Grumpy (agressive?) Horse

[Rachel C.]

I have had my horse for 5 days now, and up until here he has been perfect to handle. However, last night he was really grumpy, and I'm not sure whether he was just in a bad mood or wether he was being agressive. He was non-commital when I went to catch him, when previously he always walked over. Usually when I scratch him on the neck he mutual grooms back, but he just swung his head round and nipped me. Usually when I put him in the stable he is really sweet, but today he tried to bite my head!

What do you think could have caused this, and how can I bond with him better?

Rachel

[Julew]

Hi Rachel
It sounds as though he is just beginning to assert himself to see if he can boss you rather than you be boss. It is important that you let him know that this is not OK and let him know now before he thinks he's won. Don't put yourself in an unsafe position though. He is probably just settling and seeing what he can get away with. 5 days is no time at all, it takes ages to bond with some horses. You need to consider also anything else that might have changed. Let him know you are boss and see if he settles with some more time. Build a routine, spend sometime just watching him and don't necessarily go to him see if you can get him to come to you (always good saves a walk). Nipping is naughty and he shouldn't but my horse still tries it on especially if he thinks he can get away with it.
Also remember horses have off days too and if he has undergone a lot of change lately he may be worse. I find (though many won't agree) that when my horse is having an off day it is best to leave him alone (bit like me really)
Let us know how you go.

[Showjumper]

You could try using TTEAM to help establish a bond between you.

[jUmPingIsLifE]

He is probly just testing you, when my horse tested me it was rearing to go back to the barn, once her learned we weren't going back he stoped and hasn't scence. you just need to show him YOU are the boss, if he bits you give him hell for three seconds but don't wait or he won't know what he is being punished for (don't hit on teh nose though, that could cause him to be head shy, the neck is a better place) you may think you are being mean but i am 95%sure that will stop his behavior...i only had to do the 'three second rule' with my horse once!

OR

maybe he is hurt? maybe he didn't feel good, maybe the touch of the brush hurt and he just wanted you to stop? not sure what it could be but a sudden agression sometimes is a result of pain.

goodluck

[Dizzy]

Maybe he doesn't want to be stabled. My horse hates being stabled, even in the worst weather winter can throw up, even though she detests being cold. I know for a fact I'd have one grumpy mare, especially this time of year, if I was bringing her in to stable her. Just a thought.

Apart from that your still very new to each other, be kind, firm and sympathetic. Bad behaviour is normally caused through insecurity, be firm, patient and kind, and he'll learn to trust and respect you.

Lesley

[Kerry's Partner!!]

Hi Rachel,

Hope things are a bit better now. I have found (two + years on) that my horse only nips when she's trying to tell me something is wrong (except when she's being affectionate). Most people will think this sounds weird and wrong - but that's how it is.

With Kerry, it might have been something that happened to her even much earlier in the day (having said this I'm sure everyone is going to think I'm truly mad). So I'd advise that you consider that your horse might not be indicating that YOU are doing something wrong - just that something else itsn't right. THEN of course you need to work out what IS wrong. I have certainly found that I've never been so challenged in all of my (fairly long) life!!!