Horse Sense: How to Use Your Five Senses to Communicate with Your Horse

Wild horses living in herds have many different ways of communicating. Just like another horse would, you can use your five senses to "talk" to your horse. With a little "horse sense" you can understand how your horse is feeling and show them that you're a good friend.

See.

Horses twitch when they're itchy, roll when they're feeling good, run and jump when they're feeling feisty. A horse's ears give clues to how it's feeling too. A horse will move its ears in the direction it's focusing on. But when you see your horse pin its ears back against its head, beware. Your horse is getting irritated.

A horse with head raised high might be getting a look around, but it can be showing that it's nervous. When your horse keeps its head low, it's showing it understands you're in charge.

If your horse turns its rear end towards you, watch out! If your horse raises a hind leg, get out of the way! A kick may be coming!

You can communicate with your horse through its eyes by acting calm. If your horse sees you are nervous, it may get nervous too.

Hear.

Horses have lots of ways of making themselves heard. Some sounds are gentle, like a "blow" or a "snort". Blow through your own loose lips to make a "snort". Blow air quickly out your nose to make a "blow". A horse makes these sounds exhaling through its nose with a closed mouth. These sounds are a horse's way of saying "hello" or "what's that?" If the horse seems relaxed, it's a friendly sound. If your horse seems nervous, it senses danger..

The best known horse sound is a "neigh". A horse neighs to call out to people or other horses. A shorter, softer neigh is called a "nicker". A nicker is a horse's way of saying "hello" to a good friend.

Horses make scary sounds too. They "squeal" when they are scared or angry. A very strong noise is called a "scream". It is almost never used unless two horses are fighting. Stay away from any horse that is squealing or screaming.

We can communicate with our horse through it's ears by talking gently and firmly.

Feel.

In the herd, touch is a very important sense. Horses bond by rubbing and grooming each other. When your horse accepts you as part of its herd, it may try to groom you too! This grooming can include some gentle biting. But what's tender to another horse can hurt a person. A horse also bites if its angry or frustrated. Those bites are a lot harder, so watch those teeth!

Every time you touch or brush your horse you are bonding with it. But watch out for ticklish spots on the belly and near the hind legs. Most horses really like to be rubbed on the withers (where the neck meets the back), the chest, and the croup (the top of their behind). Some horses like to be rubbed behind the ears, but others don't. Your horse may show you when you find a good spot. Some even curl up their lips to say , "Ooh, that feels good!"

Taste and Smell.

These senses go hand in hand ,and are all about you. If you want to let your horse know you care, bring them a special treat like an apple. Don't be surprised if they find it in your jacket pocket! Horses have a good sense of smell. Giving your horse a variety of things to taste and smell is a great way for you to tell your horse. "I love you!"

Just like people, no two horses are alike. But using your five senses, you can get a very good idea of how your horse feels about you being the head of the herd.