Speaking with Intention

roancharranchrescue@outlook.com General March 23, 2021blind horses, horse communication, how blind horse communicate

Have you ever wondered how two visually impaired horses communicate? Is it really that different than how horses usually communicate? (read more about that below) Yes and no.

Just like sighted horses, Gabby and Barney have a language all their own! With a simple ring of a bell, Gabby can tell Barney everything from “move away” to “there is food over here.”

How does she do it? By projecting her intentions and by Barney deciphering them. For example, Barney knows to move away when Gabby swings her head to touch her nose to her side. The energy that she uses to swing her head is palpable.

However, when Gabby gently touches Barney’s side, he understands to move off the pressure to get to food. Gabby uses hardly any force and almost looks like she is going in slow motion. Barney isn’t scared because Gabby projects very little energy.

The inherit ability of horses to read intentions is why they are used for therapy. Horses are able to understand what a person is thinking and needs, in some cases, more so than another human. The results are nothing short of amazing.

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Learning “Horse Speak”

roancharranchrescue@outlook.com General March 6, 2021

Horses use body language to say everything from “Stay away” to “I love you” and everything in between. Anyone can learn “horse speak”. All you have to do is watch for the clues.

Ears

Easily one of the most expressive parts of the horse’s body is the ears. The ears are relatively easy to read.

If a horse’s ears are up and slightly forward, they’re active, interested, and possibly a bit excitable.

If their ears are relaxed and off to the side, they’re comfortable and possibly sleepy.

If a horse’s ears are pinned flat back to the head, the horse is scared or angry.

Head and Neck

Any time you want to know what a horse is thinking, pay attention to the head and neck.

If a horse’s head is lowered and hanging in front of their chest, they’re very relaxed and usually sleeping.

However, if a horse’s head is raised high in the air with their chin lifted, they’re alert and on the lookout for something in their environment.

A horse that is bobbing and weaving their head is usually agitated. It could be a clue that they are going to bite or be aggressive.

Forelegs

Barney standing with his legs evenly underneath him.

Horses usually stand with their legs evenly underneath them. If they aren’t, the horse is telling you something.

For example, if a horse’s front legs are spread wide apart, it could be a sign that the horse is nervous and is ready to bolt.

A horse that is pawing at the ground usually is getting impatient and wants to get moving.

If a horse is stomping, however, their getting irritated and could start striking out.

Hind Legs

The easiest way to know when a horse is relaxed is when one of their back legs is cocked and slightly off the ground.

However, if a horse only has weight on three legs and the fourth is not bearing any weight but is not cocked, be careful. The horse may be thinking about kicking.

Eyes

The most obvious warning sign to watch out for is if you can see the whites of the horse’s eyes. This means that the horse is upset, scared, or angry.

A horse that’s nervous and is considering bolting, will dart their eyes back and forth quickly.

If the horse’s eyelids are drooping and their eyes are half-closed, they’re extremely content. You see this a lot after they have eaten.

Tail

Most of the time a horse’s tail is still or lazily moving to keep flies off of them. However, if the horse is rapidly moving their tail from side to side, that is a sign that they’re angry and might kick.

If a horse is incredibly nervous or unsure about something in the environment, their tail will clamp tightly against their body.