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Discussion on Nibbling foal...
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Posted on Sunday, Dec 2, 2001 - 2:46 am:
Not really sure if this is where this goes since my problem isn't really aggression...but here goes:
I purchased a young pony filly about a month or so ago...she's just about 5 months old and we are bonding pretty well. Going out for walks, she trusts me to lead her over a scary bridge and around big farm machinery!
The main problem is, when I'm grooming her or just itching her itchy spots, she'll stretch her head around groom me back on the hip, but occasionally she'll give a pretty good nip. I don't want to just let it go, but I don't want to impede the bonding process.
When she tries to nip, I tell her strongly "No" and push her nose away. It doesn't seem to be working tho. Should I be getting more harsh? I'd hate to have her afraid of me. She's so very willing and sweet right now.
Thanks in advance for any tips!
~Sharon and Shi
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Posted on Sunday, Dec 2, 2001 - 10:57 am:
Hi Sharon!
I've gone thru the exact same thing with my weanlings.
Have found the best way in my case is a "NO" & a little "finger thwack" to the muzzle area. You know what I mean, I'm sure - just difficult to explain - like you're making the "A-okay" sign with your thumb & middle finger? Seems to get the point across without being too hostile. You don't want to get into too much smacking in the head area - you either end up with headshyness or a horse that learns to take great pleasure in the game of biting & then snatching his head out of reach of any punishment.
Try it & see.
Good luck!
Bonnie
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Posted on Sunday, Dec 2, 2001 - 11:21 am:
Sharon,
Bonnie is right on. Don't worry about hurting the bonding process. In herd behavior, the dominant horse will "nip" in the bud, any aggressive-type behavior from the lower herd members, and the pesty horses don't hold it against the alpha horse at all. If you do what Bonnie says, you will be exhibiting horse language that your pony foal will understand and respect.
Holly
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Posted on Monday, Dec 3, 2001 - 6:52 am:
Be sure to read the article that goes along with this forum as it discusses your problem.
DrO
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Posted on Monday, Dec 3, 2001 - 3:44 pm:
Bonita, Holly, Dr. O,
Thanks for the tips! I'll try them out and see how it goes. This is my first experience with a baby, and its a great relief to have others more experienced than I around so I can pick their brains for info!
And of course, being a proud parent, I have to share pictures! What Mom wouldnt? 
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Posted on Monday, Dec 3, 2001 - 9:51 pm:
Absolutely adorable! I'm a real fan of colored horses!
Good luck with her Sharon, & remember - with horses there are often a million different "right" ways to accomplish the same thing. In this case I would have to say that the only constant is to use the least amount of "correction" necessary to get your point across. Also do be aware that it might take awhile. It almost appears to be a "phase" that they go through. My filly was almost a yearling before she finally just "gave it up". And since at 19 months she now stands at nearly 16.1, I am glad that I never did anything to cause her to become headshy - I'd never be able to reach her!
I'm sure it will work out fine. My weanlings have certainly tested me to the limit with the nibbling/nipping thing, but patience, persistence, & "fair" discipline has always won out in the end!
Bonnie
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Posted on Tuesday, Dec 4, 2001 - 8:29 am:
Very nice!
DrO
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