When i feed my horse..

Question

he eats it as if its his last meal probably because at one point in his life he was starved but he paws the ground as hes eating sometimes and pins his ears if any horse comes by. also sometimes i will be standing next to him petting him and he will all the sudden nip my shoulder is this a playful gesture of something mean? he never did this before until the last month.

Answer 1

Whoa!  Who's feeding who?  Nipping isnt accatable!  I had one do that, once.  I stood next to Him while He ate, and He hated it!  But now, He's fine.  You know why he "Nips" at you?  Because He has gotten by with it.     Hey, its your shoulder!  Tell that to the doc at the E.R.!

Answer 2

It sounds pretty normal to me. Horses are stingy with their food.I have one that pins his ears if another one even looks in his direction. And yes, even though he loves you, he is still thinkiing you may take his food away. So nipping at your shoulder is not playful. He is giving you a gentle warning. I am very much at ease with my horses, but I always respect them when they have a bucket of feed in front of them.

Answer 3

This is common. IF your horse eats too fast, you can put some large rocks in his bucket, it might slow him down and calm him a little. Also, you really should never touch an animal when they are eating because it can make them very nervous. Of course this isn't true for every animal but I always make a point to stay away from my horses when they eat (dogs too). But if this is a problem that has just recently started it might be something physical.He could have problems with his stomachor even a neurological problem. Good luck!

Answer 4

It could have something to do with changed diet or inviroment

Answer 5

This isnt too uncommon.  Alot of horses get "excited" when they eat.  I use to have a mare rear and walk from side to side frantically at meal time and while she was eating.  This is common in horses who are "dominant".  Regardless of this common behavior, biting you isnt acceptable what so ever. Id be giving him a swift smuck in the lips to let him know that that wasnt and isnt ok at anytime.  In this instance it isnt playful, its simply rude and domineering.  

Answer 6

make sure he's always got food in his stable. continues feeds of hay and a vitamin l**k so he can forage at all times. also try putting his food in his stable when he's not in it and try leading him in and facing him towards the door. make sure he always has enough food and water to see him through the night. Make sure when you're working with your horse he respects you at all times and you are in charge.

Answer 7

My horse eats really fast too, I put a salt l**k in her bin to slow her down.  It seems to work well.  There's another horse at the stables I work at that always seems to "attack" his food when he eats.  We make him wait until we put his food in before he's allowed to eat anything.  The next time he nips you, you need to make sure he knows that's not acceptable.  He thinks he's in charge and until you make him understand that he's not, he will continue to do this.

Answer 8

Lots of horses inhale their food. If you want him to slow down, try putting a salt brick in his feed tub so he has to eat around it. As for the nipping, he's telling you to leave him alone cuz he's eating and THAT is the most important thing in his life. Just let him have his attitude at feeding time and stay away from him until he's finished. Then love on him all you want. He'll be in an extra good mood cuz his belly will be full :)

Answer 9

It's NOT a playful gesture, it's a threat and you should take it seriously before it escalates.  He obviously does not see you as the leader.   I never give feed and walk out of the stall.  l've trained several horses, especially babies, and broodmares.  I always carry a crop with me and make them wait until I've "left" the feed before they are allowed to approach.  Most are no problem and in time I can let them get closer to me at feeding time and to give treats.  But some can be very aggressive and pushy, ending up downright dangerous by trying to kick, bite, or pin you against the stall when you enter with feed.  Stop his behavior now and it should improve your relationship for the future.  Also, never punish a horse on the head, use a crop and give a swift smack on the butt or hip, this is horse talk and they understand it.  Whacking a horse on the head only leads to trouble bridling, haltering, clipping, etc.