have worked with him on manners,etc for 31/2 yrs since we got him--why testing us now? Hasn't been ridden or worked much over the winter. is turned out daily,all day with 2 older horses-? not getting enough of his"oats" out?
2007-03-28 08:43:05 · 9 answers · asked by gina h 1 in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
He might just be bored right now and is trying to get you to "play" w/ him... Once you start working w/ him again (riding and whatnot) , he should hopefully calm down... (my Paint does this when she hasn't had much excitement for awhile...)
2007-03-28 08:46:56 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
I rehabilitate horses. This is the start of the cycle that lands horses in my pens. Your five year old is now an adult, and he's trying to rearrange the pecking order.
I know this sounds obtuse, but this is a horse, not a furry, four-legged, speech impaired human. He thinks like a horse, he reacts like a horse, and he expects you to understand his language.
Step into his world. If you watch a horse herd, the lead horse never, never allows another horse to initiate "play". The leader does that. Horses KNOW this. If a flunky reaches over and "nips" the lead horse, what is the lead horse's reaction? He kicks the snot out of that flunky are reminds him where he's at in the pecking order.
Your horse is trying to dominate you. He knows better than to "nip" the lead horse even in play. That behavior has consequences.
In your world, it's time to reestablish your roll as lead horse or your horse will eventually end up in my corral - if he's lucky. I guarantee you can't kick as hard as a 1000 pound horse, but you can make your point. Watch him, when he reaches to nip, jerk on his halter, yell at him and "charge" him. Make him back up, and get out of your space. Keep him backing until he gets the point. Don't let him go sideways - that's avoidance. Make him back up.
This animal is 10 times your size jerking on his nose and yelling at him, even lodging a boot toe in his belly isn't going to hurt him a tiny little bit. But it will get the point across.
Don't let this horse play dominance games with you. As a human, your bones break too easy.
2007-03-28 16:15:02 · answer #2 · answered by SLA 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
It's springtime, he's feeling his oats. He should calm down once you start riding him and having more physical interaction with him. He may very well be testing your dominance so you need to get a handle on him and the only way to do that is through physical interaction, even brushing him on bad weather days, just get your hands on him in one form or another. Beautiful horses, by the way, I love them.
2007-03-28 15:51:59 · answer #3 · answered by leslie 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Not being worked doesn't excuse-nipping/pawing--do ground work with him until he's tired--then ride him till he gives out--if that doesn't work--wear him out if he trys to bite or paw--(he knows better) that is behavior NEVER to be tolerated at anytime!!! I have 3 stallions--5yrs--3yrs & 2yrs--I would never tolerate that behavior and they know it--They smarter than some people think!! Mine may be fresh an full of themselves at times--but NEVER mean!! Pawing/nipping is never to be considered as play--it is not!
2007-03-28 15:59:29 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
I train arabians and show them They will always push becouse they are smart. He probly needs to have a life ajustment becouse he has seen people as food only despensors for the last few mounths.
2007-03-28 19:44:44 · answer #5 · answered by LostArab 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Every breed is prone to slightly different behavioural things.
I think he's wanting to play, or in play with the other horsea a domination-play is coming about. I'd try and calm him down if I were you, or play with him, your choice. Depends on iff he gets bored easily or not.
2007-03-28 15:55:43 · answer #6 · answered by Unicornrider 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
This would be the stubborn Arabian's ways.
(I used to break them)
They are very spirited and do need lots of attention.
They do show jealousy, trust me. (riding other horses)
Saddle up...LOL
EDIT:
Talk to him with a firm voice when he "tests" you. (you're in charge...not him)
My Arabs were notorious for "memory" if you ticked them off. (strapping is a bad option)
2007-03-28 15:49:07 · answer #7 · answered by Bonnie Lynn 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Maybe he should be ridden on some long rides each day. He is bored stiff.
Horses are like dogs: they like to be walked.
2007-03-28 15:48:33 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
Was it necessary to say he was Arab?? Every kid tests out whoever is there guardian.
2007-03-28 15:47:02 · answer #9 · answered by Paligurl 3 · 0⤊ 6⤋