here is what I was taught about working with biters.
It is OK to smack or correct the horse as LONG as it is quick and
agressive you can't let them see it or they will have time to react
to ti head shy horses are a product of cruel and mean abusive people
who who don't know how or care to know how to correct a horse
behavior.

i have worked with many head shy horses and all are from being BEAT
on by ignorant cruel and abusive people. they always had to raise the
hand with a WEAPON and hit on the head usually over the ears.

it is ok to smack on the muzzle but it has to be fast and unseen. if
the hand is raised and they see you doing it they connect that with
the gesture of being hit. and they react by pulling the head away.

one can some times get away with with just light taps and warning
signals but not always. sometimes one has to be harsher and set that
line where they dare not cross.

once one teaches certain behavoir is not accepted them the whole
incident can be forgotten.

if a horse has to be reminded that the behavior is not tollerated
then that horse knows they can get away with just giving that threat.

there fore they know how far you can be pushed and can find ways to
get around that behavior.

it like the spoiled child who throws himself on the ground and
screams. you either walk away and pretend it didn't happen or you
pick him up and warm his back side.

you must set your boundries and keep them set.


robin