leading a biting colt????

Question
hey! i'm working on breaking my 1 1/2 year old stud colt to lead. the person i bought him from suggested that i tie him to a tree for ~ an hour every day. it works great, btw!! Recently, I tied him, after my brother and I had a bit of a problem getting him to the tree, but when I released him, he was PERFECT!!!!!!!! However, the next day? I went out, and got his halter on, but before we were 2 steps towards the tree, he starts getting very 'bitey'. He goes so that he got my whole knee cap in his mouth! I don't tolerate this. I know that making him walk will keep him from doing this, but when i tugged the lead, he would bring his head down, and try to bite! I can't really move him when i'm watching out for my hands and stuff.

I have been able to sit on him (bareback, just sitting) several times.. i'm really little. But I can't really do anything with him unless I have a person on each side with a lead, so we can keep his head away from us.

I know that gelding will fix alot of this, but it's not really an option right now.

He's on pasture alone. Thanks so much for your help!!!!!!

Answer
Mary -

Based on what you are describing, the biting issue is a result of a lack of training in other areas.

For the leading I would consider a butt rope, or stepping to the side every time the horse stops to disengage the horses hind end.  Both things can be done from a few feet in front of the horse - out of biting distance.

I would be careful when you tie him to a tree.  While that can sometimes work, it can also go very wrong and cause injury.

I appologize if this does not answer your question, but what you are describing is a result of how the horse is being handled.  You really should consider getting a local trainer to come out and give you some "hands on" advice.  This is a very sensitive and important time in a horses training, and if it is not done right, it will result in even worse problems down the road.

Michael Hockemeyer
Kicking Bear Mustangs