Solving biting or nipping issues with horses

Dealing with horses that are mouthy and tend to nip. After a post on social media where I mentioned that my wife's new horse, Dale, used to very mouthy and how instead of feeling that it was something I felt needed fixing, I took it as him wishing to engage with me.
I received so much feedback with people asking what I did, I thought I’d make a video today and discuss it a bit .
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[@pennysmith6657]

So interesting that you decided instead of trying to "fix" him, you tried to satisfy his need. The great pediatrician Barry Brazelton said that a need that is satisfied "goes away", and you just showed us that with a horse!

[@This1LifeWeLive]

Please note that he explains it took 4 MONTHS for this particular horse to work through the mouthy behavior. As someone who's had a biting, nipping, chewing horse I can say that this does WORK. At least with mine it's had an effect on him just the 2 times I've tried it. MUCH more effective than asking him to back up, move out of my space, etc. But like anything, it's something that will need to be done regularly or as needed. All of his focus and release work in his video library is WELL worth the money. More effective than a trainer and a fraction of the price!

[@sjohnson1876]

WT Farm Girl Videos Good clarification. I wasn’t able to be with my horse for 3 days. He has to be walked for 20 minutes by hand, so someone else had to do it. I noticed him being head shy. I have just gently pushed his face away, but others aren’t so kind. I will try this and let people know how to handle my horse in my absence.

[@Miyachristensen]

I have a colt that is a crazy aggressive biter and today was my first session with him on this and I already see a little difference. Will be doing this with him every day multiple times

[@dreamingoflongdistance1602]

It's what separates the mediocre from the great in the horse world... getting things done in a way that's beneficial for horse and owner. I just don't think you can do cookie-cutter approach to any animal, they all have unique personalities. Good job, Warwick. You are a patient and kind horseman ❤️

[@WarwickSchiller]

Thanks.

[@katieperry3998]

Bloody brilliant video. I used to deal with a lot of colts in racing and I always knew they wanted interaction. They're stuck in solitary confinement for 23 hours a day just about. Broke my heart when other lads just knocked them about for it.

[@Dylan-ez5qx]

i dont have a huge problem with racing but i really wish they would get more turnout with their buddies. keeping a horse in a stall alone is such an abusive topic that people dont talk enough about. breeding ground for behavioral physical and emotional issues.

[@nukeiza]

race horses don’t stay cooped up in stalls, otherwise they wouldn’t have the ability to race. the only time they spend a lot of time in stalls is directly before races to make sure they don’t injure themselves. they get plenty of pasture time and plenty of time to engage with other horses.

[@southernforestgypsy]

@@nukeiza I worked in many racing stables over the years and when horses were in work they were literally locked in their stables for every part of the day that wasn't them being excercised/worked. They get a few months off each year if they're well cared for but whilst in work, they're stabled. You don't know what you talking about dude.

[@southernforestgypsy]

Is amazing isn't it Katie, how many racing stables literally earn their bread and butter from horses racing but that have little understanding of, or apparent desire even, to understand the very thing that they specialise in, horses.

[@nukeiza]

@@southernforestgypsy i don't know what kind of racing stable you've been to but i can assure you that 95% of professional racing stables treat their horses like royalty and definitely do not just leave them in a stall all day. if race horses were left in a stall all day they wouldn't be able to race as well as they do. more horses are killed in activist invasions than on the track. literally sit down and do some actual research.

[@kathleen0954]

What a beautiful insight! I love this. And now, it looks like when he turns toward you, he's asking for the nose massage. I've heard that the nerve endings of the limbic system of the horse's brain are in and around the nose, even the gums...and when we massage them, they immediately receive an emotional feeling of well-being, and when done often, creates a new neurological pathway that changes the prior behavior. The results are sure apparent in this video! I learned to massage even the upper and lower gums, and now the horse asks for it whenever I come near...! Thank you for posting this. What a perspective!

