[kccjer]

Shy around the ears can be anything. Make sure there isn't something wrong with her ears such as mites or an infection. If not.... Just touch her ears very, very quickly. Rub your hand up her nose and over her ears very fast. By the time she reacts, the contact is already gone. As she settles down to it, go slower and slower. Only do it a few times each work period. I had a horse that was head shy once and tried an old trick I'd heard years before that. Tie a rope to the halter take it between the front legs, up over her back and back between the front legs and tie to the halter again. When she throws her head, it puts pressure between the legs, over the back on her head all at the same time. My gelding quit pulling away after 45 or 6 times of doing this and I never had a problem with him after. I would only use this as a last resort for this young horse tho....

To stop the nipping is harder. Can you tell when she's going to do it? If you can see it coming, get your elbow up there to block her. She'll really slam into your elbow the first couple times, but remember that in HER mind...it will be her fault. If that isn't working, do NOT be afraid to smack her in the mouth when she actually bites. If you do it instantly (and I do mean instantly...not a second or 2 later you do not have time to say ow and rub it) she'll associate being smacked only with that particular behaviour....and I also don't mean a gentle tap, I mean smack her (you really can't hurt her if you only do it once). If you are in the habit of handfeeding treats....stop until you can get the nipping under control.

 

[kccjer]

google "lunging for respect". It's a great method and gets your horse working well with you. Start lunging just like you do the older horse. Set up an obstacle course and lead or lunge her over it. How's she doing on the nipping? I agree with you on the saddle. You CAN start a 2 yr old, but just need to be very, very slow about it.