The Principles of Training Season 3 Episode 5: "Judgmental Thoughts"

[@simoneaguilar011490]

This is leading edge horse training!!! Yes yes yes!!!

[@ssearcy722]

You are inspiring! The only trainer I can consistently watch...I learn something every time. :) Thank you.

[@annemcknight9315]

Thank you Warwick, I have always used "smile with my eyes" with my animals and people, and many years ago I read a self help book, I think called phyco cybernetics and one of the exercises was to look at everyone you see and in your mind say "I love you" I did find that a little difficult but it still worked. I have had some tragedy over the past few years and now on the other side have been meditating on getting my smile back. In one day of practicing your Mona Lisa smile and I used "may you be happy" I have it back, and it feels wonderful. Also matching steps I have found so incredibly bonding. Thank you for your great insights and clear explanations, also reminding me that having the knowledge is not enough, you have to live it.

[@LifeWithHorsesTV]

I've believed in these ways for a long time.. but always felt silly explaining them because it goes against what most horse people do. Lol.. mostly why I dont watch horse people anymore either and study other things like energy and meditation and ways to improve myself. It's really all about being present with them. I'm a personal fitness trainer (over 30 years) and Reiki master (over 20 years) and to me.. both are about being present.. being in the now. And so are horses. I have 2 geldings like this and you are right.. they act that way to get your attention. I am always present with my horses when I'm working with them, so they know when I'm not, and my geldings especially will let me know if my attention goes somewhere else.. like if I'm talking to someone. Lol Horses like that are really great teachers of how to be present and how to really be in a relationship with someone. They definitely teach patience and unconditional love. I love my mouthy geldings and all of my horses... they all teach something different. Thank you so much for leading the way with this type of information. I love love LOVE this newer journey of yours!

[@pamelapeterson2987]

My youngest horse used to occasionally reach out and nip at me as I passed by him. He is a confident guy and so I did have a “judgement” that he was being “dominant”, and I would “react” out of habit and ask him to back up a few steps, which is how I’d been taught to handle this behavior (i.e. “backing cures biting”). It did not get better. About a year ago, after hearing you speak on this, I took your approach and changed the way I thought about the behavior. I decided to pause and to really try to understand the communication. What came through for me is that he didn’t like it when I wasn’t present and walked through his bubble without first acknowledging/connecting with him. He also didn’t like it when we were doing something together and were interrupted by another human (I am easily distracted when a neighbor sees me and stops on the road to chat). I believe my horse communicated this to me, but it also could have become obvious when instead of reacting, I stopped to reflect on the times that it happened and what was going on. Things aren’t perfect ( I still can be distracted or become “not present” at times) but they definitely have become so much better.

[@lisaweinberger4197]

I am literally almost in tears watching this. I have been dealing with these same behaviors in my 5 y.o. throughbred mare. People around me keep telling me shes crazy and I that I need to get rid of her. This video is giving me a better understanding of her and hope I can be the partner that will bring out the best in her! Thank you so much for sharing this!

[@caitlynchapman4608]

#journeyon20. This video plus the few before it finally set us on our way to freedom. I felt like our ottb was all these problem horses wrapped up in one. He is feeling so much better mentally and physically! I can’t wait to see what the next year brings - oh and he has stopped rearing and I haven’t even gotten to the latest videos. #GottenGotten

[@StelmaDesigns]

Lol! Finally! You are working with a horse just like mine except my off track thoroughbred doesn't pin his ears. His mouthiness for years was stumping me and I came to many of the conclusions you have over the years. My horse is just busy, busy, busy and I do "operation ignore" when he has the need to bite things and grab and pick up anything and everything in his reach. I think some of these horses are super curious and social. The stroking his nose does work, so thank you for that. He also is ground tie trained but like your horse, often feels the need to move his feet over and over and sometimes circling will work and other times it doesn't, but we just go with the flow and have a much better relationship now adays due to my change in thinking. I have followed your training for years and have learned so much and I appreciate how your own ideas have evolved, and hence, so have mine. Thank you Warwick!

