Equine Body Language  

EYES HALF CLOSED, BLINKING, LICKING & CHEWING, YAWNING

These are referred to as displacement behaviours.This means they are part of normal equine body language, and are all potentially peaceful emotional states for a horse at rest. But when performed out of the context of their usual appearance, they are seen as signs of self “calming” and/or a stress response.

These are often the first signs that something is worrying the horse, and more overt behaviours such as freezing (sometimes seen as “stubborn”), bucking or bolting may follow.

Displacement behaviours are rarely seen in isolation. This is how we can know that the horse is displaying signs of stress or calming, rather than simply dozing or relaxing.

Behaviours that are commonly seen to be displayed alongside each other are eyes half closed, blinking, licking and chewing, yawning, head turning away and head lowering towards the ground. Others may also appear.

If your horse displays these behaviours, take time to consider what happened before they started and how you can adjust your training or change the environment to reduce potential stress.

SNATCHING GRASS

A horse experiencing stress may throw their head down and graze at an unusually rapid pace. This is often seen when a horse enters a new environment; for example, after unloading from a float. Eating is a self-soothing action when stress first exhibits, and allowing a horse to eat in these moments is not “giving in” to them, but allowing self-regulation of their stress, and a return to a more level emotional state.

WHALE EYE

When more of the white of the eye is visible than is normally showing, due to the horse widening their eyes. Usually the head will be turned slightly away, while eyes remain fixated on the perceived threat. In breeds who naturally show some white around the eye even in a relaxed state, careful observation is needed to determine when they may be showing more than usual. In addition to the white (sclera), you can also observe tension in the face, especially around the eye and nostril areas.

HEAD TURN AWAY, LOWERING HEAD/SNIFFING GROUND, NOSE/FACE RUB ON KNEE

A horse will sometimes display these behaviours when in a situation she finds stressful as a displacement behavior or as a conflict avoidance behaviour.

These are known commonly as calming signals. A horse can display any of these when she is trying to show that she isn’t a threat to the person she is interacting with. These behaviours can also be seen in potentially stressful horse-horse interactions - for example, horses meeting each other for the first time may turn their heads away after touching noses.

These behaviours are often seen in conjunction with others such as blinking, eyes half closed, and licking and chewing.

As with many potential stress signals, these may be seen in a different context - the horse may be scratching an itch, lowering her head to search for food, or turning her head away to look at something else. When we observe these behaviours, we should carefully consider the number and frequency of the behaviours occurring and identify any potential stressors in the horse’s environment.

FREEZE AND STARE

Occurs when a horse sees something that worries her. Usually combined with tense muscles and a raised head. Her gaze will fix on the potential threat, and this may be accompanied by snorting, sudden spooking, or a sequence of running (or “prancing”) and stopping again to freeze and stare as she evaluates the danger.

SNORTING

Snorting can occur for a number of reasons, and the context and other body language needs to be taken into consideration when evaluating the possible ‘why’

Snorting can be used as a coping mechanism to ease tension in social situations. When new horses are meeting for the first time, it is common to hear them snort. It is a way for them to reduce any social tension when they are facing an unexpected event.

Horses may snort when they are fearful of something.

Scientists have also found that the reaction of adrenaline can lead to snorting. Once their adrenaline gets flowing, it leads to a dry nose and mouth. Once the adrenaline fades, secretions of mucus and saliva form again, leading to the horse having to snort.

Another type of snorting occurs most commonly during calm and relaxing activities, most often exhibited along with a more relaxed facial expression.

PAWING

Generally pawing is a sign of frustration, commonly seen when a horse is anxiously awaiting a meal delivery or when they’re unable to move forward naturally.

EARS PINNED

Ears may flick backwards for a number of reasons, including simply listening to something behind them, but when pinned (often combined with a tense facial expression, wrinkled nose and “hard” eyes), it is generally a warning; an indication that the horse is defensive or otherwise uncomfortable. Often the warning is given in an attempt to create space: to prevent someone approaching, or cause someone to leave.

SNAKING

Snaking is when a horse lowers their head and moves it from side to side, with ears back, and often accompanied by bite threats.This behaviour functions to drive another horse, or other animal, out of the horse’s space. When this is directed towards humans, it indicates the horse is feeling threatened or defensive, and in need of space.

There is a similar behaviour seen in wild and feral herds where a stallion is present; he will use this behaviour to drive the herd onwards.

HEAD TOSS/TWIRLING

Head tossing may be seen in many different circumstances. It’s a common ‘problem’ for ridden horses and a google search will find many ways to ‘fix’ head tossing in your horse. However, it should be noted that it is a way of your horse expressing their frustration at their current situation and should be addressed with a mind to discovering and solving the underlying cause, not simply suppressing the head toss.

PRANCING/CALLING/RUNNING

Head up, ears pricked, eyes wide, prancing motion with feet. Tail is held up and often curled over the rump. Often accompanied by stop and freeze to stare at a potential threat, and snorting. Prancing can also be seen in play and when stallions are posturing, and it is important to know the difference between these so we do not mistake the horse’s fear for “showing off”.

Running and calling is commonly seen when a horse is distressed and fearful over another horse being taken out of her paddock, or when she has been moved to a new location away from her herd. The horse may gallop up and down the fence line, calling loudly. It is also seen when foals are weaned forcefully and abruptly. Force-free strategies involving systematic (gradual) desensitisation and positive reinforcement or counter-conditioning are recommended for both solving separation anxiety and for gradual, stress-free weaning.

Illustrations by Alizé V.M from Fairhorsemanship