Understand the horse's language

Communication starts with Momma and baby

To understand a horse is, in theory, simple. In reality, however, it can be quite complex because horses are not one-dimensional creatures. They are intelligent, they think, dream, and reason. They love, hate and fear. But most importantly, horses survive off ancient instincts. And to understand a horse, you must first understand how the horse thinks, is built, and why.

Let's start with how a horse is built. I have heard many people say "horses are built poorly... lanky legs, big body." But, by nature's point of view, the horse is built just right. Often, what we humans do to the horse is in direct contrast to a horse's natural instincts, but since domestic horses live in fabricated environments, adjustments need to be made. In the wild, and by evolution, horses developed the large body, the need to graze nearly 24 hours, rest standing up (to go into REM sleep, a horse must lie down) and "lanky" yet muscled legs for many reasons.

First, horses in the wild can move 10 miles or so per day while grazing. They require 20%, more or less, of their total body weight in forage feed daily. They were not built to run for extended periods of time, they were built to sprint away from an enemy, or run from a conflict with another herd; which is why horses can develop leg and hoof problems if not properly built up to the task, and if not warmed up well enough beforehand. Language-wise, this can cause soreness which can lead to a cranky horse.

This brings us to understanding their language from the ground, or in the saddle. Most horses, especially younger horses, can get bored easily. They usually like to have a job, but on their terms and in the construct of their natural way of thinking. Thus, if a horse is unhappy with what is being done with him, he will show it in his own way; and like other sentient beings, each horse has his own way of displaying his disapproval as well as his pleasure.

Horse bodies are built to store the proteins necessary for health and survival, which circulate through them continuously. This leads us to behavioral issues. I have closely observed horses and the correlation between their eating habits and their behavior. A horse that is not allowed enough forage will often grow bored and develop destructive behavior. Particularly when stuck in a stall. Cribbing, wood chewing, kicking, tail rubbing, weaving, pacing, etc. are common boredom habits. To eliminate boredom, we must know the horse! And, I repeat, every horse is different. It’s very important to study your horse and learn what makes him happy, and what makes him miserable. For example, I have learned with my own horse, that when he gets bored he chews the wood on his window sills or he rubs his tail. Frustration and anxiousness cause him to weave.

When my horse was lame and had to remain stall-bound for a long period of time, I experimented with many horse toys to see what he would like the best. I knew he was not interested in playing with toy balls, but he does love to mouth rope and leather. I have observed him in the pasture, carrying a lost halter he found, or grabbing his own lead rope off the gate and swinging it to make circles. He also loves to eat snacks! Lick-type toys did not work, he would ignore them if he couldn’t eat them outright. I found a Pony Pop Holder and put in a peppermint (his favorite) Pony Pop.  It lasted about 3 days with him.  I also installed a simple lead rope, tied to the bars in his stall and hanging in loose knots. By morning he usually has all the knots untied.

Always remember, horses are intelligent animals. When riding or handling a horse, don’t expect to fool the animal, because he will know the truth. False confidence won’t work on a horse. You must let your horse know you trust him and you are confident when leading or riding him. You should be his herd leader. Sometimes it can take a very long time to develop this kind of bond. The time it takes will depend on horse and human and their ability to understand one another.

Horses are also “prey” animals and even the most well adjusted horse feels the instinct to run or spook if something is out of whack. That’s why a horse can be fine one day riding along in the ring or on the trail, but if a tree is cut down, or something in the ring is moved, most horses will be leery. It seems silly to us. We tell our horses “Oh, it’s nothing!” But remember, that old instinct from wild ancestors is still there; in order to survive, a horse in the wild must know his surroundings; where to find the best grazing, where the water is, where danger lurks, etc. If something in this territory changes, they are leery of it. Is it danger? Until the horse is sure it is safe, they will fear it, or at the least be cautious of it. Even if only for a moment. Of all the behaviors one must remember to understand a horse’s language, this is the most important. Horses look to their herd leader to tell them what’s safe. Be your horse’s herd leader, be confident, be patient and most of all be kind and understanding. Praise goes a long way to instilling confidence in a horse. Don’t make your “prey animal” submit only because he fears otherwise; make him want to do what you ask because he gets something good out of it, too