[@katethenaturalist]

This is incredibly helpful! "He just wants to engage" has helped me break through with an older horse that bites and that most people steer clear of. The change is remarkable over just three days. It feels so much better to treat his nips as friendly attempts to engage rather than punishing them. It's heart-warming to see this anxious huge fellow relax once he knows he's not going to get hit or yanked. His eyes go soft and he licks and chews and instead of snapping. He truly wants connection and surely has some very good reasons not to trust. It takes time to earn that trust, for both of us. Trusting his intention - understanding his desire to connect - was the first step. Thank you for shining this light onto what he's trying to say! #JourneyOn20

[@kellyfitzpatrick3528]

Thank you so much for this awesome video. I just bought a horse that is so mouthy and really wants to interact with me. He doesn't bite, just wants to put his lips on me, cuddle me, be with me. It was suggested to me that if I allow him to do that, eventually it would get worse and over time he would bite me. So I was having him back out of my space everytime he would try to engage with me so he couldn't reach me. Then I found this video. It has been a true relationship saver with this horse. He simply is trying to connect with me. I want him to want to connect with me! So I've put this to practice and it has been amazing! I am so grateful that I found you so that I didn't ruin my connection and relationship with my horse! He still approaches me and wants to connect. I encourage it and engage with him and he relaxes. Win, win! #journeyon20

[@WarwickSchiller]

G'day Kelly, thanks for your response! You have won yourself a free months subscription! Just send me an email with your information and I'll get you sorted. [e-mail]

[@ano.theart3050]

Yes!! My gelding was the exact same. At first i took it as aggression, but then I realized he was actually trying to communicate that he was feeling anxious If you soften to them they soften to you

[@StableHorseTraining]

Excellent video. It amazes me how many people say NOT to touch a horse's face. This is great and a really good suggestion to add to the toolbox.

[@louisecassidy5991]

Stable Horse Training ....I like that phrase "Add to the toolbox." Well, I didn't leave it in the tool box, I've used it and can vouch for it. All thanks to Warwick, living proof that no matter how good we are, we never know it all and there is always more to learn, most especially about horses. Seems to me to boil down to "A flexible mind will produce a flexible horse."

[@epona9166]

True, people do say that, but IMO not going for the horse's face actually is a good practice, especially if the horse does't know you, and you haven't first held your hand out for him to reach out to you. Many horses just don't like it, whether they know you or not. This is a situation where Warwick and the horse are well acquainted, plus he's doing it to deal with a specific issue, and the the horse is obviously cool with it.

[@kerryobrien6299]

Wonderful. My mare is very mouthy. It's a combination of anxiety, plus she's an over achiever and really wants to please, which is another layer of anxiety. Recognizing that has been hugely helpful.

[@yvonnejinks3660]

Warwick, a great video on how to look at things differently. Many people react aggressively with even the possibility of a bite, my personal view is that training through intimidation never works long term.

[@cnnw3929]

I just found this video, and Warwick does the exact same thing that I do with the horses at my stable. They just want to interact. Horses are social animals, and can get lonely. They can even go as far as being starved for human companionship. It amazes me how the horse is not yet considered as "man's best friend".

[@rozeestancombe3825]

As someone looking for alternative ways to train ( believe everyone should stay in a state of learning) I Can not thank you enough for tour transparency. My very mouthy 2 year old is not so mouthy anymore and it's not because shes popped.

[@blkgryphon]

The great Canadian horseman Josh Nichol has been talking about this for a LONG TIME: that horses we generally label as biters, pushy, or rude are simply insecure and trying to engage us the only way they know how - - through spatial conversation. So glad to see someone as popular as Warwick coming around to this kind of thinking!

[@WarwickSchiller]

Josh is on my podcast next week.

[@blkgryphon]

@@WarwickSchiller That is wonderful, Warwick! He speaks very highly of you, and wow, what a powerful force for good your two minds together will be! How do I tune in to your podcast? He, like you, is always evolving, seeking better and better ways to help horses. I would like to spread the word about your upcoming conversation -- I have a considerable reach on social media and my goal is always to get good information for horse people out there in a broader way.

[@michaelc2509]

Excellent!!! No more horses being hit for simply wanting to engage. Trust trust trust.

