How to Stop a Colt From Biting

Begin by establishing dominance over the colt. You do not necessarily have to be violent. Body language and voice are often sufficient. But, if necessary, some physical reprimands may be necessary. A slap or kick may be all it takes and be prepared to avoid a return kick.

Never indiscriminately slap or hit a colt in the face. Only use this technique if the colt tries to bite you, and you must be instantaneous in your reaction. Just like with a child or a dog, punishment that is delayed, even by a few seconds, is not connected to the action that caused it. So you must be swift and consistent in your training.

Remember you are imitating the same behavior horses exhibit in the wild. If you do use your hands or feet to correct a biting colt, do it in much the same way as a dominant horse. React instantly by turning your body to directly face the colt.

Using a 10-penny nail is a great way to correct a colt that is biting while you are leading him. Hold the nail in the hand where the lead rope is, with the sharp end pointing towards the colt's mouth. When he moves to take a bite out of you, give him a jab in the mouth with the nail. After about a half-dozen of these jabs and the colt should have figured out biting is not a good thing.

For a very young colt, pulling whiskers when he nips is a great way to give him a slightly painful correction to his naughty behavior without scaring him.