Horses use their body language and vocal cues to put their thoughts right out there in the open. Subtle changes in horses’ posture, expression and movements can provide important clues to what they are thinking. It may take some time and attention, but by learning your horse’s body language cues, you will become a better listener. Thus, you will develop a greater ability to care for and ride your horse.
Ears
If horses’ ears are alert and perked slightly forward, they’re active, interested, and possibly a bit excitable. If the horses’ ears are relaxed and drooping to the front or sides, they’re comfortable, content, and possibly sleeping. If the ears are pinned back flat to the head, the horse is scared or angry. If your horse’s ears are pointed backward but not pinned, it often means he’s listening to something behind him. Ears that are flicking back and forth are a sign that the horse is in a heightened state of anxiety or alertness.
Neck and Head
A horse who has his head lowered and hanging in front of his chest is very relaxed. On the other hand, a horse who has his head sharply raised is probably startled or alert. Horses will sometimes lift their chins if they’re spooked, in sudden pain or if they’re focusing intently on something. Watch out for “snaking,” when a horse bobs and weaves his head back and forth. This is a fighting behavior seen in stallions and might be the prelude to a nip or other aggression.
Forelegs
Horses will usually stand straight up with their legs squarely beneath them. If they diverge from this stance, something could be amiss. For example, widely splayed forelegs could be a sign that a horse is nervous and considering bolting or could be a sign of lameness in a front hoof. Meanwhile, a horse that’s pawing at the ground is usually getting bored of standing around. If he’s stomping or lifting his hoof all the way up before stepping heavily down, he’s probably mildly irritated and considering getting sassy.
Hind Legs
When a horse is extremely relaxed or snoozing, one of his back legs usually turns slightly sideways. He puts his weight on the other three legs and lets that one limb relax and flop a bit. However, pay close attention if you see a horse moving his weight onto three legs so that his fourth hoof isn’t bearing any weight. If the rest of his body language is wary and alert (rather than sleepy), he might be considering kicking out with the back leg! The same warning holds true for a horse who has lifted one of his back feet all the way off the ground. That might be the prelude to a stomp or a kick, so steer clear of his back end if at all possible.
Muzzle
A horse standing quietly with his lower lip drooping may be relaxing or even asleep. An angry horse will open his mouth wide and might pull back his top lip to show his teeth to warn you to stop whatever you’re doing or he’s going to bite. A happy, mentally engaged horse will chew even if he doesn’t have anything in his mouth! That’s a sign that he’s relaxed and thinking, and that in turn means he’s learning. A horse who is experiencing something new and is confused or curious will show his feelings by flaring his lips back and rolling them around as he tries to identify a new smell or stimulus. A horse’s nostrils may flare and even quiver when he is startled or nervous. When you notice his muzzle tighten, take action to either remove your horse from the situation or help him work through the stress or fear, so he won’t have to resort to “louder” messages like biting or running away.
Eyes
The most important warning sign to watch for is if you can see the whites of the horse’s eyes. That means he’s opening them much wider than usual, and he’s upset, scared, or angry and trying to intimidate the object of his emotions. A horse that’s nervous will dart his eyes back and forth rapidly. If the horse’s eyelids are drooping, and he’s looking half-lidded, he’s extremely content and probably has a belly full of a tasty dinner!
Rump
If the muscles suddenly bunch along his rump and haunches, watch out! You’re with a horse who is considering rearing as a show of either dominance or anger. A horse who is rapidly swishing his rump from side to side is thinking about lashing out with a kick. However, if the horse happens to be a mare and she’s swishing her rump, it may just be a sign that she’s in heat.
Tail
Most of the time horses will lazily switch their tails from side to side to swat away flies and so on. However, if the switching turns to rapid lashing, that’s a sign of anger and might come before a kick. If a horse is uncomfortable or nervous about a new situation, he knows he doesn’t like (perhaps a visit from the vet), he’ll clamp his tail tightly down. If a horse pricks his tail up so that the hair tumbles down in a wave, that’s a sign he’s really energized and excited.
The Full Picture
Sometimes you need “the big picture” to get the full story of what the horse is experiencing. When your horse’s muscles are rigid and his movements are stiff, he’s either hurting, nervous or stressed. Shaking is almost always a sign of fear. If a horse reaches out to touch you with his muzzle, he could be trying to nip or bite you. It may also be that he’s curious and checking you out. Another possibility is that he’s nervous and needs a little reassurance.
As you work with your horse, observe how his postures and expressions change as he interacts with you as well as other people and animals. Soon you’ll start to understand the more subtle signs that he’s getting annoyed or fearful, and then you can begin a more proactive “dialogue,” responding to his cues and keeping his focus on the work at hand.
Which of these examples of horse “language” have you seen? Let us know and don’t forget to SHARE with friends, family, and equestrians!
