Endurance.Net Ridecamp Archives

Julie, I agree with both Barbara and Ed. Of course we all know that the 
the reason for not repeatedly hitting a horse in the face is to avoid 
creating a "head shy" animal. I don't think that means NEVER hit a horse 
in the face, especially a already broke and "trained" horse. I am of the 
thought that the quicker you are able to create a link between the 
"behavior" and the "punishment", the more success you have in ending the 
behavior. I don't believe horses have the IQ of a soapdish and I think 
that they know damn well when they will be creating pain in another 
being and sometimes it is well thought out and intentional. With the 
idea in mind that this animal is sensitive enough to feel a tiny fly 
land on their skin, that means that you DON'T have to be aggressive 
enough to draw blood or cause serious pain in order for your retaliation 
to be effective. I feel that it's more important that your reaction is 
IMMEDIATE, stern and "like-minded". "Bite me, and I'll create a move 
that feels like I just "bit" to you back!" Barbaras wicked "pinch" for 
example, or taking a bit of the upper lip and quickly twisting it like a 
twitch. An immediate slap to the nose is not out of hand or cruel when 
done for the right reason at the right time without going overboard or 
stepping over the line to cruelty or doing it over and over. One slap 
for one bite. An "eye for an eye" so to speak. I think this should 
always be accompanied by a firm verbal reprimand as well. When a horse 
bites it DESERVES to be reprimanded for the inappropriate behavior, 
especially this horse who you say has already bitten several people and 
is even sneaky about it as she does it when their backs are turned. She 
knows damn well what she's doing and is just giving a horse snicker 
under her breath after words. I say give her the good ol' "smack down" 
next time she does it Julie. But that's just my 2 cents.
Melissa Margetts

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