Horses Talking to Horses

Pinky is interested and relaxed.

Horses are careful about announcing their presence. It wouldn’t be wise to let predators know where to find you.

As a result, horses have developed silent, micro expressions that enable them to communicate with each other. Body language and a visible display of the energy are sufficient tools to conduct a conversation with their pasture mates. And with us if we are mindful.

Champ was the first to notice something scary on the other side of the fence

Ears:

• Turn like radar where attention is focused

Eyes:

• Window to the soul

Head:

• Posture is an indicator

  • Held high may be ready to bolt

  • Highest head up in herd is the alpha

Neck:

• Key area to protect from predator

  • Stress visible here i.e. high and arched away

Muzzle:

• Bottom lip (relaxed or tight)

• Chewing, sighing (relaxed signs)

• Nostrils flared

The terrifying object turned out to be a child’s red wagon.

For more on how horses use their bodies to communicate, read the blog by Parelli.

Here’s a great video on horse herd communication called Energy & Body Language.