Those People Again

[Kng5]

I went to the barn again and guess who I saw? Those jerks who think they know everything. Ok, apparently the horse belongs to their client and they're training him for some thing, idk I wasn't really listening. But they said lately the horse has been biting the owner and him, and so to prevent that they never 'reward the horse in the face'. That was what he said. And the judges frown upon the horse if it tries to bite them. I personally think it's a pretty stupid motto. He said that they have 7 horses there. The barn really isn't even that big. It's like they're trying to take over. I think that HE made the horse 'nippy', not me petting his face. It was really creepy, the whole time I saw at the barn they were just watching me and my sister..

Also, what does it mean when a horse kind of lips you when you pet his nose or face..does that mean he's trying to bite?

[shandy84]

At the end of the day if the horse is in training with them wether you agree or not you have to respect their feelings on the matter.

When they lip at your hand they are often looking for food but there is also a chance it will bite. Better to leave this one be and bypass their horses and pay attention to the others :)

[Joyscarer]

It's annoying when you think somebody is getting it wrong.

Trouble is that people aren't going to agree all the time and this isn't a welfare issue so it's time to let it go and respect the views of the owners and trainers.

You are the only one suffering here because you keep thinking about it and letting it wind you up. Accept the fact that a decision has been made and try not to think about it :)

[Crystal Fire]

I think you have to respect their wishes and just leave the horses alone. You don't have to pet other people's horses, just enjoy your own.
It may be that this horse was biting when the new trainers got involved, so they may well want people to stay away from it's face. Whatever, they are the people that the owners have decided to have working with the horses.
I know I've had problems in the past with people insisting on doing something with my horses, like treating them or patting them hard, and insisting that it won't hurt them. Well, OK, it might not, but that's not really the point - they are MY horses.
(They are probably watching you because they think you are watching them. ;) )

[TevisCup2012]

I understand your frustration. More than likely staying away from the horses head will not solve the biting problem. I wouldn't get too worked up unless it leads to more severe punsihment. Perhaps if the problem doesn't resolve itself you could give us some more info on why the horse is biting and perhaps you could offer them some friendly advise on fixing the problem. :)

[mayoguinness]

Maybe their getting it wrong, maybe their not. They're training as they see fit and you gotta leave them to it;) Is it really a big deal if you can't pet the horse they're training??