by Mary Knetter

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

If horses are prey animals and humans are predators, how do the two get along so well? For some reason we can sit on their back and ask them to jump, spin, turn and gallop upon request.

By knowing how the horse's mind works and understanding the psychology behind it, you can learn to communicate using body language to improve the relationship you have.

WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE?

Everything about the horse says it is a prey animal. They have eyes placed on the side of their head for a wide view but cannot see directly in front or behind. The ears facilitate acute hearing that can pinpoint the source of a sound.

Left to their own, horses rarely move in a straight line. Instead they move left and right to see with both eyes. Their long, flowing bodies with light, bony legs and muscular shoulders, necks and hindquarters allow the animal to move quickly.

On the other hand, your body language shows you are a predator. You have eyes at the front of your head with the whites showing and can only see where your head is turned. Your sight is much more acute than your hearing and your body stands upright, which in the mind of a prey animal is a fight pose.

READING BODY LANGUAGE

If you can't see the eyes, watch their ears. Ears that are pricked forward indicate the eyes are looking at something and the mind is focused on the object. Laid back ears indicate anger or irritation and the animal will bite or kick.

Also watch the tail. The switch of a tail can indicate something is annoying or irritating. A wrung tail or one that is held under the body indicates a pain response. A tail held up high indicates the animal is excited and ready to run.

Watch and feel for body movement. Pay attention to shifts in weight that tell you when something is wrong. This is useful when you can't see the eyes or ears.

The level of the horse's head can also tell you the horse's mood. The lower the animal holds the head, the calmer it is. A high head means the animal is excited.

When working, body language should tell you the animal is relaxed and mellow. The head should be at a medium level with the ears moving quietly to catch little sounds. The eyes will appear relaxed and breathing is slow and steady. Sometimes you will see a hind leg cocked with the toe of the hoof touching the ground.

HOW YOU CAN COMMUNICATE

The best way to communicate is to understand equine psychology and use it to act like a horse. For example, when going out to the field, don't walk straight up to the animal. Walk out to the pasture at a leisurely walk. Stop and check the water tank or look for weeds in the pasture. From there, you can either wait for them to approach you, or walk closer while, keeping your head down and eyes averted.

When working with the animal, work closely and maintain some contact with the animal. A reassuring hand on the horse's side and occasional calm words reassures the horse that you are calm and all is well. Talking to the animal forces you to breathe, relaxing your body and keeping the animal calm. Your body can't be uptight or stressed when you are breathing.

Take your time when introducing new things and it will help the horse accept new things in the future. Let them see, smell and touch new objects before you move on to rubbing it all over their body. Reassure them as they experience the feel, sound and sight of the object and the horse will learn to trust you in stressful situations.

TAKE HOME MESSAGE

From the pull of a rein to a quiet cluck of the tongue, we are constantly using gestures, sounds and words to communicate. Knowing the intricacies of body language gives us clues into the equine mind and psychology essential for communication and a rewarding relationship.

Learn more about this author, Mary Knetter.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.