Never had a problem of biting until recently with a five year old gelded paint. He saves them for me!?

Question

He is the horse I bought for my 8 year old granddaughter one year ago. I would call his ground manners great, and greenbroke on riding. He follows her as if he is on a lead, and she is doing an admirable job of establishing respect. The problem has only occurred a few times, but I am not talking love nips, he bit me on the arm while he was acting like he wanted his face time. He has never done this to anyone except me. I had to slow my granddaughter down on his treats, and have never yelled, but used a firm voice with her when she is out of bounds with any of the horses. They are very bonded, could it be he thinks he is protecting her? I feel almost silly saying that, but sometimes that is what it feels like. The only new thing is he has always been in submission to two older geldings, and we now have two fillies [yearlings] and he is aware that he isn't at the bottom of the pecking order. He nips at them, mostly playfully. This is an infrequent thing.,

I sure did pop him right between his nostrils. He hung his head and came right back to me. I need to clarify, that this happened on three occasions in dozens of workouts. Two were minor, but the last time was hard. Not trying to make an excuse, but it is not like him.

His ears were fine and he was giving eye contact, every indication he was relaxed and happy for the attention. Never kicked out or even looked like he had any vinegar left. The behavior has to go, the horse is here to stay.

Answer 1

What were his ears doing, were they back??

I hope you smacked him when he did it and did it immediately. There are 3 things I don't allow with my animals, biting, kicking and striking. All 3 of those are unwanted and dangerous behaviours and they are reprimanded heavily if they attempt it. It took my donkey 2 times of biting to decide that it wasn't a good idea and your horse should be no different.

I am talking one swift wack to the horse and make it known that you are wacking them. Then go about your business like nothing happened and pet the horse etc. If he tries it again, discipline again. You WILL NOT make a horse head shy by discipling and petting him right after. I promise ;)

Before all you "bleeding hearts horse dream land" start screaming about the discipline, you haven't seen the end result of what happens without discipline. I have, I'm medical and I see bratty horse bitting injuries allll the time. (not intended at poster by any means)

You need to correct this behaviour before it does get worse and he could possibly take it to your gdaughter.

Good luck.

Answer 2

I found the best way to stop any horse from touching you with their mouth is to never hand feed them and to limit treats. I had a very mouthy 2 yo and when I stood in front of him, he'd try to grab me. I elbowed him in the mouth while my back was turned. This worked and he did not associate the pain with me because I did not face him. My latest horse did not get any hand treats ever and I've had her for six years (a premarin baby) She will nuzzle you but will never open her mouth to grab you.

Answer 3

always be the alpha in the relationship with a horse... u dont have to hurt them but be firm and reasurring you r the boss. Horses do change order in rank but u should never not... be consistant and dont let him bite even if u have to smack him in the nose 5 times to get your point across.

Answer 4

That sounds like my old horse Buckie. He did the same thing. I think you need to bond with him, show him, that scince your grand daughter is boss of him, and you are boss of your grand daughter makeing you boss of him! (I know, CoNFUSING) but try the lead rope thing, it worked well for Buckie. Then bring your grand daughter into the picture. If he still does it, then do it all over again.