[@maanuulicious]

Found your channel last weekend and yesterday I tried your tipp at my mare.... Have her since last Oct and the whole cleaning process was so annoying cause she always tried to snapp or bite you. Nothing worked.... So tried your tipp and...... IT WORKED 😍😍 and she was licking her mouth, standing relaxed one hoof up really chilling..... thank you so much.... Tipps like this are gold 👌👌👌🥇

[@miricllz]

I also have a mare but she’s a yearling

[@lvpisias]

Love this. I have a very mouthy horse, and people think I'm crazy because I don't "discipline" him. Thanks for helping people understand our mouthy friends.

[@jennifercockrill6356]

I've been struggling with exactly this issue for a long time with a horse I love. It drives me insane! I'm so relieved to have a different way to look at this behavior, and to have another way to engage with him that will be more satisfying to him and less frustrating to me. Thanks for the coaching!

[@patanderson3368]

Same here. I'm beginning to think insanity is my middle name! Bought my gelding three years ago as a six year old. The seller said, "He's always done that" when I asked about him chewing on the bit. Little did I know it also included lead ropes, reins, and me. I've tried a more aggressive approach (like Warwick demonstrated) to handling the muzzle and that does seem to be helping a bit. I'm going to try this more gentler approach with more consistency and see if there's a break through coming. We can only hope, right? Good luck with your horse Jennifer.

[@jennifercockrill6356]

@@patanderson3368 Thanks, Pat! So far he appears to find this mildly irritating, but I'm chalking that up to it being a novel experience for him. Also, I am warm and gentle when I'm doing it, so pretty certain I can't be hurting him or treating him unfairly in anyway. At the same time, not sure he is finding it a satisfying response to his constant picking. As you say, we can only hope. So that's what I'm doing for you, too. Hoping the combination of this mindset and the rich tactile experience for horse, is a satisfactory solution for both of you. PS, no one has ever replied to a comment I made on a KZbin video before. Thanks for being kind.

[@sjohnson1876]

Jennifer Cockrill I am wondering if a different spot for engaging him would work? Just a passing thought. I am on my way to the barn to see if it works on my boy.

[@jennifercockrill6356]

@@sjohnson1876 A different spot on his body? Or a different spot on the farm, other than in his stall? Did it work with your boy? Love to know...

[@sjohnson1876]

Jennifer Cockrill I was thinking maybe rubbing him on his forehead, or cheeks or something. I tried this for the first time yesterday, I think he found it irritating. His mouthiness was more aggressive. So I went back to pushing his head away and not engaging him. He has been cooped up for weeks; 6 weeks due to pasture ice, and 3 weeks due to back surgery. So I would be irritated too! I think I will have to give this time, he just wants out of his stall! He even charged at me when I was walking him, and I had to stop that right there!! I will keep you posted, you do the same.

[@LittleMissHollyxoxo]

I’ve always thought that biting horses are trying to assert their dominance, not engage with us. I’m having issues with my Andalusian biting so I will give this new way of thinking a go. Interesting perspective

[@amogus205]

So how did it go? I have a lusitano stallion who's 10 months now. He's very mouthy with pinned ears and trying to be very dominant. It has gotten better over the last few days because I've made him move his legs backwards. But he's still mouthy when I try to touch him and rub his nose and mouth...

[@MsDogMom]

i just used this method on a 1 year, not highly handled babe + watching your video ..... and my mindset of him being interested and wanting to smell/taste it) and i quickly realized within a few minutes, he's NOT nipping me! he's smelling me and actually likes the taste of the salt-sweat on my arm!! UN.REAL!! In 5 hours, of him not being comfortable with ANYONE in his space, i got a harness on him... and he was freely-following around his pen! You're teaching me I can't find locally in Ecuador. Such a godsent, you have been! unreal.

[@DRAG0NPRINC355]

I was out with my horses today and decided to try this out with my nibbly one. It seemed to make a bit of difference in how often he nibbles me. I will keep using this method and see if he improves further.

[@markmevrywell]

This was revelatory. I have a really good-natured reining-bred yearling colt that has displayed almost an obsession with grabbing lead ropes, hands, clothes - anything he can reach. I resorted to a traditional “fix the problem,” punitive approach, treating this as aggressive behavior, but knowing there was something else really going on. This yearling lost his two pasture mates (a pair of old Haflinger geldings) over the course of 3 months this winter. It dawned on me that he likely has a high amount of anxiety, and leading him increased this anxiety because of my misguided approach to try to correct the behavior. He’s a baby looking for engagement and comfort and a feeling of safety. He needs me to be his “herd.” Thank you!

