New horse owner (9/2020). Horse is 16, former lesson horse, usually gentle. He has become aggressive seeking treats, and bit me last week (no blood, but I have a bruise). I have learned so much from your videos, thank you!
Why does this kind sweet lady not have more subscribers she is so informative straight with her facts kind to the horses what is not to like about her huh
Good video. I would tweak one tip. If a horse enters my space inappropriately the last thing I would want to do is step away. He who controls the feet is in charge...so stay put and back the horse or better yet train the horse to to move away from pressure applied at the girth. This immediately moves the head away from the handler.
There are MUCH better ways to train your horse. This is old fashioned nonsense about dominance. There is no alpha. Positive reinforxement is a kinder way and just as effective and will be remembered by the horse
@@raybaird1456 Hello! I just wanted to share some things I learned about horses natural behavior. If you have ever watched horses at feed time, you probably notice that one horse is first at the gate, and if another (less dominant) horse comes to close, they will likely get kicked or bitten. This is how horses work. They look for a leader. If you are a kind and clear leader that gives good direction, the horse will learn to trust you, and that you can handle scary things that may come their way. If you let them do thigs like push you around, they won't trust that you can handle yourself or them, and in turn, they will become dominant. For safety and for your horse, it is good to learn how to be a confident, kind, and worthy leader. One who can prove that they know how to handle what may come and earns trust in consistency. I use positive reinforcement to help teach my horses what I want them to do and build relationship, but for my safety and theirs (if they are to live a good domestic life), it is also important to me that I lead them well. If they get pushy, I remind them in the least resistance needed, that I am their leader, and they can trust that I know that. Hopefully this makes sense! Have a great day!
@princess sparklepuff I replied to ray bird, and wanted to share this with you too if you are interested, Hello! I just wanted to share some things I learned about horses natural behavior. If you have ever watched horses at feed time, you probably notice that one horse is first at the gate, and if another (less dominant) horse comes to close, they will likely get kicked or bitten. This is how horses work. They look for a leader. If you are a kind and clear leader that gives good direction, the horse will learn to trust you, and that you can handle scary things that may come their way. If you let them do thigs like push you around, they won't trust that you can handle yourself or them, and in turn, they will become dominant. For safety and for your horse, it is good to learn how to be a confident, kind, and worthy leader. One who can prove that they know how to handle what may come and earns trust in consistency. I use positive reinforcement to help teach my horses what I want them to do and build relationship, but for my safety and theirs (if they are to live a good domestic life), it is also important to me that I lead them well. If they get pushy, I remind them in the least resistance needed, that I am their leader, and they can trust that I know that. Hopefully this makes sense! Have a great day!
The horse I ride has a tendency to nip. Early on I addressed this tendency; gently yet my tone was authoritative and firm. I never hit him (never will), I treat him with respect. My trainer mentioned that the horse really likes me. I reward him with treads, prior than after a riding session. He only nipped me once, I wasn’t paying attention. I talked to him, even showed him that I was bleeding (he didn’t get a treat that night). I had one session where he tested me; how much can I get away with? He found out; not much! When I put the girth on him, lots of talk with a sympathetic tone, he seems to relax and tightening isn’t a problem. Love your horse! - Larry
If your horse is biting during grooming they’re probably sore and where you’re brushing hurts them. Try massaging the area or around itchy, everything is connected.
I have recently found your channel and I love 💕 it! You have done a great job with Tucker. He is so patient with your training examples. BIG thumbs up to you both. 😃
I like that you showed the difference between lunging to CORRECT (aggressive biter) vs lunging to REDIRECT (young or not well trained horses). I think many people assume they should use the same energy level when lunging regardless of the purpose.
What a great, comprehensive video! I am really scared of being bitten and it's great that you explained the different responses appropriate in different circumstances XD thankyou!
I hope to one day get a horse, it’s so nice being able to learn about how to care for them, you’re a great teacher! I feel like people have such a magical soul bond with their horses, and they are such kind creatures, I can’t wait to get my own horse and now watching your vids I can learn so much, thank you!!! 😊
Before you get a horse the biggest favours you can do yourself and the horse is to research equine ethology. This video is not how training should be done. There are better ways.
What about if they try to bite you from inside their stall? And you are outside. You can't really send them to work anywhere. To take him out of the stall requires putting on halter and lead rope and removing the stall pole bars and that whole procedure would take a few minutes, by that time he won't understand it was because he tried to bite?
I subscribed to the channel from the first minute of the first video... Great job... All peoples and nationalities have come together to love horses.. There is no person in the galaxy who does not like horses.
