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Horse Behavior and Training

Horse biting Volunteer leaders in Therapy

By:

Sandy C

Date:

2013-Mar-12 at 11:20PM

I am a volunteer at a Therapeudic Riding Center. The horses are led by various volunteers everyday - it is how the program can run. I have been leading a horse named "Rojo" this session, and in class he has started trying to bite. In fact, today he ate part of my coat with one of his biting attempts. I led him a couple times in the previous session, and don't remember him trying to bite, although he did try balking at the gate.

Since I am not the trainer and am simply a volunteer, I am wondering what can be done? The class instructor told me to hold my hand up, another told me to hold my elbow up so that the horse would run into it when it tries to bite.

I know that Monty teaches to distract the horse by tapping it's shin, but I am not so sure that would be appropriate in class. Besides, I thought about doing that but I can't even reach the shin. The leaders are at the head of the horse while right behind them is a "sidewalker" and another "sidewalker" on the other side of the horse. I wouldn't want to cause a situation where the rider might be unsafe either.

I hear excuses like the horse is bored, it's winter and cold, it's the end of the session, he doesn't like that wall . . . .
This behavior is in class. I have not had him try to nip me while bringing him into the barn from outside.
Any suggestions?

Lenore 2013-Mar-13 at 12:18AM

yeah I've volunteered and experienced that problem. Unfortunately you're kind of between a rock and a hard place because the instructors don't want you schooling the horses with the riders on or even before they get on. If you weren't in that situation schooling with the dually would be fine, but with therapy lesson horses they usually don't want you doing that. I've found just wear a thick sleeved sweater, and hold the lead line right under where it clips to the halter. If the horse tries to nip you can hold the halter/the ring under it away from you and they usually can't get you.

Lenore 2013-Mar-13 at 12:29AM

sometimes too the horses get frustrated with the riders bouncing on their backs so you gotta be a bit patient with that too.

krayniakb 2013-Mar-13 at 02:52AM

I would suggest bringing the problem up with the lead instructor and asking him/her to get this horse some training before allowing it to be back in the program. I have been a volunteer in exactly that situation, and the horse with the biting problem should not be used until it is resolved. If you jerk away or are hesitant while leading, it will affect the rider, which is exactly what nobody wants. Good luck with the instructor!

Sandy C 2013-Mar-14 at 11:02PM

Sounds like a common problem. I will have to talk to the lead people.
Thanks :)