If you have a foal, you can almost always keep them
from biting or kicking as a habit. It's how you
train a horse for manners. Like kids, horses need it.
It is at this young age that we must take opportunity
to teach them what they can and cannot do. Thus,
we must learn to train a foal if we are to train a
horse.
A foal is very quick.
One foal will play with another where they will nip at
each other and run away before you can set him
straight.
Thus, you have to plan ahead and be watching out for
it.
It's a BIG No-No to let him kick or nip at you and run
off. If that happens, he'll think he's in control and
can do what he wants.
It won't happen.
If he wants to nuzzle you, never let him do it on your
body...just your hand. If he takes a nip at your hand,
you can flip your finger at his nose, or poke him.
Be careful not to overdo this. Only use what is
necessary because you don't want to make him head shy.
Rather, you just want him to learn he can't nip you.
Always try to anticipate if the foal is going to get a
little naughty. If he does, be ready. Act quickly.
Some foals grow through stages of nippiness, hard to
catch, or being uncooperative.
It's simply a test to see if you are "really" the
boss.
The trick is to handle them kindly but as firmly as
necessary. (Kind of like a handling a kid).
Done right, and the horse will usually not end up
rebellious and he'll have pretty good manners.
SuperStars of Horse Training
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