I cannot believe this worked! Opinions??

Ok, I'mma try to make this short...

As some of you know, I have recently developed a biting habit. I refuse to say 'my horse' did, because I know it is something I am doing or related to me in some way, and in recent days, I have been trying EVERYTHING to curb it.

I've done everything. And the last 3 times I was there, it took me about 10 minutes to get him calm enough to get his saddle on (he's fine until then.) and then another 15 to cinch it.

I haven't been riding, too much, because I want to finish this problem up before we move on.

So, last night, I'm at work and we had just gotten in some new ketchup/mustard squeeze bottles. The empty clear plastic ones, ya know? And, I'm out back smoking and staring at these bottles, thinking about Butch and I'm like... Light bulb?

I take one and this evening I head out to the barn. Butch is being an angel, this evening, but he does nip. Each time he does I squeeze the bottle in the direction of his mouth, so he gets a puff of air, while continuing what I'm doing. No easy feat, I had to hide the dang thing in my inside coat pocket and I probably looked like an idiot tacking up my horse using a one knee, one hand, squeeze the bottle kind of technique.

But... IT WORKED. I had him tacked up in NO time. I didn't ride, just tacked and un-tacked him a few times and then when he was completely comfortable I worked him around the arena area.

I am still in awe. I can NOT believe this worked! I know the fight isn't over, as I want this taken care of for good, but... It was just the strangest thing, even my daughter was looking at me like I was an idiot. But... any port in a storm, right?

So, to bring this rant to an end, and before I get too big of a head because right now I'm feeling pretty smart... anyone have opinions on this? Anyone tried this before?

Most importantly, anyone disagree or think I shouldn't have done it?
What do you guys think?

Dusty,
I know dogs just hate to have someone blow into their noses, and I hate it when I go to the eye doctor and they do that puff of air test for glaucoma. What a brilliant idea!

There is one thing to think about. Why was your horse so golden in behavior , except when tacking up wit the saddle? He may have been trying to tell you something. So, look carefully at the saddle fit, and if you aren't sure, ask another knowledgeable person's advive.

You did brilliantly! I am going to remember that.

If it works, do it I say! You could also use a squirt bottle. Biting is a bad habit & a blatant display of disrespect.
You could also keep a bat (not a baseball bat! Lol like a whip) and everytime he turns his head towads you, tap him on the side of the nose until his moves it away.
Once he yields, let him be. A horse that respects you enough to yield his forehand will not bite. Same goes for a horse that yields his hindquarters cannot kick ;)

Wow, I'll have to remember that too!

My colt is/was a nipper but lately he has gotten better. One of the things that someone suggested on here was spitting on him. He really does hate that! It takes him by surprise every time! But the puffer-bottle idea is great too. I will remember that for my arsenal.

^^ oh yes, correct lol I knew an incredibly well broke gelding at a local riding stable who would bite & nip when they put the wrong saddle on. It all seemed to fit, but if they changed saddles he would be perfectly calm

Thanks a whole bunch!!!

Yeah, the FIRST thing I thought of was saddle fit and he only started acting this way after I brought home the saddle that was originally his. (He got sold and I bought him back, but didn't buy the saddle for a month.)
When I was using my BO's saddle, everything was peeeerfect.

Anyhow, my BO checked and I asked our vet to check the saddle while he was out. Both said there's no problem.

It took a minute, but I figured out it's not the saddle he hates, but my girth cinch, which is leather and not the nylon one we were both getting used to. It makes a different noise and has a different feel and he HATES it. I suspect his previous owner, who bought him as a 'trophy' may have been up to no good with the cinch, is all I can figure.

I, too, got the idea from my dogs, thinking... 'This will never work!'

I'm more relieved than anything, lol.

Thanks a BUNCH!

LOL @ not a baseball bat I did try that, but I'm sure it's my fault, but I didn't want to be too rough with him by accident and end up making him scared of me personally, if that makes any sense?

I also tried the pet him till he can't stand it anymore, I tried using a clapper (I slapped it against my leg, not against him, and have the bruises to prove it, lol.) I tried poking him in the shoulder... ad nauseum. Hence the reason I was brooding at work. He responded to nothing of the sort for more than a time or two. Maybe I'm not 'grrrrrr' enough?


Spitting on him? Are you serious? That's amazing, no, seriously. That is something I never tried! It's cracking me up, picturing it, but... wow, if it works? I didn't even think of that as an option, LMAO!

Was it just because he didn't like it? Or was it because he only had the one fit good? Or he was just bein a brat? Just curious!

I do remember a thread where a reponder on another thread suggested spitting on the horse's nose to stop a biting problem. If it works for a specific horse, go for it.

It sounds like some "soap opera training" is in order for your boy. It could also be called "time-out" for misbehaving kids. Back some years ago daytime programs were called "soap operas" as they might still be called now days, but who has time or inclination for them now. What I suggest you do is with what ever it takes to get your horse saddled tightening the cinch slowly in a couple of sessions, btw the cinch needs to be just snug enough to keep the saddle where it belongs, then tie your horse up fairly short with just a halter and lead then leave him for several hours, thus "soap opera training". You or someone must stay within sight and sound of your horse with a sharp rope cutting knife just in case the horse gets itself into a bad situation. What this does is teaches the horse patience and it does work very well.

Wishing you all the best and keep us updated...

Still amazed that so many people have heard of this spitting thing :):)

Thank you so much, for your suggestion! I left him tied last night for about a 1/2 hour by himself, saddled, while we groomed my daughter's horse pretty good on the other side of the barn. (In sight/ sound range.) At the time I was thinking oh, he is going to be so mad at me for leaving him standing there! But, he wasn't, he was cool as a cucumber.

Today our weather is freaking beautiful, so I plan on spending most of the day out there and so I will DEFINITELY try this. Thank you, again, for your advice & I will definitely keep you guys posted!

I find that Im nervous to try new things with my horse without running it by my trainer first.But over time I have learned that it doesnt always take some mystic horse training trick to fix an issue.
I love when ppl try the unheard of and share with others as we all learn more and more.Different horses require different techniques,so you can never know enough and with a little common sense,creativity and courage to try something new,you can only make your relationship with your horse better and better.
Great thinking and way to work it out!!!!!!