[@sidilicious11]

Finally, a video with an example of a mouthy horse. I have a horse just like this. I tried many ways of dealing with it over the years, and it’s faded away for the most part, but it sure was a challenge!

[@00katydid00]

Absolutely love your journey and your openness to change and growth. You've helped me so much with my connection with horses and myself.

[@nataliravn]

You are such a blessing to horses.

[@jessicabella5762]

The issue is that so many people have so many different ideas and ways on how to deal with this behavior. I’m a barn manager and have encountered this a lot. One time I went to blanket a horse and he pinned his ears turned his shoulder at me and swung around to take a chunk out of me. Right as he came around he met my bony sharp elbow, hard. It was a hard blow because he came at me quickly and bearing teeth. I said no to him firmly and made him back up a few times and he has not done it to me since. This might be different from what you are describing but I have a young mustang gelding who is exactly like Dale and, I did try your rubbing on the muzzle method, but unfortunately his behavior did get worse, so I went back to chicken arm flapping when he came to my space to bite. This method seems to work better for him. I definitely engage with him a lot, and I do let him be playful. This engagement method might seem to work with some horses, but with others it’s like an invitation to do the behavior ten fold.

[@homeedconnect]

Yes! The rubbing the nose-thing is working! My new boy nips at me when I try to groom. He bites the halter, lead rope, bridle, etc. I've been rubbing him the last couple days out and the biting has really calmed down. Now I think he's bringing his nose to my hands to get the rubs! And, I'm a big fan of the Hands-On gloves, too. :) Thank you, Warwick!

[@stinahumana]

Great. you have so many subscribers and so many people are watching this and changing. What an amazing hope for the new horse world!

[@pennywebb867]

What you are saying is triple with mustangs, the being present and guided meditation part especially. You just described what I have been calling "reframing an issue". As a retired counselor it is something I work on daily. I especially relate to the positive thinking and realized it is one of the reason I so enjoy Graeme Bull of Stable Horse Training and Rehab. Every day is just gorgeous and every horse is such a great horse and issues are able to be resolved, especially if you accept the part you play in the problem. Anyway, thanks for the videos and for not being afraid of change!

[@myhillslife27]

Love Brene same thing happened with me stumbled across her on TED talks I've read all her books now and watched her alot.. She is brilliant.. This horse is like Gilly my horse as in the mouthiness, so inquisitive and intelligent..This video months ago changed our relationship.He now does this at the mounting block with my foot the block everything, he is much better and I believe it also comes from past experiences and concern.If I our allow it its much better and he stops sooner.. I love this approach, thankyou for making this video

[@lauraallen3793]

Such patience and Love. I hope more equestrians will start to think this way.

[@rollinsonfamily]

What a great guy! You're awesome!!

[@mdee860]

Another great video! Thank you so much. His "mouthiness" reminds me of a kitten that was taken away from its mother way too early. They need to suck on things to self-sooth. I had an ex-racehorse & everytime I went to tighten the girth - he pinned his ears & looked like he was going to try to bite me. For some reason, I decided to stop what I was doing & reach under his chin & tickle him there, every time he whipped his head around. After a long while, (maybe a year?) he lost his desire to do that. I think the only reason he didn't bite me was the trust we built just hanging out in the fields where I asked nothing of him. Pretty sure your grooming glove & other tricks would have sped the process up. Thanks for helping to create so many more happy, balanced horses... & their owners, too.

[@louisecassidy5991]

And thanks to Warwick's earlier demo on "muzzle loving" our mouthy 2yo is now a non-mouthy 3 yo. When haltered, she has always given her full attention, but when I'm anywhere near any horse it always has mine. I'm constantly watching demeanour. Now, with more of Warwick's demos, I am learning the real signs of relaxation. In the past I'd note the sigh, that long exhalation that says "Ok, I give in...." but there is so much more to it than that.

