Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have a quarter horse cross who is almost 2 years old. He has been very mouthy ever since I got him when he was 5 months old. He is not exactly biting (he is not aggressive or destructive) but more like licking (just like a dog) and nibbling on everything, including my clothes, lead ropes, brushes, and anything else he can get a hold of. I have tried to use some Parelli exercises on him but he won't stop licking and chewing on everything long enough for me to teach him anything. Is he just bored? Could he be teething? This is his only problem. He is a very submissive, willing to please kind of horse. I just need help fixing this one odd issue he has... Any advice?

Okay, so my horse had the same exact problem!! They are just bored and want attention. If you smack them, there is the possibility of them getting headshy and also, they make think you want to play. So what I do is make sure he doesnt get bored. I let my horse have a jolly ball in his pasture. It helps a ton!! When he grabs brushes, I snap my fingers which gets his attention and then point at him so he knows hes done something wrong. If he doesnt respond, I go up to his mouth and stick my thumb in the corner, as if I was going to put a bit in; so that he will drop it. Make sure you point at him at the same time so that he makes the connection. With cloths, if he grabs your cloths, do the same as if you would do with a brush. For hands, if he does that, rub his mouth semi hard until he stops, then pet him on the neck. If you keep consistent with it, he will stop in about a week. Hope that helps!

Thank you! I'll try that. I've been trying to find toys and such for him but the town that I live in is very limited in its selection of horse stores. So I'll probably have to order it. But I think you're right about him being bored. I really appreciate your help! Thanks again.