Understanding Your Horse’s Body Language: What They’re Really Telling You
Your horse might not use words—but they’re always communicating. From the flick of an ear to the swish of a tail, your horse is constantly sending signals about how they feel, what they’re thinking, and whether they’re comfortable with what you’re asking.
When you learn to read and respond to these signals, you build better trust, prevent problems before they escalate, and create a safer, more connected partnership.
Why Body Language Matters
Your horse’s body language is their primary way of communicating. Whether they’re relaxed, anxious, curious, or frustrated, they show it through posture, movement, and expression. Being able to interpret these signals helps you respond in a way that makes sense to them—and that’s what deepens your relationship.
Key Signals to Look For
Let’s break down some common cues and what they may be telling you:
Ears
Forward – alert and interested or curious.
Swiveling – assessing their environment, possibly unsure.
Pinned back – annoyed or warning you to back off.
Relaxed/Slightly to the Side - calm and content.
Eyes
Soft, blinking – relaxed, thinking and trusting.
Wide, whites showing – scared, defensive, fearful or stressed.
Hard, staring – tense, possibly ready to react.
Mouth & Jaw
Licking/chewing – processing, calming down.
Tight lips or grinding – stressed, irritated, tension or aggression.
Head position
Lowered – calm, relaxed, comfortable and submissive.
High with stiff neck – alert, nervous or defensive.
Tossing or pulling – resisting or uncomfortable.
Body posture
Relaxed stance – soft eyes, soft muscles, resting a leg.
Rigid, weight-shifted back – preparing to bolt or kick.
Turning hindquarters toward you – avoidance or possible threat.
Pawing or Stomping - Impatience, frustration, or discomfort.
Tail
Softly swaying – relaxed.
Hanging Naturally - Calm and at ease.
Clamped – nervous, fear or submission.
Swishing sharply – irritated, defensive or agitation.
Visual Guide: Relaxed vs. Tense vs. Aggressive Body Language
Signal Relaxed Tense Aggressive
Ears Slightly to the side, soft Forward or twitching Pinned back tightly
Eyes Soft, blinking Wide, alert Narrowed, intense
Tail Hanging loosely, gentle swish Raised slightly, stiff Swishing rapidly or clamped
Posture Head lowered, weight even Head raised, muscles tight Arched neck, leaning forward
Mouth/Nostrils Loose lips, steady breathing Tight lips, flared nostrils Bared teeth, wrinkled muzzle
Reading the Whole Picture
Always assess body language as a whole. One signal in isolation may not tell the full story. For example, ears pinned and tail swishing could mean your horse is feeling defensive, while pinned ears alone might just indicate brief annoyance.
When you start noticing patterns in your horse’s behavior and body signals, you’ll begin to predict how they’ll respond—and make better training decisions in the moment.
How This Helps You Become a Better Horseman
When you’re tuned in to your horse’s communication, you can:
Step in early when they’re starting to feel stressed
Avoid pushing past their threshold
Reward small signs of try and relaxation
Build more trust and respect
In short, it makes everything easier—whether you’re doing groundwork, riding, or just hanging out with your horse.