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Jonsie · 26-06-2008, 01:55 PM

Hi All,

Can anyone give me any advice on stopping a 15 month old colt from nipping?? He only started it when we put him in with his baby sitter and he learnt to boss the baby sitter around by nipping and kicking (thank goodness he isn't kicking us!). So far we have tried the quick connection with his muzzle trick to see if he would get the idea that way but i am pretty sure he thinks it is a game and is now getting faster and then ducking away. He will be gelded in the near future! Any suggestion would be greatfully recieved!!

Sherri69 · 26-06-2008, 02:24 PM

Mine doesn't nip he BITES I have had some wicked bruises off him. He has been called many names none of them are Nitro. The colty time will pass but it's awwww the waiting for em to give up. Wear full on body combat gear I say!!!

Jonsie · 26-06-2008, 02:28 PM

Really? So you think wait it out and he will just get tired of it? Do you do anything to tell him off or just ignore the behaviour? (as much as possible when it brings tears to your eyes!)

Merrylegs · 26-06-2008, 02:53 PM

I wouldn't advise ignoring it! Growl at him as loud as you can and make yourself look BIG. MAKE him move backwards out of your space and quickly. Be consistant and made sure you correct him the very instant he nips.

And yes, gelding him would be a good idea and as soon as possible.

Talkingshell · 26-06-2008, 03:01 PM

I wouldn't ignore but growl and chase him off ....my Cullen was turd and feeling his balls, so he got gelded and was still nipping but he has stopped.

He knows he isn't allowed to but he will try if given the opportunity to do, again I never allow him to...so he has nipped in the bud now.

Remaani · 26-06-2008, 03:07 PM

My colt is nearly 3 & only just gotten nippy now....

I find that chasing him backwards, encourages him to rear, not good......
I slap him on the shoulder, not on the nose as they think its a game & get real quick at taking a nip & throwing their head up high!
Growl, loudly, wack him on the shoulder, pinch the skin hard on his neck/shoulder but please dont wack him on the nose.
Ignoring does nothing, the next person near him might not realize & get bitten.

Merrylegs · 26-06-2008, 03:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Remaani

I find that chasing him backwards, encourages him to rear, not good......

Make him move sideways out of your space then

I've worked with entires for the last couple of years so haven't had as much experience as Remaani with the full on boys hehe.

Remaani · 26-06-2008, 03:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Merrylegs

Make him move sideways out of your space then

I've worked with entires for the last couple of years so haven't had as much experience as Remaani with the full on boys hehe.

Lol, he's far from full on.... just mouthy & wants things in his mouth.
If he stopped throwing his toys over his fence, all would be good.
Making him move sideways, pmsl.......

I've been lucky that my colts have been pretty good. *touch wood*, i have a weanling filly thats a nipper!

Arnie · 26-06-2008, 03:19 PM

I find nippy colts are really in your face horses.
Do lots of training of teaching him to stay and how to stay out of your space. Also avoid any hand treats like carrots etc that could encourage him.

Other then that, my bloke gets a good smack in the noggen if he tries it on.

Jonsie · 26-06-2008, 03:26 PM

ok thanks everyone there are some really good tips that i can work on with him!! He will be getting the snip very soon which i am sure will help but it is very frustrating at the moment!

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