| As you might have realized by now, is that | | | | As you get to understand horse behavior better |
| horses do not speak our language, so it is | | | | you will know that this gesture is not always |
| essential for us to adapt and learn to speak theirs | | | | dangerous. The horse could only be listening from |
| in order to understand horse behavior. Haven't | | | | noises or commands coming from behind or just |
| you ever noticed the swivel of their ears, | | | | resting out of boredom. Don't worry, as you get |
| expressions on their face and movements of | | | | to know your horse, you will quickly begin to learn |
| their hips. | | | | the true difference between these, ultimately |
| So in order for us to understand horse behavior | | | | helping you to understand horse behavior. |
| and their language, it is essential for us to | | | | Ears forward means: |
| understand what our body language says to | | | | Now this is not something to really worry about |
| them. Waving your arms around in a desperate | | | | as a happy horse usually has it's ears forward? - |
| attempt to get the halter on will surely cause | | | | Sometimes, but not usually. As a horse directs |
| some alarm. Also running towards them when in | | | | their attention to something, the ears will usually |
| pastures might give them the image of a | | | | follow. Ears sticking up high or being erect means |
| predator attacking. Rather try to approach them | | | | that the horse is mischief or alert. It is a good |
| calmly. | | | | time to remind your horse that you are in charge |
| You must always remember that no horse is | | | | once his or her attention span starts to fly around |
| bombproof, therefore you should always try to | | | | during your ride. |
| keep your body language slow and calm around | | | | Grooming |
| your horse. The best way for your horse to | | | | This is a very important aspect that I feel needs |
| remain calm, is for you to remain calm. | | | | mentioning. Most people consider grooming as |
| Unlike humans who only communicates with the | | | | something that has to be done and nothing more. |
| top part of their bodies, horses uses both the | | | | But in truth, grooming helps a lot in establishing a |
| back and front ends to communicate. Not only | | | | bond between you and that horse, just like |
| does signals come from this parts of the body | | | | grooming between different horses in the wild |
| but injuries to humans as well, so watch for what | | | | would. If you treat your horse roughly or just do |
| they are telling you. | | | | a quick brush over, your horse will assume you |
| Lets look at a few body language signs helping us | | | | are rough and a harsh handler whereas if you |
| to understand horse behavior: | | | | spend a lot of time grooming the horse and |
| Ears laid back means: | | | | spending time with it, you will establish a bond of |
| Almost all horse loving people know that when a | | | | trust. |
| horses ears are laid flat aback, something is | | | | When you understand horse behavior, you will be |
| wrong. In most cases the horse could be | | | | able to read your horse much better, helping you |
| frightened or in most cases angry. This would be | | | | build a bond of trust with your horse, which in |
| a good time to watch both ends of the horse's | | | | turn will simplify the training process immensely. |
| body. | | | | |