The things we tolerate

So after a sappy story about horse kisses I have to follow up. My boy is mouthy. In my story like so many horse stories, something is portrayed as sweet and cute. In reality, it's not.

I have met my share of mouthy horses. Most I did not care for simply because I was usually working with them. When you're holding a mouthy horse for a veterinary procedure it's annoying as hell to have them nipping/biting at you. You can't always correct them when the doc is underneath them. Well, you can but you risk the vet's noggin and it's your job to help protect that noggin and all the other vet parts at almost all costs. That's at least how seriously I took my responsibility. I did not like mouthy horses much. At all. They made my job more difficult and often owners weren't exactly willing to let me have a 'Come to Jesus' meeting with their sweet Foo-foo-McNips.

My first trainer had a young horse, much like Gator, we'll call this boy Topper. He'd steal your hat, drink out of a soda bottle and if you didn't give it to him flap his lips, pull your shirt generally act like a goof. Rarely, if ever did teeth come into play. If they did, it was usually an accidental pinch and reacting by immediately throwing his head back, expecting punishment. Same with my boy. It's viewed as endearing to those of us that know the horse well when they're nuzzling and licking you. He's showing personality and lets be honest, horses DO show affection with their mouths. I mean, c'mon, ever watched to buddies scratch withers in the field?

However, what crosses the line? I'm sure some people would find Topper and Gator's antics annoying as all get out. I draw the line when they're demanding something and/or actually put the slightest bit of teeth into it. THAT is never okay. They also need to know when we're serious about what's going on and they better be all business. Topper and Gator get that for the most part. They know there is a boundary... I think.

Last night my husband decided to come out to the barn. Gator was less than... super friendly. He's only met hubby maybe 2 or 3 times. Ears 3/4 back, not pinned but not thrilled. Husband approached from the front first trying to pet his face, after being told that's not best, he moved beside for neck pets. Gator started grabbing at him. While my husband is a big tough guy, he's not used to a 1000lb animal nipping at him. It didn't make him comfortable. It pissed me off.

I wasn't pissed at Gator, I was pissed at myself. I let him pull my zipper or grab my sleeve. I am embarrassed to admit it but I tolerate the occasional cheek lick. He was doing the same to my horse inexperienced husband but in a less pleasant way. Now, had he REALLY wanted to bite him, my husband would have a horse teeth shaped mark somewhere on his person. It happens in a flash when they mean it- most of us know that too well. I know he was testing my husband and they do that to new people/herd mates but... what if? I've never seen him be malicious in his intent with a person. His previous owners blame his sire, saying all his male get were mouthy but agree he's never been malicious.

When is what we tolerate every day in our horses thinking it's not a actually a big deal writing it off to personality a REALLY bad thing? Is a little bit okay when they understand the boundary? Do you think genetics can be entirely to blame? Am I enabling a horse shaped monster?

I hope not but I am going to be more mindful of what he gets away with.