[@sayersangela]

Thank you. My horse used to bite. I started out being mean to get him to stop. Didn't work. Finally I started giving him nice mouth attention like you said rubbing his nose nice. All he wanted was attention. He is the most loving horse!

[@janetbradley9372]

Can't wait to try this with my nipper!!!

[@miricllz]

lol me too!

[@Linda-hw6rv]

Thanks so much Warwick, I have a horse with this exact biting anxiety to the point where I have to tuck his reins in under his cheek strap on his bridle while leading him around. He would knock his saddle off the rail, chew the lead rope, anything he could get his mouth on. I will give this a try this week and see how he responds. Thanks for providing such clear and concise videos, they are opening my mind for sure. Best ones out there.

[@sidilicious11]

Linda how did it work?

[@j.elizabeth4621]

Linda we need answers

[@Peaka01]

Thank you for sharing this! I finally found a solution that resonates with my spirit that doesn’t involve chasing them backwards with their heads in the air!

[@ASahara001]

This video brought me to tears... The understanding and compassion with this horse, the calmness ... its so beautiful to see how relaxed he was the whole time, also when you hugged him and turned his head. Relaxed face, ears going forward/side, the relaxation in between... I definitely need to try this with my pony, just to see if he likes it :) I really really enjoy seeing people who try to see the best in their animal and act accordingly.

[@anne-theresefagerli6939]

my philosophy as a farrier, with a review of owners who cuddle instead - we get sweaty and if you have the hoof support forward, you don't want to be bitten because of salt licking. owner's task

[@janedmunds4218]

I love how you adjusted your training method to the horse’s best interests

[@horsebackwriter]

Thank you, Warwick. I have three boys and they have all been mouthy. This is the way I deal with it but I get tired of defending my approach to people who tell me that it's a 'dominance thing' or he needs to be 'corrected'. To me, it's an interaction as sure as me giving them a scratch or nuzzle. Save the discipline or self-defence for those horses who are interacting aggressively, not like this.

[@demonslayer9016]

Im not quite into horses by any stretch but watching this man who is so dedicated and analytical is very informative. Professional at work.

[@amandasawyer4784]

I can’t tell you how useful & enlightening I found this video. One of my boys does the exact same thing. Biting the halter, rope & my hands when catching him. I’ve been ignoring it but always give him a scratch on the shoulder & talk to him but now I’m going to love all over his muzzle just as you did. Thank you so much Warwick for such a brilliant & intelligent way of thinking 👍

[@scrapincowgirl7]

I love that you have an open mind to try new training techniques! I have seen so many trainers that think they know it all and are not willing to try something different. It says a lot about you as a trainer! Keep up the good work! Patty

[@teresawort9124]

I own an OTTB.Very mouthy. I kind of figured this out. I though anxiety & give me some attention. You just confirmed my thoughts. Thank you so much !

[@jasmineandrews9854]

This is one of my Favourite videos, it has helped with our 8yr old Fell pony. He no longer nips at all and loves to engage with us. We now feel so comfortable and confident with him that he comes and puts his head on our shoulder for a cuddle and looks straight into our eyes. #journeyon20

[@sjohnson1876]

Oh my gosh this is MY horses issue exactly!! I am a first-time horse owner. He loves to lick and nibble. The two times he bit me was pain (just had surgery for kissing spines). He is not a bad horse, he isn’t mean. He talks loud. People have told me to bop him in the nose when he gets his face towards me. I just gently push his head away. Owned him for 1.5 years, noticed at clinics that when he was nervous, he wanted to lick me. It calmed him down. Now this suggestion by Warwick has a light bulb going on in my head. THANK YOU, THANK YOU THANK YOU!! Someone who took the time to understand!

[@randysmith5802]

I sure agree with this approach. I have a 2 year old filly whose very mouthy, but as I never saw any malice in it, this is just how I dealt with it, and we've never had a biting problem. Great Warwick!

[@singthewolf7505]

Struggle Snuggle :) Love it. Official term, right there!

