Biting when saddled

Question
Hi, I have a 15 Yr. old paint Arabian mare that was abused/neglected.  She and I have made great strides, but the one thing that she won't get over is when I try to saddle her, she tries to bite.  I have used different saddles, had an equine therapist to check her along with my other horses, and nothing seems to be wrong.  The saddle was fitted professionally, and the vet has no medical explanation (internally causing pain).  I would like any insight that you might have on breaking this habit.  Also, she has become quite attached to my BLM Mustang gelding, and he is an all around superb horse.  Could he help remedy her problems, as he was an aide in helping with the other problems...

Answer
Hi Kaci!

This is a very common and easily solved problem.  I have had mares who snap and bite at the air when tacked up....sometimes they are called "girthy" or "cinchy".  It just means they are sensitive to the girth being tightened.  They are usually not in pain, they just plain don't like it.

Sine your mare has a bit of a dodgy background as to her training and riding habits with humans, she may have been very low in her herd..whether it was horses or people, she still considered it her herd.

When low ranking mares get into a new situation, they often attempt to go to the top initially.  A previously picked-on horse will go somewhere new and start being a bully...because they find someone even lower than them.  Or they become even more submissive to try and fit in.  It sounds like she is doing both at times.

This can apply to both your situations...her being saddled up and her attachment to your BLM.

First, it is time to distract her when saddling up.  Pick a treat that is easily eaten (I like sugar cubes)and only give them to her when she is standing in the cross-ties getting ready to be ridden.  Start with grooming her in an accepted spot and give her a treat.  Then, move to her belly and give 2 treats right before you touch her there and while she is busy chewing, gently rub her girth area and say "good girl".

I am sure you are gentle when saddling her but, go even slower and give her a treat the second she is standing calmly for a few seconds.  Now, you need a helper.  Have them stand at her head with the treats and give them to her as you begin to slowly yet without stopping, begin to tighten the girth.  Treats, tighten, treats, tighten again and so on.  Soon you can begin to phase out the treats and just reward her with your voice and touch.

Also, do not make your girth "crazy" tight.  Some people do not know their own strength and really cinch up to an uncomfortble tightness.  Of course, be safe with it, just don't feel you have to go that extra hole!!  LOL!

She will eventually assiciate treats with saddling up and become too interested in eating to care that you are cinching her up.  Just remember to phase them out over time so she does not become mouthy about it.

As for the BLM....you have to make a choice.  Do you want her to become bonded to you or the other horse?  She will pick one of you herself and she will naturally pick the horse.  This can lead to problems in the future, seperating her from him for any reason can quickly become a chore that includes alot of screaming and trying to get back to him all the while ignoring you.

I would imagine that you want her to think of you as her "safe place"....her Boss Mare....leader of the herd.  What you say goes, unquestioned.  This willl enable you to take her away from him anytime for any reason and she will be fine with it.  I cannot tell you how quickly two lone horses will become bonded and the problems it can cause for the human.

So, how do you have her bond to you?  You and I do not have that much time for me to explain here!  LOL!  It is a process of time, effort and above all consistency.  Seperate them often for short and long periods of time so that they get used to it.  Walk one away from the other, switching back and forth so that they both get used to it.  Even if it's for a walk down to the road and back.  Feel free to use treats again to lure them but, always follow-up with your commanding presence.  Don't be nice about it, be firm and nonchalant, as if walking away from her friend is the most natural thing in the world.  If you are calm and resolute, she will see you as the large-and-in-charge leader and feel safe giong with you.  And that is the key to horses, they must feel safe with you to do as you ask.  They are flight creatures who always look to the herd leader to tell them if the situation they are in is safe and OK.

Lastly, horses are outcome based creatures.  If they know the outcome of something, because you have taken the time to show them properly and with nonchalant, firm leadership, they can learn to do just about anything.

To truly obtain a real relationship of trust and respect, one must think like a horse and not like a human.  It is not cruel to command them, it's really the only thing they understand.

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

Solange