Food aggression in horses, also known as dominance aggression, can be a serious issue for both horses and humans. It occurs when a horse becomes aggressive or dominant over food or treats, and may display behavior such as nipping, biting, or pushing when it comes to feeding time.
There are several factors that can contribute to food aggression in horses, including a lack of proper training and socialization, a history of neglect or abuse, and a lack of consistent and clear communication from the handler.
To remedy food aggression in horses, it is important to establish clear boundaries and rules around feeding time, and to consistently enforce them. This may involve using positive reinforcement training techniques, such as clicker training, to teach the horse to associate good behavior with rewards. It is also important to establish a hierarchy in the herd or group, and to make it clear to the horse that humans are the leaders.
Other strategies for addressing food aggression in horses include:
It is important to approach food aggression in horses with patience and consistency, as it may take time to change the horse’s behavior. Seeking the guidance of a professional trainer or behaviorist may also be helpful in addressing this issue.