Nipping!

[Laura+Phantom]

Anyone have any non-violent methods to remedy nipping ponies? I have banned all forms of hand fed treats and food, but every time I speak to any of them it's teeth in the pockets, nipping at my arms etc. So far i've been making a fuss and shouting and growling every time they do it but they're being rather ignorant and carrying on. I refuse to smack them as my non-horsey mum would have me do....just wondering if anyone knows a quicker way to get it in their heads that nipping is not on!
They're all fatso's who can live off thin air and they're obsessed with food!

[galadriel]

I recommend Cherry Hill:
http://www.horsekeeping.com/horse_behavior/biting.htm
http://www.horsekeeping.com/Horse_Newsletter/October_2000.htm#biting

[Tor&Warrior]

Vinny is at a very nippy stage so when he nipps I pull his whiskers. I don't want to hit him either but I have to so him its wrong and I've found pulling his whiskers very succesful because you don't have to do it hard, it wont make him headshy and they hardly notice you doing it but it certainly makes him jump!! Or if he comes towards me as if to nip I just put my elbow or arm up to him to block him. If these don't stop him I shake the lead rope at him (if on a headcollar obviously!!) and walk towards him lightly untill he moves away or if he's just loose still make him go backwards and away from me. Its working because he's starting to realise that I either pull his whiskers which he'd not to keen on, or make such a big deal out of it which means he's then made to think (walk backwards) so maybe nipping just aint worth the hassle!! So he goes and bites Fly instead!! I'm in the process of training Fly to pull his whiskers or walk him backwards..........:D

[Laura+Phantom]

Thanks for the suggestions, I shall keep trying with different methods!

[shandy84]

My NF filly is a bit nippy we tend to click our fingers when she goes to bite it distracts her and the idea of pulling the wiskers is a very good one

[Mehitabel]

i bite mine back. it's what their mothers/other herd members would do, so they do understand it. if you don't want to get your face near their mouths, then pinch a bit of skin between your nails or flick the muzzle. it doesn't have to hurt, but it has to give them a bit of a shock.
soem ponies have the character to listen to 'no' but others will push their luck until they get physically told off.

it's the same with dogs - my mother in law has 2, and one will not listen to shouting or verbal telling off, but a tap on the bum will do it. the other one we'd never smack as he just gets scared, but verbal telling off works like a charm on him.

[Alibi]

Have a plastic bag in your hand and if they go to nip shake it violently in their space, or if you don't have a plastic bag jump up and down and flap your arms like a mad woman! Trust me it works - although you get a few looks from other people!