by Christine Gilliam

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

Body Language Differences in Horses and Humans

Body language is an excellent form of communication. The only problem is that horses and humans speak a different language. We are uses body language common to predator species and communicate verbally for the most part. As a predator, we tend to lock on what we want and go right for it. Horses use the prey body language. They are very sensitive to watching predator body language and responding.

In order to increase communication with our horse, we need to turn down the predator-like body language by being more patient and attentive to pick up on the horse's more subtle cues. Take time to sit the fence and watch how your horse interacts with the others in its herd. Learning to read your horse tightens the bond between you and provides a safer riding experience. Look for these common signs.

1. Ears: The ears go in the direction of the horse's attention. Both ears facing straight ahead is beautiful but if you are riding it may mean that the horse is paying more attention to something else besides you. One ear back when riding means that the horse is listening for commands. When the ears flick forward and back repeatedly, it means that the horse is nervous and looking for clues on how to respond. If both ears are gently laid back, look for droopy eyes. Chances are the horse is bored and ready for siesta. Ears plastered back and the whites of the eyes are showing, wellwatch out.

2. Tail: Like dogs, horses often flatten their tail down when scared and will scoot away. Tails up and flowing mean the horse is excited or showing off how great they are. A kinked tail may mean the horse is thinking of giving a buck.

3. Facial signals: Like humans, horses have expressive faces. Tight lips and lines around the eyes show worry or deep concentration. A wrinkled nose means annoyance. Watch for open mouths with lips withdrawn as the horse may bite. A relaxed open mouth with the upper lip curled way up, means you probably found the itchy spot in grooming. Scratch harder.

Once you have these signs down, start watching for less common ones.

1. A cocked hind leg commonly means the horse is tired and wanting to take a load off. However, if the horse is stressed and has a ridge body with hard eyes and a tense jaw, be careful. The horse may just be getting ready to strike.

2. The horse is standing so quietly that you think all is well. Or is it? Some horses lock up and will, if provoked, erupt into action. If the horse is in a stressful situation and suddenly refused to move with slight invitation, calmly dismount to comfort the animal until it can move freely.

3. Head carriage can be an indication of mood. A high head may mean excitement and a low head may be the horse tuning out. Be careful to read the other signs as a horse changes head position often to help with their vision. In general, a level head is ideal with ears moving, eyes alert and a relaxed neck and jaw.

Body language is a wonderful tool to learning to communicate better with your horse. If you as a rider toned down your verbal communication and goal driven behavior enough, you can pick up on how your horse may be feeling. Learning to ease anxiety and enjoy pleasant times will strengthen the bond with your horse as you respond to their needs consistently.

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