[@galinasandorova5046]

I like, that you confessed, that you were almost tempted to say no, because that's the hardest part for me: forget every nonsense, that I was taught and I believed in them once. I also enjoy this journey, horses are great teachers, you just have to listen to them.

[@jenniferlehman2464]

In the UK, they call it a rug. Stay Safe and Best Regards with Many Blessings to you and your family. From someone who has followed you for the last 8 years. From Ontario, Canada, Jenn.

[@caitlynchapman4608]

Love this, perfect timing for a verymouthy ottb. I told my hubby the pebble story, a couple days later he said you better take me to the quarry. Guess he needed a lot of pebbles lol.

[@iriswilson6713]

Brilliant video! I agree with you 100%. I have a horse just like that. I tried loads of different ways to stop him biting and they all worked but only for a short time. The more I told him to stop it the worse he got. Until I asked him what is it he actually wants instead of assuming he just wants to bite me. When I realized he just wants to communicate and figuring out what he wants at the time he started just to touch me instead. So when I didn't listen to him before, he felt he had to start 'shouting' at me ....

[@LifeWithHorsesTV]

I agree! I think they just want us present with them... 🐴😊 cause that's where the magic is 😁

[@MattyDemello]

lol I know some would think he's a pain in the butt BUT I actually love horses like that. I feel this horse hasn't lost his soul. he hasn't been trained to the point of losing himself which some horses do. This horse is great. Love palomino's.

[@annihilatedbutcomingback1119]

Be cute to see what he would do with a toy🤔, be like a little golden retriever 🤗💗

[@МаксимСушков-ь8х]

First!!! Thank you so much, you changed my horsemanship alot!!!

[@geraldineblair]

I love everything about Warwick Schiller, I also have looked at another trainer call bill campanelli, who is very aware of horses weight shift. Relook at this video and just focus on dales weight shift in his front legs. I would be looking at changing this horses weight shift. Standing next to him is he directing his weight shift away ( which is no good) or bracing his shoulder . So asking the horse to correct his weight shift to balance himself will centre himself

[@rebeccarae3140]

I honestly can’t pick one! I have a boy Manny (16hh Pally QH/Appy gelding). I have struggled with him for the past 5 years and only now do I feel like I have a connection with him and it’s been your more recent KZbin videos about being present and your attitude that have really changed my relationship with him! I often describe him as having ADHD. Apologies if I offend anyone with that analogy, but it WAS the closest thing to him. I couldn’t rug my other horses for 3 years as he would tear his rug off & then tear theirs off. He kicked my old boy in the teeth playing when I was about to buy my new boy and cost me $3,000 in vet costs to get them wired back in & I am pretty sure he put my new boy (when I got him almost 4 months later) over/through a fence. He flattened me in the paddock one day when he got a scare. And that’s just the icing on the cake. Oh, & he bites 🤨. So to say I held some resentment towards him is an understatement ☹️. He no longer bites. I am very conscious of everything I project both physically and mentally when I am around him - this has taken some work 😜He comes up to the fence every time he sees me and I acknowledge that. It’s totally changed how I am around all horses and I am thriving in the knowledge. So Thank You!!! There are no words to express how much you have opened my eyes. I am 46 and am looking forward to the next however many years horsing. ❤️❤️ #journeyon20

[@vanessacatto7148]

wow, that is a journey! He is lucky to have you in his life--I feel many would have given up on him

[@victoriamerritt9165]

I love this video! Thank you! My girl is full of personality like this, when I first got her I was nervous and thought she would bite but have learned she just wants my full attention when we are together. I have learned she is a left brain extrovert which means they are very curious and aware of there surroundings. I love her personality!!!

