Every horse has a vice or two. The trick is to figure out whether you have the ability to handle the vice. If you are an experienced horse person, you can get a great bargain on an otherwise suitable horse if it difficult to catch, doesn’t like to be clipped, or misbehaves with the dentist, vet, or farrier, for example. If you are experienced, chances are you have the skills to handle these vices, and even cure your horse of them. Depending on who you are, you’ll find some vices unacceptable and others will be easier for you to live with. The list will vary from person to person, based on their situation, personality, and experience. But are there some vices that you should, in general, stay away from? Most definitely. Certain vices are near impossible to manage and just plain dangerous, no matter who you are and what your level of experience is. Think long and hard before you bring a horse with one of the following vices into your barn.

Biting. The horse nips or bits people and other horses. Whether or not you can handle a biter will depend upon whether you can isolate that situations that drive him to bite. For example, some horses only bite in various settings, while others bite all the time. A biter is suitable only for an experienced owner who knows how to manage the vice, and has a set-up that will minimize damage to other people and horses.

Bolting. This horse runs off with its rider. A horse who bolts is not suitable for any type of rider, as the lack of control is a danger to your life, the horse’s life, and any other life that gets in the way of it.

Kicking. This horse kicks at its handler or other horses. Similar to a biter, whether or not you can handle this horse will depend upon whether your horse is an indiscriminate kicker, or only kicks in certain situations. Horses who kick are only for extremely experienced handlers who know how to handle the vice. Kickers pose a hazard not only to humans, but to the horses they are stabled with as well.

Rearing. A rearing horse is one who stands up on its hind legs. The biggest danger comes from the fact the horse might tip over, injuring both itself and its rider. A horse who rears is not suitable for any type of rider, as the habit is hard to control with equipment, and is also very difficult to break.

Windsucking. This is a habit in which the horse gulps air into his stomach. He often makes a burping sound. In addition to getting on your nerves, windsucking also leads to dental and digestive problems. Windsucking is incredibly annoying so it isn’t for a rider and handler without tons of patience. Since windsucking is a “contagious” habit, a windsucker is not for the rider who has other horses, especially if those horses are young and impressionable.