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Aug 31, 2023 · Subtle changes in your horse's posture, expression and movements can provide important clues to what he is thinking. Learn how to translate horse body language.
- “I’m not feeling well.” A horse that’s ill or in pain might display classic physical expressions of discomfort. “A sick horse probably wouldn’t be very bright or alert,” says McDonnell.
- “I’m stressed!” Horses in acute stress display fairly recognizable body language, says McDonnell. They might have forward-pointing ears, wide-open eyes, widened nostrils, a high head, a stiff stance, and a raised tail.
- “I’m Depressed” Depressed horses tend to exhibit a specific kind of body language that’s easy to recognize once you know it, says Clémence Lesimple, PhD, of the EthoS Laboratory of Human and Animal Ethology at the University of Rennes, in France.
- “I don’t like this.” Horses don’t always agree with our choices, and they often don’t hesitate to express their discontent. If our riding style or grooming method makes them uncomfortable, their body language can be quite clear: “I don’t like that!”
The emotional connection between horses and humans is a two-way street. Horses can sense our emotions, but we can also sense theirs. By paying attention to our horse’s body language, vocalizations, and behavior, we can gain insight into their emotional state and respond appropriately.
If you notice that your horse is constantly being distracted by other things instead of focused on you, then you need to reinforce your presence and get your horse focused back on you. To learn more about this, check out our article, How to Get Your Horse to Pay Attention to You.
If your horse is constantly focusing on something other than you, such as other people or horses in the stable or something off in the distance, you’ll want to do some basic groundwork to get your horse to pay attention to you instead.
Common emotions in horses encompass fear, trust, aggression, and curiosity. Understanding these emotions can help individuals better connect and communicate with horses, allowing for a more harmonious relationship.
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Jan 2, 2024 · A raised or flagged tail means your horse is excited. This is a tail that is held above the level of the back. A horse with a flagged tail isn’t usually paying much attention to you, and is prone to being startled. Regain your horse's attention by calling its name and putting it to work.
