How to Stop a Horse From Biting (Nipping It in the Bud)
Do Horses Bite?
Anyone who is around horses knows they can and do bite people. Horses have either no canines or only vestigial ones and while they can only open their mouth so far، their jaws are very powerful. The entire arrangement is designed for efficient grazing.
When a horse bites a human، he seldom breaks the skin. A horse does not normally tear into the flesh the way a dog does. Instead، their bites are a very strong pinch that can leave a deep bruise. (My worst horse bite took nine months to fully heal.) If a horse can get its jaws around a limb، however، it can cause serious injuries—but due to the way a horse's jaws are designed، this is only a concern with children.
While a horse bite is not likely to result in a trip to the ER for an adult، it is still not something you want to happen. Here are a few tips on keeping a horse from biting and on dealing with one that has the habit.
How to Keep a Horse From Biting
- Do Not Allow Nibbling.
- Never Tolerate Biting.
- Look for the Cause.
1. Do Not Allow Nibbling
Many horses will nibble at their owner's skin or clothing. Horses are mutual groomers، and I have had many horses attempt to groom me back. This is friendly behavior، but it can graduate to biting.
I recommend not allowing your horse to groom you. Gently but firmly push the horse's muzzle away. Do not use aggressive correction—he is being nice، but he needs to realize that humans do not need to be groomed and really don't appreciate it.
On a similar note، discourage your horse from chewing on grooming brushes، whips، or your clothing (whether you are wearing it or not). Most people also recommend discouraging licking (some horses will lick، but most will not).
2. Never Tolerate Biting
Under no circumstances should you tolerate a horse biting or nipping at any human any more than you would a dog. Any attempt to bite you—even if it's only an attempt، seems playful، or doesn't really hurt—should be immediately corrected. Don't dismiss it as only a nip. Biting is never allowed under any circumstances.
Violence should never be used with an animal. Discuss an appropriate response to biting with your vet or a professional horse trainer or behaviorist، and then use it consistently.
3. Look for the Cause
Horses bite for a reason.
- Sometimes، a horse may bite because you didn't give it a treat (I have seen this far too often).
- However، the horse might be in pain. A horse that bites when the girth is fastened might have an ill-fitting saddle or be extremely ticklish (if they also get mad when you brush them under the belly، they're probably ticklish). A change of girth might be very helpful in this case.
- Some mares get very snippish when in heat.
- Flies can cause nipping، sometimes even by accident، when you get between the horse's head and the fly on its flank.
