by Angie Pollock

Created on: July 04, 2008   Last Updated: June 25, 2009

Handling the behaviors of a large animal such as the horse takes experience, education and most of all, patience. Each horse has their own personality and just like with humans, some personalities tend to rub us the wrong way.

The key to working with the behavior, good or bad, of any horse is learning the personality of that horse. Patience will be your friend if you take the time to watch, examine and learn how the horse reacts to different experiences in its environment.

There are actually quite a few problematic behaviors that can be encountered with horses. Some of the more common problems that are experienced by owners and trainers can be worked with by using some simple techniques and minor adjustments within the horse's environment.

*Poor social skills with other horses

In most situations, horses can live harmoniously in herds. Both domesticated and wild horses have a pecking order which is usually led by the most intimidating, adult mare. If you find you have a horse that doesn't seem to fit well with a group, you may need to separate the horse to single confinement. Horses do prefer to be with other horses so if separating a horse from the herd, try to place the problematic horse where the herd is still visible. Most fighting or disagreements among horses are usually caused by competitiveness over food. Horses should be kept separate during feeding time.

*Aggressive behavior toward other horses and humans including biting

Aggressive behavior or bullying towards other horses or even people can be caused by a dominant horse reinforcing his or her position among the herd, poor training, trying to get attention, or just immaturity. Some horses can get bored with their environment and aggressiveness is a stress releaser for tensions. These types of problems can also be addressed with the same modifications as horses with poor social skills by simply moving the horse or separating it from the herd.

*Biting

Biting is more common among colts, fillies and stallions but all horses can bite other horses and humans. Used both as a defensive tactic and as aggression, biting can be done out of anger, pain or fear. If you own a horse that is a biter, be aware and warn others about the horse's tendencies and learn your horses' moods.

I have personally seen some trainers try different remedies on horses that are chronic biters and I can say that hitting a horse that bites does not cure the problem. If anything it turns the horse into what is called "head shy" which creates

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