Of course, horses have their own language and, sadly, many of us are not as conscious of it as we need to be. It is a big mistake not to know their language because it could cause us problems in the long run. Every ear flip, hip flick, tail flick, and facial expression has a meaning. It's the language horses use to talk to other horses and to us - if only we would listen to them.
We must first know what OUR body language is telling them before we can understand them. Flapping your arms while trying to put on the halter is cause for concern. Running toward them in a pasture rather than calmly approaching them may make them think of a predator chasing me. We've all heard of bombproof horses - sorry, that doesn't exist. Something, one day or another, will frighten your horse - any horse.
In the meantime, keep your body language calm, slow, easy, and quiet. If you are calm, it will help your horse stay calm.
Horses talk to us with all parts of their body, including the front and back. These two parts can cause us a lot of trouble if we don't pay attention to what they say. For example, most of us know that when a horse has both ears erect, something is seriously wrong.
It is likely that he is scared or angry. In most cases, it is anger. It is therefore necessary to watch the front and back of the horse very carefully. Caution is advised even if you think the horse is listening to something behind it or is bored. When you know your horse really well, you will know what his ears are saying.
Ears erect and forward mean that he is concentrating his attention on something and is doing something stupid or alert for something he sees, hears, or smells. Remind your horse that you need his attention, especially if you're on horseback and your ears are pricked forward.
Brushing and caring for your horse is the main experience of bonding between humans and equines. Never underestimate the power of communication you impart to your horse about YOU when you groom him.
