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Discussion on Lippy Arab
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Member:
Cjgram
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Posted on Tuesday, Feb 18, 2003 - 2:32 am:
Hello,
I have a 8 year old Arab who is very lippy. I have only had him for about 8 months but know the previous owner personally and he has never bit him nor has he ever biten me but he is constantly grabbing at everything with his upper lip. How can I change this behavior. He also is very grabby should you want to give him a treat. Any suggestions?
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Moderator:
DrO
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Posted on Tuesday, Feb 18, 2003 - 4:32 am:
We have an article that has a section on nipping. Though your horse does not actually bite the same principles could be applied. See » Training Horses » Behavioral Problems » Aggression in Horses.
DrO
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Member:
Trouble
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Posted on Wednesday, Feb 19, 2003 - 4:01 pm:
Cindy,
I have an 8 yr. old Quarter horse gelding with the same problem. His previous owner who is a very experienced horsewoman told me he has been this way since he was a baby. He will untie lead lines, can open gates and stall doors when he feels like it, likes to eat his bit and reins, loves long flowing skirts, shirts, etc.,anything within his reach.
I have tried giving him toys, rubbing his muzzle aggressively (John Lyons says that horses don't like this) Mine, of course, is the exception to the rule and LOVES it! I don't smack because I don't want him to be head shy. I honestly don't think I can ever totally break him from this habit.
I was reading an article on horses and their body language recently and what I have been doing essentially is treating him like another horse would. If he tries to nibble on me I take my hand and put it on his face close to his mouth and I just firmly push him away from me and say nothing. I just ignore him and go about my cleaning or whatever. After a time or two of this he usually just walks away. I don't think it's a total cure, but he gets the hint.
I don't know it this will work for you, but it's worth a try.
Lisa
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Member:
Sonnynbr
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Posted on Thursday, Feb 20, 2003 - 7:45 am:
Got a grest idea I have used in the past. I had a gelding that was a bad nipper, etc due to the previous owner thinking it was "cute" to let him rummage in her pockets for candy!!(can you imagine?) I tried everything. Whacking, smacking, screaming, you name it. Here is what worked: Go buy some nosespray in a small spray bottle, dump out the medicine, wash container and fill with either vinegar, Estee Lauder perfume, or whatever is sickening.Hide said bottle in your palm, with spray nozzle pointing out between your fingers. Practice spraying with you hand folded around bottle, always keeping it hidden. When Pony head comes around to take a piece of you, you simply spray him up the nose with whatever, BEING DISCREET and nonchalant,you don't say a word, don't even look at him, keep working. He will say "What the..." and give up the personal nose testing real fast!!!! Good luck
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New Member:
Marnie
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Posted on Sunday, Jun 4, 2006 - 11:29 pm:
I have a new horse I had her a week before I rode her so she could get used to her new home. She has never done any weird things with her bottom lip. today when I rode her she kept smacking her bottom lip. I have never seen anything like this before. It doesn't seem to interfer with her behavior. it is just very annoying. Any ideas? Thanks Marnie
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Member:
Mrose
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Posted on Monday, Jun 5, 2006 - 12:00 am:
Hi Marnie, I have an older Arab mare that started doing the same thing about a year ago. She does it when she is anxious about something - mostly when I'm mixing the fee and especially if I feed another horse before I feed her. However,she will also do it when it's time to come in from the pasture, and did it once when being bathed when it was a little cool out. I would suspect your horse might just be a little nervous about your riding her.
Just to be on the safe side, I'd make sure bit and all equipment fit her o.k. If something was uncomfortable it might cause this reaction.,
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