COLT BITTING

Question
Dear Solange,

I was just given a 3 mos old stallion, and he is as sweet as can be.  However, he is real big on bitting.  I understand that this is how colts play and that he is trying to "play", but I want to stop this habit before it becomes a real big problem.  Although he is only 3 mos, his butt is already up to my shoulders.  I just want to be able to handle him and stop any bad habits from forming before he is too big for me.  Furthermore, he has already fully dropped.  He is not yet halter broke and I am going to be starting him on that immediately.  Also, he is not yet weaned.  He is kept in a large stall and run with his mother and is turn out in a 6 acre pasture to play w/ his mother at least 3 times a weak.
Would you be able to give me some advice in stopping this habit from forming and maybe give me some other advice in starting to halter break him?

Thank you so much!
Jessica Gerhard

Answer
Hi Jessica!

I would have the vet out as soon as possible and while find out how soon he can be gelded.  And they can do it very early nowadays, as long as the weather permits.  This should stop about 90% of the biting...otherwise, ignore it as much as possible and do not put yourself in a situation where he can easily be tempted to bite you.  Such as hand-feeding, or over touching the muzzle area.

Since he has grown so much without the benefit of solid halter/ground training since day one, you will have to gently "force" the halter on him.  How does one do that?

Persistent touching that eventually allows you to touch him anywhere and get a halter on him and then begin to lead him.  You have to be in his space so much that he becomes used to you and allows you to be there with him remaining calm and content.  You should start with the large parts of his body and then move to the finer areas...the muzzle, ears, hooves and underbelly.  It will take as long as it takes and you must do it daily for it to really stick.  He must allow you to touch him anywhere, anytime for him to be fully ready for the breaking process later on down the road.

Make sure the halter is good a well made all leather one or a nylon one with a leather break-away piece in it. Leave it on him 24/7 and watch carefully that as he grows you adjust it or replace it with a larger one.

Ask your vet for some good advice on weaning him and make sure you get him ready for his first trim with the farrier.  He should stand calmly enough with you holding him (DO NOT tie him to anything)for him to be trimmed regularly with his Dam.

Good luck and remember to always wear an ASTM/SEI approved helmet!

Solange