and it should stop.
As long as you are confident around him he should trust you soon enough. Keep at it - everything comes together with time.

Answer 6

I live in the country & was raised on horses. I have found that with those horses that like to nibble/nip, if I talk to them & pet them a little while I'm saddeling them that they are not so eager to bite. If you are nervous or afraid of the horse he/she will try to take advantage of that. So let him/her know that you are not afraid by showing him how much you enjoy being around him/her. On the other hand there are some horses that just like to nibble & all you can do when they start this is distract them with something else. I used to put my hand under my mares mouth & push gently when she started doing this. It didn't take her long to figure out why I did that.
You & your horse will have to establish a relationship & boundaries. Untill then he/she will continue to see how much he/she can get away with.

Answer 7

Every thing you explains leads me to believe he has pain in the girth area or ribs ..but somewhere thats why he nips that is a reaction to pain..

Answer 8

Really try to earn his trust ! Always be really gentle with it. Pat him often and give him treats. Tell your insttor about the problem and ask if you could mnaybe ride another horse.
GOOD LUCK!