Biting

Question
I was given a 16 year old Arabian horse who is cinchy because of a bad eperience with a previous owner. I have been working with her for the last 6 months and finally was able to saddle her with little help and ride her. She is great to ride once she is saddled and calmed down. I haven't been trying to ride her since cold weather came, but still spending an hour or so with her daily--feeding, brushing, etc. The other day without any reason she turned an bit me on the shoulder when Ient down to brush a piece of dirt off her leg. I was completely surprised and now have a fear of her biting me again. I am very cautious around her now. What is the best way to regain a comfort zone around her?  

Answer
Dear Miss Hammel, is it possible you frightened her by moving too rapidly to get the dirt off her leg?  If not, she could be very thin skinned in which case you will need to use a minimum of pressure to avoid pain.  I highly recommend that you read Linda Tellington Jones TTouch articles which I feel would be of great benefit to your mare and yourself.  Massage should help this mare relax which will help her be easier to groom.  In the interum, I would suggest tying her short, keeping a riding bat as well as keeping a riding crop (with the little popper on the end) in your pocket.  Pay attention as you groom and check often to see if she is pinning her ears.  If so, say firmly no, don't yell, just say in an authorative voice no.  If she reaches, TAP HER UNDER HER CHIN.  Be careful not to hit her around the head to make her headshy. Coming from underneath, she can't see it coming and does not become headshy.  Does she object to having her feet and legs handled?  Have you bathed her and if so were any problems encountered?  I always have carrots in my pockets to reward good behavior for our horses.  What kind of saddle are you using?  If western, you might get a neoprene girth which will better distribute pressure and helps keep a saddle from slipping as well.  Perhaps the saddle doesn't fit properly.  Any of these things would make a horse unhappy about being caught and ridden.  Have you gone to the pasture and just given her a treat, a short scratch and then just left?  I try to always leave a horse wanting me to be with them.   Guess you could say I leave "mid-scratch" as a description. Good luck with your mare.