What's she doing?

[Elaine_000]

Hi there!

Like lots of people on this site I used to ride lots as a youngster, but lost my nerve after a couple of bolting incidents. I decided to try again, having loved it so much, and after a month or so of lessons (sometimes once a week is just not enough :D ) am cantering and doing little jumps. I'm also reading as much as possible about horse behaviour to try to understand why they do what they do ... and I think I'm beginning to recognise their facial expressions, moods and body language (some more obvious than others ... and isn't it the greatest thing in the world when they turn an ear to listen to your voice?)

Anyway, enough drivel, my question is this ... I ride in an indoor school with a 'nervous adult group' on a forward-going horse, eager to please and slightly nervy but extremely good natured (she was 'retired' but is brought out for 'gentle riders' ... I took that as a compliment!) In the middle of the lesson we sit in the centre of the school so each of use has a chance to ride round on our own with our instructor's undivided attention. I try to sit very quietly with loosened reins, occasionally smoothing her withers (she tends to fall asleep!) and talking to her in a low voice ... I noticed today that she turns her head round to take a look at me ... it's not threatening at all, she doesn't go to nip, it's almost like she's just checking that I'm still there (but surely she could feel the weight?) almost like people gaining eye-contact. She did it several times today so I took it as a cue to speak to her.

I'm just curious why she does it :)

On another completely different subject, I've surfed the net loads and I have to say that this site is the most encouraging, friendly, supportive and educational I have ever come across! Thank you!

[Maci]

I have no clue why she might be doing this, but maybe it is a sign she wants you to keep talking to her! You said you talk to her quietly when you're waiting your turn, so maybe she is used to your voice and it soothes her, so she wants more of it?! Take it in a good way! :) She sounds like a sweet horse!

Maci :)

[Lancashire Lass]

she may just be saying to you "oh thank you, that grooming on my withers is lovely, please carry on.." . I would say that because your 'grooming' her in perhaps one of her favourite places, she in turn, is trying to repay the compliment by grooming you!!

Just my interpretation, maybe right, maybe not...!!!, but that's the way I would understand it;)

[Elaine_000]

thanks Maci and Lancashire Lass for your replies! :)

[Outrider]

Generally, when a horse is making eye contact with you, they are giving you a positive reinforcement for something you are doing or hoping you will continue to do it. It seems this horse has learned when you are sitting on her, and you stop talking to her or scratching her withers, all she needs to do to get you to start doing it again, is to look at you. She has got YOU trained! :D Happy Trails!

[Elaine_000]

crafty :) !

[Wally]

Quite a few of ours will turn and touch your foot, not chew or bite it, but just turn and touch it with their nose almost as a reassuring thing. They do it when we stand in the burn on a hot day having a rest.

Iacs and Hákon (Binky & the Brain) are the worst culprits, if they chewed feet ot stirrups I'd put a stop to it, but just a gentle nudge is not doing any harm.

[floppy]

'my' horse always turns her head to the side to look at me...either she is checkign to see that i havent fallen asleep and i am still sitting on her or she wants a treat!:D

[Elaine_000]

thanks for all your replies! Appreciate it's not the most exciting question ;)

[Outrider]

On the contrary Elaine. When we hear of a story like yours where the horse has bonded with you, it is extremely exciting to most of us horse folk. I'm glad you told us! Happy Trails!

[Elaine_000]

Really, really? Is it possible we've bonded :eek: ? That's way beyond my wildest dreams! Thank you thank you for telling me, I have the hugest most stupid grin on my face :D and I'm racing to tell my mum! (Thank goodness I took her a carrot (the horse not my mum) - and no, she didn't know in advance!)

[kedwards]

That is sweet. There is one horse at the stable where I ride who will do that (turn around and look at you while you're on her). In her case, it's definitely affectionate. Reading your post, there's little doubt why the mare you ride bonded with you as it sounds like your sensitive to her and quick with your praise. She actually sounds a lot like the one I ride, who is also a bit nervous when you don't have her full attention. I love those sensitive souls.

[Elaine_000]

Yes yes! If I'm not looking ahead or Gem's not completely occupied she'll be jump at the (seemingly) silliest things!

And thank you for saying such kind things, I'm not entirely sure what I'm up to and am desperate to do the best by Gem, so to be encouraged by someone who knows makes all the difference, thank you :)