by Veronika Lazabal

Created on: July 24, 2008   Last Updated: June 25, 2009

From Ears to Tails- Getting to Know Your Horse's Body Language

Understanding what your horse is telling you with her body is the key to establishing a safe and close knit relationship between the two of you. Horses use their body language to communicate with each other. With careful observation, you can use these same clues to better understand the psychology of your new companion. Your horse's stance, eyes, ears, mouth and tail all reveal what is going on in her mind. Here are some tips on how to better "read" your horse:

Take a step back

You can't see all of your horse while you are riding. Watching from a distance will give you the opportunity to observe her body language in action. Notice her stance when she is playing, eating, listening. This is the first step in learning to associate what she's doing with what she's feeling. Pay close attention to her facial expressions and her hindquarters, especially around other horses. These are the "speaking" ends of a horse.

The eyes- and ears- have it.

A horse's ears are hands down her most expressive feature. The most important step in learning to understand your horse is learning to understand her ears. Watch her ears carefully, and eventually you will know what she's thinking. Ears forward means a horse is listening. For the most part, upright relaxed ears are a sign that your horse is in a good mood. She's paying attention, and will probably respond very well to you. If your horse's ears are tilted forward and very stiff, it is likely a sign of fear or shyness. Be careful if you are standing in front of her and her ears prick up! It may mean that a quick nibble may be headed your way. If a horse's ears are pulled back slightly, she is paying attention- waiting for a command. An angry horse will pull her ears all the way back, showing you the whites of her eyes. This is a sign of aggression and will usually be followed by a kick or a bite. Ears tipped back and outward are a signal of boredom.

Facial Expression

Reading a horse's facial expression can be very difficult to do at first. The changes in her facial demeanor are subtle, and may be hard for you to read. A pinched or tight mouth may signal pain or discomfort. Her eyes may glisten if she is expecting a treat from you. With time, you will learn to decipher your horse's moods simply by looking at her face.

Learn to Feel

Though it is easier to observe your horse's body language from the ground, it is important to pay attention while you are on her back, as well. Her ears and head are at your eye level- pay attention to them! Is her body tense or relaxed? If you feel her swishing her tail, she may be annoyed or frustrated. Slow down and consider what you are asking her to do. The likelihood is that you are giving her confusing instructions. If her neck is high and tight in front of you, or if she is sweating more than normal, she is probably nervous. If her steps are short and choppy, she may be scared, or angry. Take advantage of your physical closeness as you ride, and learn to feel your horse's body language.

The relationship between horse and rider takes time to build. But if you put in the effort, she will reward you many times over. Keep in mind that a horse is a complex, intelligent creature. Soon you will be reading her smiles and sneers as easily as you would a fellow human.

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