Horse & Equestrian Info

Horses have long been valuable pets and workers for the human race. Horses are very intelligent and conscious animals with their own behaviors and language. A horse can’t just be put in a field and be expected to trust people, a trust, bond and respect has to be built. Here are some tips to help to understand this amazing animal. Having grown up around horses, I've experienced first hand how thrilling and rewarding this experience can be.

Building trust

In the wild, horses are not pets or beasts of burden, but are prey animals. Like people, horses have very strong instinct for self-preservation. When there is no trust, the horse will instead have fear and will very likely bolt and be near impossible to handle. With proper training of the horse and rider, and consistent positive experiences, the horse will trust you over their flight instincts and befriend you, following your commands.

Trust is built on a history of positive interaction and experiences. Trust is built when it is known how a person or animal will respond to given situations. If the responses are positive and consistent, trust will form. Like any pet or animal, trust is built with proper responses to their different behaviors and following through with them. Horses are very sensitive and will sense if you are scared. It's important to note that while you are in the process of building trust that you are confident.

Horse Language

To properly respond to a horse’s behavior, we have to understand what they are saying through their behavior. When they show fear, don’t scold them, and don't get angry. When they act disobedientor tough, you cannot show fear yourself.

Horses, like dogs or animals, have their own distinctive languages. Because they do not communicate verbally, they interact by different means; eyes, ears, muzzles, tails, odors, and body postures.

Horses are always communicating with other horses and animals, to let their wants and needs be known. Observe your horses one day. Sit quietly and watch how they interact with each other and their surroundings. This will get you familiar with much of their language.

Body Language

First tip: An excited or nervous horse will have a high, rounded outline, while a horse at peace will have a flat outline.

Ears

Ears are a very good indicator of a horse’s mood and attention. Horses can move their ears independently and can focus on more than one thing. A properly trained horse will keep one ear focused toward the rider to hear commands and signals.

When the ears move back and forth, this shows uncertainty or nervousness, and ears pinned flat back indicate anger or aggression.

Tail

The horses tail is not just for braiding, much is to be learned from a horse’s tail. When a horse holds his tail up, or 'High-tails', it is excited. If a horse tucks its tail between the legs and scoots away, it is very frightened. A lashing or flailing tail is a sign of irritation and annoyance. When the tail is kinked, this shows submissive fear and often leads to bucking.

Facial signals

Facial signals, while more subtle, reveal quite a bit about a horses emotion or thoughts. While there are many ways a horse expresses itself through the face, there are some easier, and important ones to watch out for. A fearful or anxious horse will have a long nose and a tight mouth. When a horse is being taught something new, watch its face and mouth. When not understanding, or confused, you will notice ‘worry wrinkles’, and the mouth will be tight. The moment it understands, you see the face and mouth relax.

When a horse opens its mouth and bares its teeth, it may be preparing to bite. If the mouth is just slightly opened and the nose is long, while being curried, shows it would like to groom you too. This is common of course in herds. You know the horse is enjoying the petting when it extends the neck with its lower lip drawn back below a long nose.

There is much more to learn when getting to know a horse, and there are many experts that can help to make sure you and your horse trusts, respects, and likes each other.

Here's some resources to help you on your way to learning more about working with horses:

• Horses and Horse Information
• Horse Info
• The Ultimate Horse Site