[@wirepuppy]

Thanks for this video, Warwick. I watched this last night and it came just at the perfect time for me. I have a very sensitive and reactive horse with a busy mind and I need to be present with him at all times. I practice mindfulness meditation... but not quite regularly. It was a great reminder to get back to doing it! Your wife‘s horse reminds me a lot of mine. Also it’s so important to understand your horse is communicating to you all the time (unless he’s just shutdown) and take into consideration how he feels rather than just get annoyed! Thanks again!

[@mustangmomma9582]

I love this! We have a mustang gelding that was very mouthy, now of course he was born in the wild and was 8 months out of Wyoming when we adopted him at 2. However I discovered with him that he was trying to work out what I was all about. What the heck was I?!! I remember the first real touch. He had been just sniffing for the first few days. Then one day he nipped (not hard) and held for a second. I kind of bumped my elbow and said no. At that moment he let me rub his whole face, neck, and comb his mane. He only needed gentle reminders a few times, and lots of nose rubs from me. He’s a gentle giant pushing 16hh and still growing. Backing him this spring!

[@cherylhill9350]

Hello from Alberta, Canada!! Wow!! You have really got my brain in motion. I watch videos of all different trainers but I have never heard what you said here. Got me thinking how many times I've judged my horse. Can't wait to try this with her and with people I meet!! Thanks Warwick!! Keep the videos coming!😊❤

[@lauca6969]

Was expecting just a horse video. Wow, this is much deeper than that. Thanks for the wisdom mate.

[@deborahremy6327]

True teacher

[@leonienolan511]

Thank you for these fantastic videos

[@sherylbenkosky5358]

I'd much much rather spend time with horses than people. They are my therapy. Long ago I heard the old adage "the outside of a horse is good for the inside of a man (or woman)". That has always been true for me

[@dianereiser6417]

I have a horse like that, not so nippy, but he always is watchful.

[@millicentrowan]

Thank you so much for putting out these videos. They're always really helpful.

[@pamelabrinkmeyer9931]

My horse is a Worker Horse according to MyersBriggs LBE (Left Brained Extrovert). This type tends to be very mouthy naturally and I have tried not to judge this. I do let him even safely run his teeth down the flat of my palm while grooming, and many times he will yawn really big and lick and chew and then relax and become quiet through the rest of what ever I am doing. I allow the same thing while with the Farrier to let him process and find a place of peace though his mouth in stressful situations. Didn't know if this was correct, but I do know it works! Thank you for sharing! Love your videos!

[@charlenebisson9887]

Amazing! Love your attitude. Couldn't agree more!

[@bridgetconnor1447]

I am working with a Mare right now that has the same mouthiness as this guy. I always let her bite the brushes before I brush her and the saddle pad and saddle before I put them on her. Now it is just part of our routine and she expects it. Works great! This mare also nips at me worse if someone talks to me while I am handling her.

[@mikelstewart9053]

Awesome!

[@AuntieLovesDani]

"He's a walking guided meditation" 🤣🙏

[@viewfrommylensjane]

Yes my horse is very mouthy, I didnt judge him but this has been really helpful and I allow him to and he is much better. He is very extrovert and dominant

[@LadyS240]

Great video content, Thank you.

[@annekeweide1141]

My 2,5 years old draft mare is very mouthy as well. I deal with this like you show in this video ( learned that in a former video of yours, thanks! ;) )and it works great! I think this behaviour of needing to put anything in their mouths comes partly from changing teeth. My mare also put her tongue out and slips it back between her teeth regularly as if something is her mouth is bothering her. And earlier this week I heard a squeeky sound when she was chewing, like she was çhewing on a stone. Think her first teeth start to come off.

[@yolandistaff918]

Please please can we see a lot more of this horse.please

[@sherylbenkosky5358]

Beautiful palomino!!

[@hoofhearted3035]

Interesting and captivating transitions you are going through in your journey. I'm using your newer methods on my little mouthy 2 yr old gelding as well. One question, though, popped into my head: we have been taught for many years to emulate their behavior in the herd; so, is Dale (?) nippy and mouthy toward the lead mare or toward a gelding who is higher than him, and does the higher horse allow it to happen? Thanks for taking the time to do these videos. They're excellent!!!

