Horses communicate constantly – but not with words. Instead, they rely on body language to express their emotions, needs, and even discomfort. As prey animals, they are naturally wired to be cautious, making them prone to anxiety and distrust. Misinterpreting their signals can lead to misunderstandings, frustration, or even injury.
If you’ve spent enough time around horses, you’ll realise that reading their body language isn’t as complicated as it seems. Unfortunately, many equestrians—whether riders, trainers, or enthusiasts—are quick to assume that a horse is misbehaving or acting out aggressively. But instead of reacting with frustration, the most important question to ask is: What is my horse trying to tell me?
Is the horse saying, Please stop, this hurts? Or I’m uncomfortable?
Listening to what they’re trying to tell you and responding accordingly is the key to a strong, trusting partnership. Here are some key ways to interpret equine body language:
Ears
- Pinned flat – Anger, aggression, or annoyance
- Constantly swivelling – Listening to surroundings
- Facing forward – Attentive and engaged
- Relaxed to the sides – Calm or dozing off
Eyes
- Soft and relaxed – Content and comfortable
- Wide with visible whites – Fear, anxiety, or shock
- Rapid blinking or darting – Stress or uncertainty
- Half-closed – Relaxation, but if paired with a tense body, it may indicate exhaustion or pain
Mouth & Nostrils
- Loose lips and soft muzzle – Relaxed
- Tightly closed mouth or clamped lips – Stress or tension
- Chewing or licking lips – Relaxation after stress
- Flared nostrils – Fear, excitement, or exertion
Tail
- Relaxed and gently swaying – Calm and comfortable
- High and raised – Excitement or alertness
- Swishing rapidly – Frustration or irritation (often due to flies or discomfort)
- Clamped down – Fear, nervousness, or discomfort
Head & Neck
- Lowered head – Relaxed, submissive, or sleepy
- Raised head with tense neck – Alert, nervous, or startled
- Tossing or shaking head – Excitement, irritation, or playfulness
- Extended neck with flared nostrils – Curiosity or interest in something distant
Legs & Posture
- Resting one hind leg – Relaxation (but persistent resting could indicate discomfort)
- Pawing at the ground – Impatience, frustration, or boredom
- Stomping – Annoyance (often due to flies and ants) or discomfort
- Kicking out – Playfulness, frustration, or a warning
- Rearing or striking – Defensive or aggressive reaction due to fear or dominance challenges
Vocalisations
- Whinnying or neighing – Calling out for a companion or expressing excitement
- Nickering – A friendly greeting or anticipation (often for a familiar person or food)
- Snorting – Alertness, curiosity, or clearing nasal passages
- Blowing or sighing – Relaxation and contentment
Looking at the Whole Picture
Horses rarely communicate using just one signal. Instead, their body language is a combination of multiple cues that work together. A horse licking and chewing after an intense moment might indicate relaxation, but if paired with a tense body and pinned ears, it could actually be a sign of stress or submission rather than true calmness.
Spending time with different horses will help you recognise these subtle variations and better understand their emotions. By learning to interpret their signals as a whole, you can strengthen your bond with your equine partner and ensure their well-being.
