Community

D. Markie

Leg pressure makes my mare bite my feet

 Hi,

I have a 6 year old mare who I am training, she was taking leg pressure all along wonderfully. All of a sudden she won't let me touch her at all with my legs. She bites at both my feet or bucks. She is fine doing groundwork with saddle on  with out a rider.

She is in heat almost constantly ( only taking Dec, Jan and Feb. off) I have her on raspberry leaves and chaste tree berry powder to try to control her extreme moodiness.

I am new to this, so please any detailed information would be helpful

Thanks!

Published Mar 30 2011, 08:26 AM by D. Markie

Comments

 

mory_70125 said:

First, I'd have the mare examined by a vet to see if there is a physical cause to her crankiness.  Second, if shse is in heat almost constantly, I'd ask the vet about this, too, and any possible remedies the vet can offer.   If there is no physical reason to cause this behavior, I'd talk to a respected trainer about how you should handle this.  It may be that she needs some training you're not equipped to handle.  I think this is your best bet--you don't want to hurt her, but you don't want her to hurt you.  

Personally, I'd be inclined to tap her nose with my toe any time she turned to bite my feet--and be sure to be wearing sturdy shoes when you do this.  You don't want to harm her, but you want to let her know that this behavior isn't acceptable.  Do this only if you're secure enough to handle the bucking that will probably result.  Keep her moving forward and remain calm.  Getting into an argument with a horse is futile, even harmful, because you can't win, but you really don't want your horse to find this out.  

I really think that professional help is your best answer for your horse and for you.  

April 18, 2011 2:52 PM

This Blog

Syndication

Tags

No tags have been created or used yet.
Featured Offers
  • Save 10% on the Best Selection of Books and DVDs Online at HorseBooksEtc.com.
  • Receive $5 off your next purchase of Safe-Guard Power-Dose
  • 100% All Natural Wunder Hoof is a Quick, Easy and Affordable way to a Strong Healthy Hoof; Build Thicker Walls & Improve Hoof Condition.
  • Keeping your horse's hindgut healthy can be a challenge, learn about Proviable-EQ a new product from the Makers of Cosequin.
  • Steadfast Equine - a uniquely different joint supplement. Visit www.arenus.com to see the benefits of a more complete joint health supplement plan.