Does it really encourage a horse to bite?

[Kng5]

So I was at the barn yesterday, just saying hi to all of the horses. I was petting this really sweet young horse, and all of a sudden these two people started screaming at me from across the barn that I shouldn't be petting the horse's face, because it teaches them to bite or something. And if I wanted to do that to my own horse it was fine. They were so incredibly rude! And I think they might even be the same people that got kicked out of this other barn for not paying the board fee and ruining this horse (they blew out its leg or something). If I ever see them again, I want to be able to correct them so they don't go around screaming at innocent kids. ;) But if they are right...well, they shouldn't have been so rude!

[Teehee]

I've never heard of such a thing!!! :eek: Now if you were giving him treats... I could understand it... but just patting... I don't see the connection which would cause the horse to bite???

[Kng5]

I don't know either. Hopefully I'll catch those people there next time and I'll pet that adorable little horse right in front of them. I mean, I don't even know if it's their horse! Hopefully I can muster up the courage to defend myself, though. :o I know if my grandma happens to be there, she'll tell them off like there's no tomorrow. She doesn't care what people think.

[KarinUS]

Was it their horse? Maybe they were warning you that their horse was prone to biting when petted on the face?

[mayoguinness]

Lots of horse prefer to be stroked on the shoulder and some head shy ones might be inclined to give you a bite if eeling threatened by being petted on the face!! I dunno, but even if this was the case there is certantly no reason to be rude about it!!

[Kng5]

No, this horse is seriously the sweetest, nicest horse I've ever met. He's still sort of a baby, though. He's like a little puppy dog!

[lolahutt]

no. they just dont know what they are on about! :rolleyes:

[icegirl]

Sounds like a load of old codswallop to me.:)
I have never yet discovered a friendly horse which doesnt enjoy a gentle rub on the forehead and most get very soppy and relaxed when you do it.

[Bobbin]

Was it their horse? Maybe they were warning you that their horse was prone to biting when petted on the face?

Agree with Karin, perhaps they were trying to tell you something but did it in totally the wrong way.

Perhaps finding out who owns the horse and asking if they mind you stroking the horse on its face is the best way to go and then if an incident like this occurs again you can correct these people and tell them you have the owners permission to stroke the horse.

I certainly wouldn't go giving them a mouthful, as each set of circumstances is totally different and maybe this horse might bite if you touch it's head.....

[Cochise]

If it is their horse, I'd respect their wishes and not pat it's head, even if their reasoning is complete codswallop. My horse is very mouthy, and if my non-horsey friends come visiting, I always encourage them to pat his shoulder rather than his nose, because they'll more than likely end up with their sleeve in his teeth!

[Wally]

Sounds like another one to add to my old wives tale book!

Love them!

[Skib]

On the contrary. It may be really good for horses that bite.
John Lyons (I think it is Lyons) suggests that stallions who bite may do so because people have been afraid to pet them on their noses or near their mouths and they are deprived of this contact. After all horses who are friends nuzzle each other.

I ride a mare known to bite. She does it to everyone when being tacked up, rugged etc. I deliberately started to stroke her nose every week. At first I was pretty careful. I mean you have to use common sense and not put your hand near the mouth of a horse that has its ears pinned back and is trying to bite you.
When I groom her or handle her, I take any opportunity to stroke her nose.
But I also have a firm rule that I control her, I do what I need to her, and that she doesnt attempt to bite me.
I cant tell whether I will ever in future be bitten by her.
Nor can I prove that stroking her nose has improved her behaviour to anyone, including myself.
But I did believe it would, and I think it has. If she was deprived of affection, a bit of rubbing on her nose would make her happier. And it is mutual as it makes me feel happier when I am with her.

[mayoguinness]

I agree but horses don't tend to nuzzle each other on the nose ;)

[MrDCBags]

What if you kiss your horse on the muzzle?!!!

[Teehee]

What if you kiss your horse on the muzzle?!!!

I did that the other day to my mare, she had got a nice session of grooming, she bent her neck over and wanted to give me a hug (rest her head on my shoulder...) so I kissed her muzzle, I don't know if that's what she wanted... :confused: but she didn't seem offended by it!!! :D :cool:

[mayoguinness]

I always do that to Mayo...............I think he just thinks I'm a strange human but he doesn't object........bless him :)

[Joyscarer]

I kiss Joy a lot too and see seems happier with that than being touched on her face with my hand so it can't be all bad :)

[MrDCBags]

Mine loves kisses! He smells your breath to see what you've been eating!!

[Keket]

I would think it would do the opposite, actually. If they're used to you being up around their muzzles, I'd think it would prevent them from biting. That's like saying you shouldn't pick out a horse's feet because it encourages them to kick! Coquette loves to have her muzzle rubbed, and will happily tuck her muzzle into the crook of my elbow for love and cuddles (only when I invite her to though). :D

[Keket]

I agree but horses don't tend to nuzzle each other on the nose ;)

On the contrary, I've seen Lestat and Coquette do this plenty to each other. And there's a loose rabbit at the yard that used to groom Coquette's muzzle. Coquette would drop her head down to the rabbit, and the rabbit would stroke and scratch her muzzle, and in return, the rabbit would stretch out on the ground and Coquette would push it with her nose, rolling it around the ground. :D

[CurlyWurlyRach]

I agree but horses don't tend to nuzzle each other on the nose ;)

mine does :confused:

[Ptaty70]

CW sees a stoke on the forehead as a calming thing.. because I have made it that way. many people are too brusque and the horse reacts, making them think that everyone will get the same reaction. Poppycock. You do need to find out who is the owner though as if they are the owners, you shouldnt touch the horse (okay, when they are around!)

what they say is rubbish.. if they are the owners though it's a little difficult

[MrDCBags]

mine does :confused:

So do both of mine and the other 38 horses at yard!!!

[Ptaty70]

On the contrary, I've seen Lestat and Coquette do this plenty to each other. And there's a loose rabbit at the yard that used to groom Coquette's muzzle. Coquette would drop her head down to the rabbit, and the rabbit would stroke and scratch her muzzle, and in return, the rabbit would stretch out on the ground and Coquette would push it with her nose, rolling it around the ground. :D

now come on! you KNOW that stories like that merit a photo ;) **i want to see the bunny stroking the pony's nose**

[Keket]

now come on! you KNOW that stories like that merit a photo ;) **i want to see the bunny stroking the pony's nose**

Afraid I haven't seen it in person. :D RI has spotted it though!