Horsey Body Language

[jane.p]

Hi I've recently started riding, and was wondering about horse body language. I know about the obvious signs (ears back = not happy!), but are there any signs to show that a horse is pleased to see you etc. It doesn't appear to be as easy to read as a dog wagging it's tail!! Any info would be appreciated. Thanx Jane :confused:

[bartera]

Well, actually, it is usually easier to tell when a horse isn't happy to see you!! But a few signs that they are would be nickering to you when you approach their stall/pasture (some horses won't do this ever - whether they are happy or not), coming to their stall door/pasture gate as you approach, willing to let you catch them in the pasture, generally seeming pleased/comfortable with your presence....that is all that comes straight to mind right now, I will let you know if I can think of any more...once you are used to a particular horse and their behaviors, you will be able to really tell if they are happy or not, without any of things happening..... :)

[@]

The usual ears back=unhappy, to the side=focused(this is what you want while riding) forward= paying attention to something ahead of them. this one can be deceiving. If you're on a horse and his ears go forward he may not be paying attention to you, but this is situational...going towards a jump you probably want him to be aware of it, but if you're on a trail and your horses ears go forward and he "feels" worried he may be looking at something and tuning you out. Comming to you is a sure indication of like, but if the horse goes away from you when you go to get him it may be your body language. your front side is forceful and in horse talk is saying go away, but your side is "soft" so if your horse goes away from you try turning your body.
Being able to "read your horses emotions" comes with time so untill you get a feel for a horse's attitude towards you, just be nice(which of course you always are.) ;)
good luck!
Allie T

[highland]

Its REAL easy once you get used to it! But be aware that its not just the ears aid back when the horse is "angry" This is generally only when they're really "pinned" back - but i'm sure thats *** u all meant!The tail will sometimes be held high (swishing) and the nostrils flared.
When a horse is relaxed he'll generally have his ears back - and possibly a hind foot resting on the ground at an angle.
If the little horsey is feeling submissive he'll have a low held tail, his head near his chest - generally looking stiff.
When hes excited he'll have a high held tail, arched neck, flared nostils, pricked ears etc...
If hes ill or afraid he'll prob. have his tail clamped b'tween legs and ears down etc.
And the real giveaway if hes angry is when he turns to kick or bite you!!

Hope this babble helps!!