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Understanding and Listening to a Horse.

Horses are remarkable animals. They are capable of showing emotion,
understanding, fear and even trust. The most important thing a human can do when dealing with horses is to be kind and respectful toward them. Here are a few tips to help you understand and communicate with your horse:

Signs a horse is anxious or upset

• Ears pinned back
• Head high with moving feet
• Eyes opened wide, may see eye whites
• High-pitched whinnying or neighing

Signs a horse is relaxed or happy

• Blinking
• Head hanging low
• Chewing
• Licking lips
• A horse resting one hoof slightly on hoof tip

Signs a horse is listening to you

• Blinking
• Ears twitching or pricked forward

Horse sounds and what they mean

• Nicker with a slight raise of head: usually happy
• Snorting: afraid or excited
• Neighing: high-pitched means horse is upset, lower pitched, shorter sounds means horse is trying to tell you something
• Sighing: horse is relaxed

Know what they like (Be sure to check with an adult before attempting these)

• Having necks scratched and massaged
• Treats such as carrots, peppermints, apples, sugar cubes, hay cubes
• Singing
• Speaking to them in a kind tone and manner

Know how to approach a horse

Horses have a blind spot in front of their nose. Approaching a horse
head-on may frighten it. Walk slowly toward a horse from the side.

Know how to lead

• Horses are smart and can sense if you’re nervous or lacking in confidence. Relax and display self-assurance when working with a horse.
• It’s important that you let the horse know that you’re in charge. Being in charge means leading a horse in a respectful manner.

Important: Do not attempt any of the above instructions without adult supervision and permission from the horse owner.