| It is normal for horses to bite each other. They do it | | | | feeding from the hand leads to nuzzling, which leads to |
| while at play, while grooming each other, or when they | | | | nipping, which leads to you-know-what. |
| are fighting. The thing your horse needs to know is | | | | 3. If you are around a horse that is a known biter, the |
| that it is not okay to bite people! Horses are herd | | | | best natural horse training tip to employ is to be alert. |
| animals. What you need to do is establish that you are | | | | 4. If the horse lunges at you with intention to bite, hit |
| the "lead mare", who sets the rules in the herd. The | | | | him immediately, and hit him hard. Don't use your hand; |
| basic natural horse training tip here is that you set the | | | | this will hurt you more than it hurts him. Use a rope, or |
| rules when it comes to biting, and the rule is simple: NO | | | | other object that preferably delivers a smacking sound |
| BITING! | | | | as well. |
| 1. If you are raising a foal, it's best to establish no | | | | 5. Hit the horse within a few seconds of the attempt, |
| nibbling or nuzzling from the start. Nuzzling and nibbling | | | | any longer than that and he will be confused as to |
| lead to biting, and although it's adorable in a foal who is | | | | what you are punishing him for. |
| toothless, it could turn into a bad habit. Discourage | | | | 6. Do not hit the eye or ear area, but anywhere else is |
| them by giving your foal a nudge. You don't have to | | | | ok. Be serious when you do it. Otherwise he may think |
| be rough, but be consistent. | | | | you are just playing a game, and you could end up |
| 2. Try not to feed horses treats from your hand. This | | | | validating the bad habit. |
| may be contrary to what you are used to, but again, | | | | |