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Posted by Nanci on August 03, 2004 at 17:58:05:
In Reply to: Biting pony! Please help! posted by Eden on August 02, 2004 at 21:09:03:
: I have a 2 yr old welsh mix pony named Luke. Now, he is a stallio, but he'll be gelded in the fall. The problem is, when he bites, he runs away. Oh, he only bites when I pet his nose or put on a lead rope. Please help! I would like to scare him out of it.
: Eden
Hi Eden - Gelding this pony will likely clear up the biting, given some time. Do not pet him on the nose or feed him treats by hand - that only encourages the biting. Kicking and biting is one way horses and ponies play, so this is natural behavior - he is trying to include you as a playmate, unfortunately this is not a good idea as they are so much quicker and heavier than humans. Maturity will also help - this is a behavior that they often outgrow, unless it becomes a habit. I would not go with scaring him - you will only make him headshy. A firm "No" will often help get the picture over to them. I have also used a wire brush held in their 'bite zone' so when they reach at you to bite they hit the brush. It doesn't really hurt them, but makes them think when they encounter the stiff wire. Do not under any circumstances hit at him - he might interpret this as play and really come after you. Is he getting plenty of play time and a large enough area to play horsey games? He also needs a compation close to his size to bounce off of - this is very important for any young equine, both mentally and physically.