[@sondraleonard212]

Love that you quoted Wayne Dwyer. You are a compassionate horse whisperer

[@lindathrall5133]

I love the velvety touch of the nose it's so soft

[@dlou3264]

For those of us who don’t ride, can’t ride, don’t have horses, etc., stuff like this is SO much fun to watch! Everyone loves horses - no matter who. I Loved this video! That was Excellent Reasoning! How much we all miss because of the way we think, because of the way we see things, and fix our perspective! In this case, so much better for man And horse! Beautiful Horse!

[@Crazylab1616]

Love the reassurance that u have given him

[@TheKapias]

Thank you! Really enjoy watching the love you share with the big guy!

[@ashleykerridge8776]

THANK YOU!! My one gelding had started this out of nowhere. Not in an aggressive way at all but just like what you are describing. I hated to correct him because he clearly wasn't trying to hurt me or be pushy, but I still didn't want it to become a "thing" where he might accidentally bite someone and do damage. So I didn't know how to handle it. This video popped up and I've been doing this and it's worked! So awesome! Everyone was telling me to slap him or bonk his nose and I just don't like that, especially when he's so clearly trying to be friendly and playful.

[@georgiagonzales3769]

Warwick, your the best...thank you. Always finding a better way. 🤗

[@hahnchenland3483]

Thank you for this video. We rescued two mini horses, aged 1 and 2, who are full sisters. They were lawn ornaments and had never been touched -- at all. They would bite, rare, nibble (sort of like feeling you up with their lips, not biting in a mean way, just like a curious gesture). After trying several KZbinr's advice on how to correct this behavior, I will tell you that Mr. Schiller's advice worked for us -- and nearly immediately. (Edited to include: when I mean "almost immediately", the aggressive behavior stopped within a couple of weeks and after using this technique. Within three months, the "curious nibbling" behavior is also stopped) Popping them with a stick (which was actually the most frequent advice) in either the jaw or neck DID NOT work and seemed to agitate them worse. Only the hand to nose, then withdraw, then both hands on muzzle and gently rub, rub, rub worked for these girls. Now they are so loving and eager. I think they were just missing their gelded sibling and mother so were mouthy and curious -- and yes, occasionally mean-spiritedly biting. Just interacting with them and satisfying their curiosity with the rubbing is what has turned these two young minis into bright, interacting horses who are immediately eager to come to the fence to be led and worked with. Thank you, thank you, thank you for this video!

[@sallysingerlbk]

So helpful! That simple change in my reaction made a world of difference, so thank you.

[@lisavargo9644]

I really enjoyed this lesson on biting. We had a dairy farm growing up and our cows would do the same. Crazy but they really needed the ear rub and the nose rub. Animals really do need that loving caress. Great job.

[@louisecassidy5991]

Well, thank you! Our mouthy youngster has given it up! Went through several stages, almost resented the muzzle-loving, almost nasty one evening, I was sort of expecting worse, but the next day, it was over. Now I can muzzle-cuddle and no nipping and seems to like it, which she didn't in the beginning. I'm making a point of still doing it, and showed someone today that this method has worked.

[@mrstephandowning]

Thought u had to be tough with them but now I know the gentle style works!

[@peachesandapril]

Really like this perspective. Thank you for sharing!

[@nerolsalguod4649]

I did this with my mustang. She mellowed out quickly. She wants her attention first !

[@koretmulder6316]

Your open-mindedness and willing to consider different approaches, rather than just "my way or the highway" has so many applications in life. Thanks!

[@Septemberfarms]

Thank you so much! This came at a perfect time as I am dealing with a mouthy nippy yearling colt.

[@timmichael9285]

This approach to my problem is so sensible and understandable. Very helpful.

[@brandoniousdestructus476]

Very admirable to change up your perspective and share it with the rest of the world. Thank you.

[@cindykusk4102]

Oh my gosh, this is amazing!! I have been struggling with my colt and this is way better way to deal with him!! Going to head out and start with this method!! Thank you, a million times thank you!!!

[@tjligouri1794]

I really appreciate your "one size does *not* fit all" approach!

