new arab horse

Question
Hi again Solange,
I was just wondering if spraying my newly attained gelding when he goes to nibble, is going to affect our relationship that I'm trying to build, I want to gain his trust and respect, without creating conflict between us.
Thanks for the info

~Holli
The text above is a follow-up to ...

-----Question-----
I recently purchased a 4 year old arabian gelding, he likes to bite every once in a while, and I would like to know how to effectively stop that habbit. I would also like some tips on training this horse, western show mostly.
thanks, Holli
-----Answer-----
Hi Holli!

The first thing to stop your gelding from bititng is to not turn it into a game.  Do not react at all when he attempts it and never hit back.  He will think it's all pasture playtime fun if you do.

I have an Arab stallion that was a terrible biter at that exact age.  I bought a tiny can of Bianca breath spray and hid it in my right hand and waited for him to reach out and bite me as I was leading him.  As soon as he did, he got a quick spray in his muzzle.  Needless to say, after a few more times his biting really dropped off.  I did not react at all with either my voice or hands.  Just a quick spray and keep moving like nothing ever happened. They do not see it as a game and really never know what hits them, it's just not pleasant....so they stop.

As for western show training tips...not my field.  My only piece of advice is to not introduce the "heavy lifting" tack to your baby too soon.  You know, the big curb bit, spurs or draw reins.  Throw these on a baby before they are ready and you will incur lifelong issues for him.

Go at his pace, not yours or the show schedule's.  Patience in training will prove itself for years to come!

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

Solange  

Answer
Hi Holli!

You will not ruin or affect your relationship with your gelding if you do not react when you spray him.  Just a short, quick spray and no voice or hand punishment.  He should not even know it came from you if you do it right.

As I said before....he will not know where it came from and all he will remember was it was not pleasant!

You must not fall into the trap of believing you are his friend or lover  :-)

You are also not equals.... and will not be partners for a very long time.  Respect must come and trust and love will follow over the years.

Right now he has to learn you are not a pasture-mate to be tested/bullied to see if the power can shift to his side.  

If you do not allow overt emotion during correction, he will not become defensive or distrustful.  He will just learn that "B" quickly follows "A" and if he does not like "B", he should stop doing "A"!!  LOL!

Consistent and humane training that shows and explains to him his end of the partnership is the kindest thing you can ever do for a horse.  Well-trained horses rarely end up at the slaughterhouse.

Good Luck!

Solange