WHAT ABOUT A MOUTHY HORSE
Howdy Friends! What about a “mouthy horse?” Recently a friend asked my thoughts about horses who nip, pest and bother with their mouths. First and easiest, never, ever hand feed a horse who is mouthy. Ever. Not even after you fix it. It’s okay to give treats, carrots, apples and such, but drop them on the ground. Many mouthy horses became that way by hand feeding treats. It’s not their fault.
Other issues
Often a “Mouthy” horse has some other issues, teeth, sore neck, sore feet, back or hips, just to toss out a few. She’s only trying her best to tell you what’s wrong . Often it is stress, just like a child who can’t focus will fidget in school. Mouthy is a fidget. She may be worried about the training you’re going through and being mouthy is her way of fidgeting like a child in school. It may be her way of avoidance. She may have a difficult time focusing.
Her saddle may not fit. Sometimes they’ll be mouthy or nippy when you try to catch them to tack up. Often this is mistaken for a lazy horse.
Best suggestion
My best suggestion for mouthy horses, and many behavioral issues, is doing some or all of the “Therapy For Therapy Horses,” exercises. I know I may sound like a “one-note-band” about those exercises, and I suppose I am … But they really work wonders. … Be careful to do them in an area without grass, so they can focus. Do them ground tied or with someone holding a loose lead. Never discipline while doing these exercises. You’ll see that very quickly with these exercises your horse will ground tie. And learn to focus. FIND THESE AND MANY MORE HELPFUL EXERCISES IN MY BOOK “IT”S FOR THE HORSES.
Discipline not the answer
I do not recommend discipline for mouthy horses. Horses love to groom each other, and it’s a sign of affection. They play games with each other, too. I feel, unless it is a safety thing, disciplining a mouthy horse confuses them and is a losing battle.
Rather I suggest if you do at least the “Poll Wiggle,” the “Neck and Vertebrae Wiggle” the “Belly Lift,” and the “Rock Back” and more if you have time, every day for a few weeks, and ignore the mouthyness. FIND THESE AND MANY MORE HELPFUL EXERCISES IN MY BOOK “IT”S FOR THE HORSES.
You’ll soon have a horse who can and will happily focus – and the mouthy thing will simply go away.
Pay close attention as you do the exercises, especially the Vertebrae Wiggle as she’ll clearly tell you if you’ve found an ouchy area.
I employ these exercises, and more and my standard, “Ignore The Negative & Celebrate The Positive.” I’ve always enjoyed success.
~ Gitty Up, Dutch.