Yes pet and rub the nose Gently. You said perfect. Step away if it turns to a nip . My 9 month old does this . I have to say No or “ Be easy “. back Bear up and then rub His Nose and mouth right after He responds to my asking him to back up . I love how you said to love on them afterwards. Otherwise, we may loose their trust and desire to be still and close to us . You advice is great . You are kind but give clear instructions to your Horse without being mean to them. Laura 💜 Bear Hugggs 🐴💜
Why do all these videos that show how to correct bad behavior in horses always demonstrate on horses that are not engaging in said behavior? Why not demonstrate these techniques on a real problem horse?
@@titanrahlgamingso then make a longer video. If the point is to educate people on dealing with dangerous behavior then show the entire process on a real problem horse.
@@mikenorris232 Speaking for myself only; if I were her and you said that exactly word for word to me, I wouldn't train you even if you were willing to pay 5x the amount. Your comment comes across as very aggressive and frustrated. It could be because I actually am working with horses right now(not as I reply right now, of course), but I really wouldn't let anyone that even gave of a hint of aggressive or frustrated signs and definitely not if they are terrified of just being near horses. Until you can curb your negative emotions, stay away from horses for both your sakes.
@@titanrahlgaming that was aggressive huh? I didn’t like the video. It’s not aggressive or personal. And thankfully I don’t need your permission to be around horses or to pursue anything else in life that I enjoy.
The horse I currently ride used to be a racehorse and we suspect they would pull the girth too tight, so now whenever my hands go near the girth area he tries to bite (it's more like a pretend-bite, but still very grumpy) and he's definitely doing it as a stubborn/dominant way since he's definitely the more dominant one. Problem is, usually when he does this with me it's right before a lesson and I don't have time to take him out to lunge. The only way I found is to try ignore him and present myself and not scared, although he occasionally has very grumpy days where I can barely get his blanket off without him throwing a tantrum lol. He's not young, he's quite an old boy and has been in very good care, so I'm not sure.
I would like to see more examples of aggressive horses trying to bite. My new horse to me tries to bite when I’m trying to walk him. It’s pretty frequent.
thank you so much for all this info,but what should i do if my mare tries to bite me in a aggressive way while i'm in the field, with no whip or lounging rope ??
Ok but what if your horse bites you agressively while you are in the stall??? There is no time to put on a lunge line and move out to the ring to make them move...
How would you handle a horse that is territorial/aggressive in his stall? Are there ways of dealing with that behavior without taking him immediately out and working him? The horse I’m speaking of doesn’t like people to enter his stall. Period. The only way we have been taught to handle him is by putting him in a halter and tying him, whether it’s for picking his feet or cleaning his stall or changing blankets, which are all happening at times when it isn’t exactly convenient to stop everything to take him out for groundwork.I’m wondering if there might be a better way to handle this horse and his behavior, but do it in his stall in the moment.
My horse is very mouthy and likes to nip sometimes. He doesn’t know how to lunge (I’m teaching him though!) so I think I will start backing him up when he tries to nip. Thanks for a very informative video!
You mean your horse is "rearing" up? Im not being a jerk I am only trying to understand what your horse is doing and, help to maybe teach you the commonly used term for it so you'll be able to research more tips for correcting this sometimes dangerous habit. 😘
Hi! Getting straight to the point...thanks for your Videos. The are very helpfull. I have a few horses of my own, and ofcourse I have no Problem correcting a Problem. But..at the moment i work at a riding School in Germany where the horses has to be cleaned and ridden by 3 or 4 different Kids per Day. Mostly cleaned by more than 2 Kids at a time. He/they(the horses) doesnt try it with me...but i have worked with horses for a very long time. How do I Teach horses that has a lot of stress Not to bite.
Great video, thank you! I have a question about a horse trying to assert dominance. I'm a new horse owner (since 7/2019) and just lately Cider has started to try to nip me. He never makes contact but he does do the quick head dart with his ears back. Usually he's off lead which would make it hard to immediately start working him. What do you suggest I do to "nip" (pun intended, lol) this behavior in the bud? Thanks!
This is a great question. If it were me, I would probably take a lunge whip into the pasture with me and if he nipped me, I’d just get him to work around the pasture so he knows that it’s bad behavior. The only downfall I could see to this is that he may start running away from you when you go to catch him in the field then... for this reason, it would be important that you don’t chase/ lunge him unless he nips at you
@@CarmellaAbel ok I'll give that a try. It isn't often and I always say NO to him loudly and forcefully but I don't want him to continue this so I'll give your suggestion a try. Thank you!
biting when tightening girth means you're hurting him or that he's been hurt before in this process. It's good to remind that horses use their mouth because they don't have hands.
