ridecamp@endurance.net: [endurance] Orally Dependent Arabian
[endurance] Orally Dependent Arabian
Bonnie Snodgrass (snodgrab@ncr.disa.mil)
Fri, 09 Aug 96 11:51:03 EST
As so many of you have Arabians I thought I would bring up this odd
topic. I realize this may have nothing to do with my horses breed but
then again it might have something to do with the Arabians well known
people oriented personalities.
As many of you know, I recently purchased a 4 yr old Arabian gelding,
Finn. He was bred and raised by a dog breeder who happened to also
have a whole slew of skinny Arabs on her farm. I really don't know how
much handling he had before I got him or of what type. I'm really
pleased with how he's coming along, you may have heard me brag about
him. He's very bright, sensible, sturdy, doing trails alone very
nicely. He has however got one frustrating habit. He wants to be
constantly in contact with you with his head and mouth if you are
working anywhere around him (on the ground). I have dealt with typical
biters/nippers with success but this is different. He craves close
proximity to me and either part of me or something in his mouth! I
have to work constantly to get him to lead with a little distance
between us rather than pressed against me. He constantly touches,
bumps or lips with his mouth. He seems to "need" this mouth contact as
a security thing? He craves attention and reacts with startled
confusion if "corrected" sharply then comes right back.
I feel that something different is happening with this little sweet
heart and need a different approach. I sense some insecurity on his
part not nastiness, pushiness or agressive behavior. I recall
something from a Tellington-Jones tape about oral horses. Any
suggestions?
Bonnie Snodgrass