Horses live in their own special world, which overlaps considerably with the human world. They have their own form of communication that is perfectly tuned to other horses, but which is sometimes difficult for some humans to interpret. Horses have a language that humans can learn, but it takes effort and patience.
Horses communicate primarily through body language. They have postures, small gestures, and full body motions that express a range of thoughts and emotions. The horse can use almost any part of his or her body to make a statement, and it is important that humans understand the intelligence that forms the basis of this ability.
Horses can use their ears to express a number of direct statements. Both ears pricked up straight and tense might mean, ?I?m excited,? while both ears twitching back and forth in opposite directions might mean, ?I?m nervous, but not too upset.? Any human working with horses should make the effort to learn the subtle movements and associated behaviors of their horses? ears.
A horse's tail is extremely useful as a flyswatter. However, it can also tell you a lot about your horse's frame of mind. If your horse has a relaxed tail, he is probably pretty content. He may also be bored or confused. If he is holding his tail upright, he may be suspicious or curious. Look at the context for clues as to the meaning. Know your horse well so that you can read his unique body language in every situation.
How a horse moves its legs can communicate a range of emotional states, all the way from skittishness to a dangerous degree of anger. The rearing horse immediately comes to mind as an obvious example of the extreme. This defensive posturing also serves to tell those around the horse of intense internal agitation involving fear and/or anger. Only a fool would not pay a large and powerful animal the respect of backing off until it feels safe enough to calm down.
Watch your horse?s neck and head for clues about his happiness and alertness. Even the body can be used to express feeling. Watch for twitching skin, different breathing patterns, and whether your horse is standing at attention or turned around to pay attention to something to one side (or within). Your horse?s head, neck and body can give you clues as to contentment, anger, jealousy and even illness.
Humans and horses are capable of bonding with each other, and horses are quite able of expressing genuine devotion to those with which they have such a bond. It is because we and horses both belong to the mammal family, and both retain the characteristic tendency towards communicating our inner states, that we can have such a relationship. We people seem naturally wired to look for signs of communication in other species, no matter how subtle, and despite the non-verbal nature of such communication. And so some of us who interact with horses put energy into understanding them.
Every person is different and so is every horse. An intelligent horse has a strong desire to cooperate and to bond with an intelligent handler. Over the centuries, horses and people have developed a symbiotic relationship that can be extremely rewarding. The responsibility of making sure it is so falls squarely on the human. Take the time and have the patience to understand your horse, and you are sure to have a rewarding relationship. - 29953
Horses communicate primarily through body language. They have postures, small gestures, and full body motions that express a range of thoughts and emotions. The horse can use almost any part of his or her body to make a statement, and it is important that humans understand the intelligence that forms the basis of this ability.
Horses can use their ears to express a number of direct statements. Both ears pricked up straight and tense might mean, ?I?m excited,? while both ears twitching back and forth in opposite directions might mean, ?I?m nervous, but not too upset.? Any human working with horses should make the effort to learn the subtle movements and associated behaviors of their horses? ears.
A horse's tail is extremely useful as a flyswatter. However, it can also tell you a lot about your horse's frame of mind. If your horse has a relaxed tail, he is probably pretty content. He may also be bored or confused. If he is holding his tail upright, he may be suspicious or curious. Look at the context for clues as to the meaning. Know your horse well so that you can read his unique body language in every situation.
How a horse moves its legs can communicate a range of emotional states, all the way from skittishness to a dangerous degree of anger. The rearing horse immediately comes to mind as an obvious example of the extreme. This defensive posturing also serves to tell those around the horse of intense internal agitation involving fear and/or anger. Only a fool would not pay a large and powerful animal the respect of backing off until it feels safe enough to calm down.
Watch your horse?s neck and head for clues about his happiness and alertness. Even the body can be used to express feeling. Watch for twitching skin, different breathing patterns, and whether your horse is standing at attention or turned around to pay attention to something to one side (or within). Your horse?s head, neck and body can give you clues as to contentment, anger, jealousy and even illness.
Humans and horses are capable of bonding with each other, and horses are quite able of expressing genuine devotion to those with which they have such a bond. It is because we and horses both belong to the mammal family, and both retain the characteristic tendency towards communicating our inner states, that we can have such a relationship. We people seem naturally wired to look for signs of communication in other species, no matter how subtle, and despite the non-verbal nature of such communication. And so some of us who interact with horses put energy into understanding them.
Every person is different and so is every horse. An intelligent horse has a strong desire to cooperate and to bond with an intelligent handler. Over the centuries, horses and people have developed a symbiotic relationship that can be extremely rewarding. The responsibility of making sure it is so falls squarely on the human. Take the time and have the patience to understand your horse, and you are sure to have a rewarding relationship. - 29953
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