I love your advice and tips. I have new horse who I am trying out your groundwork techniques with but I have found that before coming to me he has been taught to move in towards you when you wiggle the rope instead of moving away. How can I remedy this?
This is so understandable, I dont have a horse but, when I was younger when i Lived In PA i lived by a horse farm and the horses always tried eating me (My hair and shoulders)
Hello. We bought a young horse ( 4 years in April) for our teenager. He is sweet, but sometimes he bites in the stall and she gets frustrated. Do you have any advice?
So then...how do you deal with an aggressive horse that is not yours, and bites or tries to bite when you go into the paddock to get your own horse? This happens to me constantly where my horse is stabled. The horses are not in halter, so I can't just make it run around on a lead rope. The other day I got the aggressive horse to back up by waving my whip around in front of his face (not touching him!) after he got my wrist. But there has to be a better way. Please advise, as not all horses one has to deal with are one's own! Thanks, Carmella, I do love your videos.
I have a 4 year old racking horse gelding and I have tried everything but he continues to bite I don't know what to to he just got gelded on the 19th and he stopped biting for a bit but then it started back up yesterday
Hi, this is quite helpful, I have a pony who I got in October and recently has started to bite and kick out at me when I pick her feet out. She really goes for me. I don't have anywhere that I can lunge her as all our fields are very hilly. What do you suggest?
This is really helpful but I do have one comment. In the moment when my horse has bitten me (only twice but twice too many!) it's impossible to suddenly send him out on a lunge line to work. It would take 10 mins to get kitted up and to a place to lunge! We've only been together 3 months but I feel a shift is happening and it's a challenge from him - he has always been gentle and calm. It's been in the stable both times so 'capturing' the bite/consequence is imperitive in that situation. Any advice on showing disapproval/reprimand that is more immediate and effective? I really don't want this to become a habit for him and will be working on reasserting my position as leader. Love your videos by the way! Thank you
What abt a horse that bites other horses, I ride this nice gelding but when ever a horse walks by when tacking up he pins his ears and nips. I'm not sure where he came from before this current barn but when he came he was very skinny. I'm not sure if it has to do with previous owners, or he is just getting mad. He never bites people though.
I work with 30 horses. And some are aggressive due to dominance. What should I do if I don’t have access to lunging them? I usually give them a slap if they bite.
Your horse may have had a bad experience with someone in a stall where they beat him in an excluded space so he associates you in his stall negatively. Make every experience he has with in his stall as positive as possible. Also get a vet check to see if it’s a dental issue or something internal. He could also just be sore.
So, the horse I lease tried biting, and shoves her bum towards me when I do up the girth. She’s 4yrs, almost 5. I really need help. Please respond to this
I got a new horse he was beautiful when I would saddle him up and ride him but all of a sudden one morning I saddled him up and tried mounting he pinned his ears and tried to nip me.
Just wondering if that’s the best way to ask your horse to back up? Your just hitting him in the face with the metal clasp and he’s trying to avoid getting hurt 🤷🏼♀️
I didn't know who else to ask but on this comment page, long story short, was scared of horses, have had 6 lessons.... Today the horse was nibbling at clothes then hands then chomp on fingers.... I'm terrified to ride again, like almost crying thinking about it, don't get me wrong I thing they are gorgeous animals but terrified of them, but now worried this horse will sense it and do it again as I don't know why it happened riding teacher said he was letting down, didn't ask just wanted lesson to end and was thinking had to ride him was a bad bad lesson for me on concentration. Please help don't know what to do now.
So I have a horse that bites under saddle. As we ride along the arena I will ask for a trot or canter and she will reach around and grab my feet. I have tried everything. Any ideas. No health issues. Saddle fit is good.
Reward it for not biting starting on the ground if you apply pressure where your feet would be, break the task down into small steps and work your way up to under saddle
Is she sore anywhere? Any past traumas you know of? Believe it or not horses are super sensitive and even something such as poorly fitted tack at one point in their life can cause them to have trauma and be turned off from riding.
Is she sore anywhere? Any past traumas you know of? Believe it or not horses are super sensitive and even something such as poorly fitted tack at one point in their life can cause them to have trauma and be turned off from riding.