[@valeriehudson7276]

Once again you have hit the nail on the head - - stop the judgement and engage with rub or glove . . my thought is how many times did he try to engage others before & no one was listening . . interesting thanks for following your path

[@MusiXificati0n]

I think I have a very good example aswell, maybe to emphasize your point. Today I saw my 3-year old mare the first time outside with her herd (her foster mother and a gelding. I know the young mare for maybe two weeks now and we did some clicker training in her box, but we still get to know each other. And I was very excited to see her outside and hoped that she would interact with me in some form. And today finally was the day! But of course, she didn't come to me, mainly because she was in heat...she had only eyes for the gelding (he was pretty annoyed after half an hour) and looked once or twice in my direction, but not more. First, I was disappointed, but then I reprimanded myself, because that is an judgmental thought. She didn't do that to be mean, but her focus was on a completely different topic and for a 3-year old without much "human experience" totally understandable. Let's see how the next meeting goes :D

[@MrMark0476]

Thanks a lot, your video's help me a lot in my work as a farrier. Now i try to understand what the horses are ging tree white being shoed or trimed . Can you do a video about a horse that is afraid of other horses under the saddle , specialy when they come had to had. Thanks

[@topazzz79]

I definitely people judge.. and compare myself to other people all the time. Low self esteem sucks :-(

[@abul9052]

Reminds me of dog whisperer in his approach

[@sarahthomson8183]

Brene Brown,.. Love her.

[@saberbotanico]

Just like my 2nd kid, if You are not present with him anything can happen. 😂

[@chrisusher7144]

He's the Alfa I had one 14 years he would nip a strange r but he pined his ears and hated to be bushed loved baths and garden blow we got him at 7 month just his personality.i never road him thought he would turn and bite my leg he was the best lawn mower and happy and I loved him so mush he was so beautiful died unexpectly last year I ever got him a mustang girl friend now I just got her a mare buddy . Nicky was the best

[@inevansteenkiste]

This is so interesting! I wonder if it's the same thing with my mare, when she's anxious, like when away from her pasture buddies, she drops her head sometimes and kind off rubs on me and pushes me with her head down... first I thought it was disrespectful, but maybe it's her way of coping... do I rub her then or let her move me?

[@mdee860]

I think get a grooming glove & rub her where she likes when she does those behaviors. I wonder if her pushing on you is her way of trying to say: I'm here. Pay attention to me.

[@Kelly_Ben]

I have a yearling who pins her ears all the time when approaching. She's a sweet affectionate thing always seeking interaction, scratches, etc, but I'm curious why she would pin her ears as she approaches, when she's the one who's coming up looking for positive feel good interaction? She is also very quick learner, but has major resistance to backing up when asked.

[@WarwickSchiller]

Pinning ears is a driving brhaviour. Id create some energy if she approaches with pinned ears.

[@Kelly_Ben]

@@WarwickSchiller That didn't even occur to me, but she IS a bossy bit of baggage to me and her pasturemate! 😆 Thank you so much!

[@karenanderson6323]

Hey Warwick check out Abraham-Hicks 2023 ( to get most current) and Joe Dispenza. I am sure you will really enjoy them and happy to have them in your development toolkit!!! My favs ":-)

[@WarwickSchiller]

Dr Joes Becoming Supernatural was one of the books I mentioned in my "Books that have influenced me" episode of my podcast

[@mindfulmadnezz5150]

How would this work for horses who get aggressive? I've seen and handled horses who if you try to rub on them, will tell you to F off and try to kick you or bite very aggressively when they don't like something (no matter your thoughts or actions prior).

