Let’s talk body language
Have you seen the poster on a horse’s body language in the Family Area of Woodbine Entertainment Centre? I believe it was produced by Equine Guelph and it is terrific!
I have always taught that whereas the vocal cords of the horse are limited, compared to ours, he has a very expressive way of moving and using different parts of his body, to tell people and other horses exactly how he is feeling or what he wants. And also that each horse is an individual with a unique character molded by genetics, environment, schooling, conditioning and circumstances and that it is a combination of movements AS A WHOLE that must be interpreted!
the horses eyes are set at sides of the heads rather than at the front like predator animals like cats, dogs and humans. Remember in a natural state, they grass eaters. Therefore a small turn of the head is all that is required see behind them, as a defense against their predators…. Meanwhile, to see clearly in front a horse must arch his neck in a way that changes the way light hits the pupil -- watch him do this when you carry something close up to him from the front.
My pony friend Peanut proves that when you are riding your horse can see your legs, by the way he would anticipate the crop aid! And a handsome horse I used to ride named Rio proves that when riding a bend or a circle, a horse’s inside eye can make visual contact with yours – he is so easy to position correctly so we could just about look each other in the eye!
Horses do have range of sounds: nickers, are usually friendly, soft and most often submissive;
neighs are stronger and more aggressive (although Rio often used to winny in a friendly way to his friends in the paddock or the barn when I first got underway riding him -- which makes the rider shake on his back). They say a horse will call out very loudly when pancking, but luckily I don’t think I’ve heard any of this first hand.
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It is important to notice IMMEDIATELY any pinning of the ears and neck swinging. While mares imprinting a foal may follow this with gently nudges, and nips to the foal, in most other cases when the ears are laid back the horse is usually quite angry. and a bite or kick may soon follow! Ears pricked forwards mean the horse is curious or in a state of complete alertness, while lob sided, or donkey ears crown a resting horse and flicks of the ears usually mean they are paying attention.
In a curious or alarmed state the eyes will widen, and when he is tired or resting, his eyelids will be drooping. Squinting usually means pain but can mean readiness to attack or set in stubborn, so watch the ears too…
Lips and teeth, hooves and tails are explained really well in the poster. Check it out!