[@juliahaggenmueller8730]

That was the first Warwick video that I saw and it changed so much. Above all the relationship with my horse and how I see him and things. I am so grateful for this change of perspective. And even if the language thing is sometimes difficult (sorry for my English by the way) - I love the way Warwick works with horses and shares his ideas with us. Thanks for that. #journeyon20

[@alicecohen4726]

Lovely calming process. Dale is lovely. Your wife chose well and maybe he needed time for adjusting to his new owners! Good to see an enquiry from the horses point of view. Big hug Warwick ☺

[@TroyMountain]

* Wonderful. * He's got a great friend in you, Warwick.

[@catherinesandell6602]

I appreciate your video! Thanks for the new perspective!

[@karenlindstrom516]

Thank you for this video. It’s what I have been doing with my horse, but I was thinking maybe I was doing something wrong. Made my day to learn something I did intuitively is Warwick approved! I’m so grateful for your videos. They help me so much. I love that I have found a teacher with my philosophy of how to treat horses.

[@orientalhavana]

This video makes me so happy. So many biters become head shy or worse. Seriously. Many trainers would have gone a different way with a horse that bites. The thought and understanding in this clip is amazing. Thank you!

[@tansysmum2628]

Love that you're not afraid to admit that you haven't always been right. I have a newish horse who was very tense and now is very mouthy, can't wait to try this on him.

[@taylorstorms7674]

Thank you Warwick! This was very helpful. My horse has quite a bit of anxiety, and I started doing ground work regularly to help him, and he started doing that exact same thing! I wasn't sure how to interpret or respond to it, and after following your suggestion he's been getting better all around.

[@melaniefarmer75]

This is what my OTT does all the time. Thank you for this. I've tried lots of things and the best is hanging out with him and rubbing his head and mouth.

[@bournetoride2227]

Thanks! I will try this . Love your approach

[@RickyJr46]

Thank you Warwick, I like your outlook here!

[@rosivasanjunkitkat9179]

Just seeing this now and our palomino gelding is the same way. Always thought he had major anxiety from his 2 previous owner’s. He’s very sweet, loves adults and kids, loves loves being scratched, brushed etc. But he bites the lead rope, bits brushes, feed bowls, pylons and more. He does try to bit or nibble us, and we were told to ignore him and push his head away and the problem is getting worst. Thank you, We know what to do now and hope this helps.

[@lindagilbert187]

Love this approach! I will definitely try this today with my boy!!!

[@louisecassidy5991]

Oh boy! Thanks Warwick, got a mouthy one here 2.5 yrs of age still unbroken, very quiet, afraid of nothing and I've been using some of your methods, always lipping and nipping yet no savagery. Grabs clothing. She'd tear the shirt right off a stranger if they let her. Gonna try this.

[@carolineschillig5135]

Seriously Warwick, hats off to you for how you've changed. Keep it up, don't stop learning xx

[@WarwickSchiller]

Thank you Caroline.

[@DBarsanti]

I have (correction--had) one of those horses, too ... but, thanks to your Channel, our relationship has developed into something pretty wonderful. This process you've explained & demonstrated has made all the difference ... his "grumpy" attitude has become relaxed and affectionate ... I assume he's thinking that it sure took me a long time to understand him ... but, better late than never! Thanks a million, Warwick!

[@sherrydrake9578]

I have watched some of your videos. I know nothing about horses. I very much like how kind you are the the horses. I also like how you grow and admit that you look at things differently. Very enjoyable videos.

[@MrsTonySoprano]

That horse is definitely enjoying spending time with you. He looks very relaxed and comfortable. What an intuitive solution to making things better for him and his people.

[@ChipSpencer123]

Very, very interesting. I have had experiences where I think horses were biting to bite.

[@JoanPatterson]

I love this video. Thanks for sharing a different way to fix this problem

[@sarahmason4698]

My pony used to be very mouthy, nipping / holding the lead rope and halter etc, but I've noticed over the last few months he has been so much less mouthy. I have started using inhalers for his RAO / equine asthma in these last months, so there's been lots of feeling with my hands around his nose. Your understanding of the issue and approach now explains so much, thanks Warwick!

[@beckyneuses2054]

Very good video clip. Changing the way we look at a biting horse is interesting, and might work for many, many horses and riders out there. I’m going to try it! Thanks!