[@leealexander3507]

While I have no doubt my horse is the perfect horse for me what I question is whether I should breed to him. If I do it will be in order to preserve certain bloodlines. He is not the type popular in the show ring right now, but a fabulous old line arabian. His small test crop is excellent and he passed his kind temperament. It's gotten so ridiculous I might as well start counting his eyelashes in order to make sure he has the same number on each eyelid. Are those eyelids perfect enough? I have to laugh at myself a little. Every respected breeder I know has been encouraging me to breed him since I got him.

[@lclarke7280]

So, my young guy has been putting stuff in his mouth since the moment he was born! His sire did until he was about 4, Carbon is now 5 and still does it, he even does it out in the field, if there's anything he can pick up and chew or toss around he does. I don't see it as anxiety since he's done it since he was born but more as playful and curious, my reins are always full of slobber and teeth marks. I've tried this face rubbing technique myself and it hasn't made him stop. When I rode my dam with him at her side he used to jump up and grab the reins, chew on the saddle pad etc. He was raised as the only foal in a field of mares and he used to chew on them as well, they NEVER disciplined him for anything he did. I just think he's a class clown, he will also grab stuff out of your pocket if you aren't paying attention! He is 100% all about himself since the day he was born, he want's/needs all of the attention all of the time even if you are in the pasture around a couple of horses, he demands your attention.

[@ninabasta5111]

Hi Warwick, I have a question! A horse that I want to connect with is really distrusting with me. When I tried lunging methods from you, Clinton or others that I follow, she doesn't give me two ears just stands facing me with her side. It's like she tries to ignore me thinking I would leave. She starts trotting in circles even if I am standing quietly in the middle of a paddock. When I step in front of her she changes direction, sometimes facing me, sometimes with her butt to me. She grew even more distrustful and doesn't want to have anything with me. It's my fault because I am not sure how to change that and connect with her. When she is on lead rope she does everything but when loose just wants me to leave her alone. Even when I try petting her, she turns her head away.

[@WarwickSchiller]

You need to work on the connection, not the obedience.

[@ninabasta5111]

@@WarwickSchiller Do you have a video on this topic?

[@WarwickSchiller]

@@ninabasta5111 I have hours and hours of video on this topic.

[@ninabasta5111]

@@zoroisdead Wow, thanks for sharing your story! I am so sorry for your mare and I am sure you will do just fine with your new horse. Warwick is one of my favorite horse trainers. He explains everything clearly but put in practice is a different thing. But everything builds with experience. I will surely watch the second season as you recommended.

[@debtompkins5363]

seems a fine line... change his mind or teach him pinning ears gets him a massage ????

[@WarwickSchiller]

its all in your perspective. I havent had one learn to pin their ears doing this, but if my perspective was different I may have taught them that. i think if you can change your mindset from training to connecting, it makes a world of difference

[@mikegiles9303]

