My horse has started nipping me, any advice

[kerrymaid]

My horse has started biting me, had bruise on my arm, its not a proper bite its more of a nip, he waits til he thinks you aren't looking, like when picking on his feet and he will try and nip me. The lady that also rides for me carries treats in her pocket whcih I will be stopping as he tries to frisk everyone now, but how can I stop his naughty nips

[Daffy Dilly]

Daffy only nips when there's a problem (be it he's in a bad mood/sore) so I don't go out of my way to reprimand him.

If you're sure it's being greedy though, feed only out of a bucket, and every time he goes to nip grow "big", wave your arms a bit and back him out of your space. He should learn soon enough. I only use a smack (generally on the chest) if I can't do anything else, I found it doesn't work as well as being backed down.

[Peanut]

I find that a growl is often as good a reprimand than anything physical. :)

[Bobbin]

Stop any food being given by hands, if his behaviour doesn't improve then maybe theres something bothering him.

[puzzles]

Oh, you have no idea how glad I am not seeing any advice to smack him!

:-D

xx

I ditto the others.

[Siogfinsceal]

when you are picking out his feet, grooming etc tie him up on a fairly short rope so that he cannot turn his head around to nip you

[showjumper-zoe]

I pull there whiskers not so hard you're nearly yanking them out but firmley so they think :confused:where did that come from and they learn that happens if they nip and it's better than hitting them. Wouldn't do it on head shy horses though.

[Joyscarer]

Is it only when you do his feet?

If so, could he have some physical discomfort or feel vunerable when you are doing this?

[kerrymaid]

Thanks all, he's just a cheeky boy alot of the time. I dont smack him, i just shout

[Trewsers]

Naughty nips! hehehe, don't talk to me about those! Storm nips you if she feels impatient, like she should be out eating grass and not having her rug put on! She knows its wrong, as she nips then throws her head up and runs away showing the whites of her eyes (potty mare!) I know generally when she's gonna do it, so avoid putting myself or rather my arms, where she can reach them............

[Joyscarer]

Thanks all, he's just a cheeky boy alot of the time. I dont smack him, i just shout

In that caes I would leap about making loads of noise like a complete lunatic for ages afterwards. I wouldn't direct it at the horse but would just go a bit loopy for a while. I'l bet a couple of goes at doing this and the horse wont do it anymore :D