Basic Horse Communication
Learn How Horses Communicate with Each Other
Horse communication is based almost entirely on body language and instinct. Horses are programmed from birth how to communicate with each other, and their unique body language is easy to translate once the signs are understood.
Ears
Starting at the top of the horse's head, the ears are used primarily to communicate attention. When a horse is focused on another animal or on a human for example, the ears tend to flick in the direction of that object or entity.
The ears are also used in horse communication to indicate anger or displeasure. When the ears pin back against the horse's skull, it typically means that the horse is irritated or frustrated. Pinned ears often precede a kick or bite, so paying attention is advisable.
Head
The entire head is used in horse communication to indicate obedience or defiance. A lowered head usually signifies submission, while a raised head is a sign of dominance and anxiety. When the head goes up, the horse is better able to take in his surroundings.
Not only does the head allow horses to communicate with each other, but it is also a useful diagnostic tool for horse owners. If a horse is lowering his head and shaking it back and forth repeatedly, it might indicate that he is experiencing pain in the ears or nostrils.
Neck
The neck is primarily used for horses to communicate to each other before breeding. A stallion will round the neck so his neck muscles bulge in an effort to impress his mare. This is a sign of virility and is very common in horse communication.
Teeth
Horse communication is sometimes difficult to understand, and the teeth are one example. Horses can use teeth to communicate to each other that they are irritated or annoyed by biting another horse (or a human).
However, horses also use teeth to groom one another in a display of appreciation and mutual necessity. When a human is grooming a horse, the horse might try to reach around and groom him back, not realizing that this is painful for people.
Haunches
Horses are naturally flight animals, but they will fight when given no other opportunity. If a horse is cornered, he might kick out with the back legs, and even if a kick doesn't come, he will swing the haunches toward the offender.
This is why it is important to understand horse communication. When working with an unknown or particularly volatile horse, it is essential to keep control of the head so the haunches do not have an opportunity to swing toward the handler.
Oral Horse Communication
Horses also use their voices to communicate with each other. A "neigh" is the most common horse sound, and is used as a sign of warning, greeting or desire (from stallion to mare, or vice versa). A snort (through the nostrils) often indicates fear, aggression or exhaustion, but a horse also snorts to clear his nasal cavity.
It is impossible to know exactly what a horse is thinking or feeling at a given time, but understanding horse communication brings people one step closer. The best way to get a handle on this is to pay attention to horses and spend as much time with them as possible.
Horse Ears
|
What do you think about this article?
Comments
Latest Articles