He is obviously wanting something. Not being mean. It could be engagement or it could be that he is kind of addicted to being soothed even if he really isn't feeling much anxiety. I have thought of this behavior as ,just as you said, like a kid sucking his thumb. There is a genetically established pathway to relief of anxiety which is to stand close to mother and suckle. This oral fixation is common to most of us mobile living creatures that are mammals. Some of us over eat. Some of us smoke. Some of us suck on candies and some of us suck our thumbs. All to sooth ourselves. These behaviors aren't always the need to sooth in response to a particular disturbing environmental factor that is happening right then. Maybe their was trauma regarding weaning that he hasn't gotten over. Maybe something else that has stuck with him. Maybe he just gets the reward of being even more soothed than he normally feels even when there are no stressors bothering him. Just because you like to drink a beer or whatever de-stresses you doesn't necessarily mean that you are stressing about something. It just achieves a higher level of relaxation which feels good. Whatever it is, what matters is that he is looking for a good feeling from you and that is good. That might be the reason he walked up to you. You are a source of good feeling. Like you are his drug connection. I have been thinking like you for many years now and I had a gelding that was a tiny bit lippy and liked to just hold my hand with his lips. I could see the love in his eyes when i would put my hand in his mouth and let him hold it with his lips. He never touched me with his teeth because he knew that I didn't like that but he appreciated that I knew what he wanted and would give it to him. I decided to take it farther since he was so gentle with his mouth and to show him that I trusted him I started sort of grabbing his teeth-gums with my hand and sort of holding his hand, since, like you said their mouth IS their hands. When I did this he let out a big sigh and went dreamy eyed and his head would drop and lay heavy on my hand. Like he was doing drugs. He would just about fall asleep. Endorphins. I could tell that he wanted to hold my hand between his teeth and even though I knew he wouldn't bite hard I was reluctant to let him bite down on my fingers at first so to give him what he wanted I decided to let him have the heel of my hand to chew on. I found that if I held my hand to his mouth in a "stop" position and grabbed his upper lip and nose with my fingers and pressed the heel of my hand to his teeth he LOVED to slowly open his mouth and slowly scrape his teeth on my palm and when he got to the heel of my hand where he could actually grab some flesh he would just gently bite down on my hand and press his teeth into my hand and slowly let my flesh slip out from between his teeth. If he did try to bite hard I could grab his nose and let him know that it was too much and he would lighten up. Then he would do it over and over again until he was almost asleep and then he would stop. He particularly liked the squeakiness of his teeth against my wet palm and heel of my hand. He was the MOST mellow horse and had no anxiety in his life and never had since I had raised him from birth and I know. He just LOVED that feeling he got from oral connection. Like kissing. He never got obsessed about it and in fact seemed to lose interest in time. I recently bought "Thee Titan" Arabian stallion and he is a little like your wife's horse but not near as bad. Being a stallion he naturally has more anxiety than my gelding and actually bit me once because he was jealous that I wasn't paying attention to him and talking to another horse. I firmly told him that I wasn't going to let him do that and then to show him that I understood what he needed I gave him the palm of my hand for the first time and he LOVED it ! It changed his mind about me in a certain way that I could see in his eyes. Maybe for the first time in his life he was getting the oral soothing that he used to get from his mommy, but from a human. Any time he gets very nervous and starts lipping me I give him my palm and like magic he is calm and no more lipping. after a year or so getting to know Titan and him getting to know me, he is 18, I decided to take it farther since Titan had learned what "gentle" means and a lot of other English-human words so that I can literally talk to him and he understands me. When he was scraping his squeaky teeth on my palm one day I let him take firm hold of the fleshy heel of my hand and let him bite as hard as he wanted to. At first he was VERY gentle like he was worried about how much pressure I would allow. I told him that he wasn't hurting me and that he could do it harder and experiment with what I would allow. He progressively bit slightly harder and harder getting his oral fix until I told him "easy" and he immediately eased up to my toleration level and continued to bite my hand with that dreamy look of love in his eyes. I think it said something to him that I trusted him . After backing him off a couple more times to be sure that he would I took it a step further and inserted my fingers totally between his teeth . He slowly bit down lightly and then a little harder with the look of "are you sure ?' in his eyes until I told him that it was hard enough and then he let off the pressure and we really held hands for the first time. This has made a huge difference in him and now I completely trust him to not bite me. If he gets nervous I just give him my palm for a few seconds . A friend of mine had a VERY biting Arab stallion colt that he couldn't even pet because as soon as you got in range you were bitten ! The horse looked wild eyed but not mean. I asked him if he had a deflated rubber ball around and he did. I put the ball in the little studs mouth and pulled on it and back and forth and played with him for a while and he was having so much fun ! If the ball was in his mouth he was safe and you could work with him. He just needed that oral soothing and somebody to play with.

[@user-p3r5k]

Well said. Very helpful 🎉

[@fetchmour]

i find colt or stallions like you to work with them only with love if you think you bastard you can be sure youll have trouble go in and be kind you get a great response fillies and mares they dont need that as much they just love on you ( hormone free)