[@Travel-Couple]

Thank you so much!!! I’m having a horse like this This video is so helpful Thank you so much I really appreciate it

[@apsimmy7236]

you understand, and he loves you for understanding

[@nancymcclain5626]

Thank you so much for sharing your method. I am going to use it with my horse.

[@melaniefarmer75]

Did the rub/snuggle treatment was immediately effective. The lead rope biting is greatly diminished and my OTT is much more at ☮️.

[@WarwickSchiller]

Awesome work Melanie.

[@lindog51]

Good for you to have the courage to change, and to share it with others. I have found that most animals, including dogs and horses, can have a lot of unwanted behaviors that are all rooted in anxiety. Treat the anxiety, and you won't see any more symptoms. Good on ya.

[@cublau]

What a great solution! Made me subscribe your channel right away.

[@777hasdoneit]

Omy I found the true horse whisperer again You sir are king of 🐎

[@wingsofflow4041]

I love y ou for this video. I have had a horse from Spain since November that is supposedly unrideable. I am still in the process of earning his trust. Since he has more security and trust he does what you describe here, biting, holding, nipping - everyone says I should send him back, put pressure on him. But I also think he wants to make contact and your video now gives me a way to deal with it. 1000 thanks. Inga from Germany

[@feliciadale1740]

I am so going to try this with the lovely old Arab mare I get to ride now and then. She has always "hated" being saddled and definitely gets mouthy and anxious about the process. Her owner is really careful about saddles fitting properly, has always (had her since she was born) been kind and gentle with her, being respectful and getting respect back, but this one thing has been a real issue. It would be so neat if something so apparently simple made her happier! Thank you for the fabulous videos, Warwick. I so appreciate you putting them up for us.

[@mls616]

This is so perfect! I ride a horse that does this and I said to his owner the other day - I think he's just trying to communicate in a way....but I still didn't really know what to do with it. Now I have a tool that I can use. :)

[@littlebird8837]

Such a beautiful horse....so sweet.

[@ddeller100]

Thank you so much! I’ve been struggling with this with my horse. I will definitely give this a try

[@sieable]

This is very helpful, thanks. I have a sensitive horse who has just gone through a big relocation. His nibbling has gone through the roof. This makes a lot of sense.

[@gingercob_jax5970]

Very interesting video. I have a 4 year old cob gelding who is extremely mouthy and also anxious. Will definitely be trying this approach

[@CLARlCEsotl]

Lovely video. Makes so much sense now you've pointed it out. Nipping without aggressive body language is clearly not the horse communicating "leave me alone" but just some quirky way of saying "give me attention". If it's anxiety, the gentle nipping might be reminiscent of how he was groomed by his mummy when a foal and he's asking you to do that to comfort him. Classic displacement behaviour.

[@lauradurrant730]

Thank you for this... I have seen a few horse that bit but do a very similar technique... nice to know I am making it better! 💜

[@breannemckinney410]

Thank you for sharing this content

[@brittnyhawk8633]

I love it. My young boy is very mouthy. Im going to give this a try. I never hit him like everyone said I should. I know there was an answer, just needed to wait for it. Thank you!

[@kathleen0954]

Good for you, for going with your own heart! Like you, I waited for the right answer to come, not knowing what it was, but knowing what it wasn't (hitting). The right way takes patience, but wins the heart and trust of the horse rather than the "respect" the hit mongers speak of, which is really only "fear."

[@helencollins4462]

Great insights! Thank you!

[@stephensmithsbarsmustangra4]

I am working through this with Dreamer (one of my MustangGirls) who is just now under saddle. She’s always been a “nibbled” but never a bitter, so far. I agree with you, I feel she just wants attention and to make a connection with you, also wanting to see if you are the feed person. Since I’ve been following your recommendations of rubbing the muzzle she has improved immensely. She still does it but not near as long. Great improvement. Thank you.

[@rlredifer410]

Excellent video. I have a mouthy 4 year old gelding that I thought from the get go that the nibbling was more curiosity and engagement as opposed to aggression. I’ve started taking this approach with him a few weeks ago and have been noticing some improvement.