Horse Communication

Horses have a language of their own, and many of us are not as aware of it as we should be. Every movement that a horse makes with its ears, its hip movements, tail flicks and facial expressions, they all mean something.

 

This is the language horses use to speak to other horses and to us as well. We need to watch, pay attention, and learn what they are saying to become effective communicators with horses.

 

We need to know what our body language says to our horses first before we can begin to understand them. Flapping our arms while trying to get the halter on will cause unrest to some horses. Running up to horses in a pasture rather than walking up to them calmly, can spook them into thinking a predator is chasing after them.

 

We have all heard about bombproof horses, well folks, there isn't any such thing. Something, at some place, at some time will eventually spook your horse, any horse. Never let your guard down. Keep your body language quiet, slow, easy and calm. If you are calm, this helps your horse to remain calm.

 

Horses speak to us with their body language and movements. That includes the front and the back end of the horse. Horse owners may face many problems if they are not paying attention to what their horse is trying to communicate.

 

For example, most of us know that when a horse has both ears pinned back flat, something is upsetting the horse. Chances are they are either frightened or angry. In most cases it is anger. Caution is the best advice, even if you think your horse may just be listening to something behind him or just plain bored. Once you really know your horse well, you will know what his ears are saying. You’ll know what situations your horse is comfortable with and what situations warrant your attention.

 

When your horses’ ears perk up and move forward, it means he is focusing his attention on something or may be up to some mischief. Your horse may be on high alert about something he sees, hears or smells. Remind your horse that you need his attention, especially if you are riding and the ears whip forward, and he’s not focused on you.

 

Brushing and caring for your horse creates a major bonding between you and him. You are communicating with your horse when you brush and groom him. Most horse’s love to be groomed. This bonding time spent with your horse is memorable, that will bring many years of pleasure and gratification of owning a horse.

 

Thanks for reading, have a great day!