I hope you can give me some advice, I have a 10mnth old cob colt, he is very boisterous and bites me at every opportunity, I can not take my eyes off him for a minute. He also jumps up at me when trying to lead or if he gets too close to me in the field or stable. I now have to shut him in to clean his field up as I dare not risk turning my back on him. He doesn't seem to be being particularly viscous, but very dominant.

Do you think gelding him will help any? I am afraid to be in the paddock with him for fear of him jumping up at me.

thanks, Natasha

What you describe is very common with a colt (not gelded male horse) of this age that has not had a formal ground training program. A young male horse has an inborn behavior program that tells him to act out male behavior patterns that he will need in the future, if he were to be a stallion in the wild. That is, rearing to mount, biting to fend off other stallions, herding or pushing to assert his dominance over other males and over mares as well.

So, it is good to understand it is nothing personal, but just what young male horses do. If he had other horses to act out with, he might be put in his place. Often, that is helpful.

Books that would be helpful include:

Now as far as gelding, yes that usually makes a dramatic difference in a colt's behavior. However, it is good to establish control of your horse while he is still an entire colt.

To read about gelding, read Gelding and Aftercare.

Best of luck and be safe !