To think a happy horse wouldn’t bite a child?

[NippyPete]

We are not a horsey family but DD is horse-mad. Yesterday the instructor asked DD to ride a pony she’d never ridden before. She told DD to hold her tightly because this pony is ‘sometimes funny’ about the saddle. As the instructor tightened the girth the pony swung its head round and bit DD on the leg hard enough to cause a fairly big bruise.

Is this not a sign that this pony is in pain? We’ve not had anything like this happen before and I’m a bit unsure what to say to a very upset DD.

It could be pain but it could also be just a grumpy horse. Not all horses are friendly!

Happy doesn't mean unlimited patience.

You are correct, the pony is most likely 'a bit funny' because she is in pain. It could be that the saddle doesn't fit well, or she has stomach ulcers or problems with her ovaries. Of course there could be other reasons but those are the things I would ask a vet to check first. Of course vet bills can get very expensive, so the RS might be hoping not to need to call the vet. If you are very concerned you could report the problem to the licensing authority whose responsibility it is to ensure that RS animals are fit to do the job.

Not necessarily, my first horse was a biter , nothing wrong and no reason needed she just randomly had a chomp .

It's a grumpy horse and your DD didn't hold tightly enough despite being instructed to do so.

It depends. I don't necessarily think this is a sign the horse is unhappy. Mine will nibble at me when I am grooming her, which she enjoys. Its just friendly reciprocal attention in that situation.

Not necessarily. Some just like to have a chomp on things, see Ormonde, he has quite the appetite for tourists.
Your DD will be ok, everyone gets bitten by a horse at least once.

Some ponies are very happy to bite children, and don’t do it as an expression of pain.

Probably sick of being used as a ride on hobby for humans!

I rode a mare like this. She hated having her girth meddled with and would swing round and chomp the unwary. Apart from that, she was perfect. God I miss her.

Yes, some are just a bit bitey.
I was wondering if someone would mention infamous tourist chewer Ormonde…

They just do that sometimes

Some ponies do bite. Sounds like this one is a bit girthy. Which could be a sign of something underlying. Or just be her. Too many people tighten girths without being careful. And some ponies just bite.

I've known a few grumpy biters. Both male. You just need to be careful and if told to hold carefully, do so.

Some ponies are just little turds, we had one that thoroughly enjoyed turning his head and gnawing on your boot. And to be honest I'd probably be a bit grumpy too having a strap abruptly tightened around my stomach, some people can be a tad over vigorous with it I find.

If the pony is a known nipper though the instructor should've prepared appropriately for that, there's ways of holding them so they can't reach to bite which she obviously didn't bother teaching your child beforehand.

Ormonde is a legend!

If it’s a good riding school with the right credentials, kind and competent staff and you’ve never previously seen anything untoward I would safely assume pony is well cared for and has appropriate veterinary care. Probably just character, some reasons my mare has bitten me -

I brought her a haynet
I brought her a feed
I was standing within reach when something else was annoying her
I was closer when another horse was annoying her
I did up the front of her rug too slowly
I brushed her for too long
I did not unlock her door quickly enough
The farrier was annoying her
She could see me when she wasn’t in the mood to

These examples are completely fluid and the goalposts change like the wind. Most of the time she loves me 🤣

It's not necessarily a sign of pain, but it can be. Do you know if the riding school has had her checked by a vet? If they've ruled out any medical issues then she's maybe just a grumpy pony, but I'd want to know that the investigations had been done.

Not if they are being properly cared for. They are domestic animals and the working relationship we have with them is a partnership which we both benefit from.

Sounds like your DD has learned a valuable lesson that some ponies are just bitey little sods. I spent years with a row of bruises down the outside of my left thigh, where I wasn’t quick enough dodging out of the way when fastening a girth! No health problems, it was just a habit and a game for him.

Ah, you've reminded me of Gloria.
Big chestnut mare. Ears back all the time. Liked to bite anyone or anything within reach.
I spent a whole summer and autumn of mostly weekend visits (and lots of carrots and apples) getting her to tolerate me. We came to an agreement eventually even the stable staff couldn't get as close as me I loved the angry ginger mare, even though she tried to take of my fingers and nose one by one. She was one of a kind.

See also Gary.
His brother was grey and so gentle and kind-hearted. Loved kids, would take any amount of nose rubs and kisses. He retired to a farm full of sheep.
Gary, however, was a vicious bay bastard. Wanted to eat your hand or arm.
He bit me once. I grabbed his nose and he got a proper telling off. He didn't get a second chance. I was always wary afterwards.

Thoroughbreds, though. So they're mostly crackers anyway.🤷‍♀️

There's always one! 🙄

OP, some ponies bite. If your DD wants to be around horses then she will have to get used to the idea that she will occasionally get bitten/kicked/stomped on.

Some ponies are just grumpy, sounds like the instructor knew this one had form!

Some horses are just bitey… and children can be a bit impervious to the signs. What you say is “ never mind… make sure you hold tighter next time”. Riding isn’t for the faint hearted generally. There’s always the potential for a toe to be trodden on ( deliberately) or an unexpected dismount out the side door.

Good one!

Could be pain or could just be a grumpy pony. Could also be remembered pain from having stomach ulcers or something once up on a time so now associating the girth being tightened with a pain that once caused.
Most riding schools are diligent these days so I would assume just a grumpy pony.

DD is a very slight 8 and I’m not sure she could have held on any tighter. Next time I’ll offer to hold the pony while they do up the girth. What things would people look for to make sure the horses are well cared for? They do have quite a few ponies that won’t go unless DD is properly kicking with everything she’s got. She’s been fairly uncomfortable kicking them so hard but if she doesn’t they just don’t go. I’ve wondered if this mean they’re over worked?