>>> What if he tries it again? V
It will depend entirely on how he does it and under what circumstances. If I got a horse with a known biting problem, I'd try to figure out what he's saying, but I still wouldn't tolerate it. Tivar used to bite at the stirrups fairly aggressively when he first came here two years ago, and rather than fight it, we stopped riding him and tried to figure out what he was saying. (His problem turned out to be anxiety from past training, coupled with ulcers.) That does NOT sound like what Orri was doing though - did you sense any frustration or tension in what he was doing? Just watch him. If he was contrite and loving afterwards, he probably won't try it again. He probably just misjudged where "the line" is, and inadvertently crossed it, probably in a playing/grooming sense. And...be sure to watch his body language. Many times you can simply lift a finger to signal "enough" before the horse gets to that point. BTW, I let my horses touch me. Some people don't allow what I allow. I like for my horses to trust me, and I like for them to show affection. I still draw a line, and they know where it is. Enforcing "the line" doesn't have to be dramatic. I don't think it is so critical WHERE the line is drawn so much as the consistency with which you enforce it and that you enforce it with respect and affection. Karen Thomas, NC