And what I should do if my horse started to bite only in her stall? I have an unexperienced horse for 6 months now, she was never aggressive towards me, she let me touch her anywhere, but lately she tried to kick my friend and she bit me when I tried to clean her feet in the stall ( I cleaned 2 right legs and moved to another side to clean her left front, she bit me in my elbow when I asked her to pick up her left front foot). She never did that before when I cleaned her in the stall, she is never aggressive during training, on the pasture, in the roundpen etc. I did clean her feet in all those places before to get her used to me doing it in a different circumstances and she never showed any aggression towards me so I don't think this is a defense reaction. When she bit me my reaction was to rise my hands and make her back up, was that correct? then I took a lead rope, took her out of her stall and finished cleaning her feet in a more open space - she did not try to bit me again there. How am I supposed to get her feet moving in the stall? It wouldn't be an instant reaction if I have to take her outside so I don't know if she will connect the work that she had to do with the fact that she bit me a few minutes earlier.
@@BK-is5fj nope. It was over a year ago. It turned out that the girl who was taking care of fer 3 times a week ( like a rent, don't know how it's called in English..) was abusive towards her. She couldn't deal with her lack of ground manners ( she was never taught, I was working on it in that time frame ) so she was showing aggression towards her. I ended our agreement as soon as I found out what was happening and the horse changed very quickly. Now she is my perfect dream horse 🐎
@@Fiona.and.I That would’ve been my next guess so sounds about right. Poor thing, I hate how people abuse horses. Glad you figured out what was going on.
@@Fiona.and.I I’m so sorry she screwed you over that way. The problem with so many equestrians is we’re taught outdated training with horses. We’re told to hit horses, use force, horses have thick skin, horses need to be dominated and it’s all rubbish. My second riding coach was insisting to me and my mother that you hit horses in the face when they bite or misbehave. She was awful.. I hope that girl you knew can see the error of her ways and change for the better.
my horse bites whenever i do his girth and it’s always loose when i do it to get him comfortable but he gets so dramatic and idk how to deal with it . and he never did it when i first started riding him but now he does it because he thinks i won’t do anything abt it and i need help i don’t know wether he doesn’t like it because he does it and then he stops :(
Perhaps he had a bad experience with it at one point without you knowing? Horses never forget and they have trouble moving past things that hurt them or were negative at one point and can become stuck in those defense mechanisms. The girth is probably negative for him. Do you have properly fitted tack? Is he sore anywhere?
@@BK-is5fj well, he is a lesson horse, so i can’t really choose the tack because each horse has their own. he is a little round in the stomach so i’m wondering if that’s why.. my trainer says it’s just a sign of disrespect but i’m not 100 % sure it is.. most of the time i get help to do it because he gets scary sometimes but i’ve just been trying to work with him and reward him when he does well. i’m going riding today so i’ll let you know how it goes!
@@sima_eq No it’s not disrespect, that way of thinking is outdated and is part of the Alpha theory which has been proven false. Horses usually snap when something is wrong, and they’re trying to communicate. My horse snaps when we brush her chest because she has a sore chest. She’s always fine being touched there after a massage and body work. They don’t have hands so they use their mouths to communicate. I’m sorry your trainer thinks that way, sounds like a sticky situation.
When a horse bites it’s usually a defense mechanism from a past trauma or they are in pain. Horses do not show dominance with people, we aren’t horses. If a horse bites there’s ALWAYS a reason. Check to see if they’re in pain, have a dental issue, a medical issue, past history of abuse. My haflinger used to always bite when I’d go to brush her chest. Turns out her chest is very sore. My Arab gets all kicky and pissy when I’d brush her belly, turns out her back hurts and since everything is connected, brushing her belly hurt her. Horses are very honest animals, they aren’t being bad when the bite, they’re trying to tell you something in the loudest way a horse can because we don’t listen to them. They’re trying to be heard. My horses bite sometimes doing body work before they realize it feels nice and will then lick and chew. They only bite because they’re being defensive and expecting pain, they get defensive when they’re sore just like we do.
Your videos are pretty informative and beneficial; however, using your perfectly trained horse to demonstrate problem horse behavior might be your only mistake that I can see. For me, I would love to see you demonstrate your teachings on a green horse so we can see the training in action.
I have a 4 years old arabian horse. He always tries to bite me and other people. I can not even make him lunge, He starts to run over me and tries to kick immediately. I don't know what to do. Can anyone give me tips about it?
Before you or someone else gets hurt seek out professional help. Let them work with the horse first and then they can teach you how to work him so that he respects you. Be it that he is a young horse and you are already having serious problems establishing a relationship with a good trainer will probably be the only answer here.
A horse that bites as a show of dominance is a deal breaker. I will aggressively move him until he realizes that biting was definitely the wrong thing to do.
