4yr old biting miniature stallion

Question
Hi, we own a four yr old miniature stallion who has just recently started biting. He bites when he's in his stall he bites when he's been lead. He bites whenever anyone grabs his halter. I have had him checked by our vet to make sure he isn't having a problem with his teeth. He is turned out daily in his own pasture but can see our other horse who is a draft pony mare. He is not fed grain and he has a stall treat that is hanging from the ceiling to relieve his boredom. He is handled daily and is stabled every night by himself the mare stays out to pasture during the summer. Due to a coyote problem we have to stable him at night as he is only 31 inches tall. He has had his nose pinched as punishment for biting. I have carried a bar of soap so he will bite that instead of me. I have even bitten him back on the nose to get the point across that it hurts. All to no avail. My question to you is how do I get him to stop biting without making him headshy?

Answer
Hi Shellie:
This is a very good question and one a lot of people have problems with. Yes you are right about not hitting him, and that will make the problem worse and create more problems for you. I would recommend a lemon or something sour instead of soap, instead of biting him back kick just about his hoof. never slap him or hit him in any kind because that will be worse for him, and will make the problem worse as well as to create new problems you want him to like being handled. If you are having troubles bringing him in at night you could try putting a lead rope around his neck and bringing him in this way or trying a treat in your hand if he will follow you. Do that a couple times and than slowly start working the lead rope closer and closer to his halter than eventually you should be able to snap it onto his lead rope. That is our goal. Always reward him for good behavior. Horses can also understand human voices, if you ever yell at a horse they will shy away. My recommendation would be to say "No" in a strong voice but not yelling so that he understands that it is not accepted. If you try the lemon idea, also say NO if he bites you, try staying it as he is moving his head towards you. Try talking to him, for example "No _____ that is bad, your not allowed to bite." or something.
I hope this helps and if you have any future questions e-mail me back.
Have a great day, and good luck with him.

Thanks,
Shaunna.