Horse body language - learning horse language

The horse's natural body language - how horses communicate in the herd

Horses are masters of non-verbal communication. In the wild or in an open stable, they communicate almost exclusively through gestures, facial expressions and body posture. Every play of the ears, every movement of the head and every shift in weight has a meaning. To understand a horse properly, you need to be able to read its natural body language - just like other horses in the herd do.

How does communication within the herd work?

Horses are herd animals and depend on social structures. There is a clear hierarchy within a group, which is regulated by eye contact, posture and subtle gestures. This non-verbal communication is essential to avoid conflicts and ensure survival in the wild.

A higher-ranking horse usually shows its status through an upright posture, tense muscles and targeted threatening behavior - for example by putting its ears back or raising its croup. Lower-ranking horses give in by lowering their head, turning away or making quiet chewing movements.

This horse language works instinctively - without loud noises or unnecessary movements. Only in exceptional cases is the behavior accompanied by neighing or growling.

Why is body language vital for horses?

In the wild, a horse's survival depends on how well it can communicate with its conspecifics. A raised head with ears pointing forward signals attention: if a horse senses danger, the tension is transmitted to the entire herd within seconds.

Subtle signals also play a major role in daily interaction. A horse approaching another can signal that it is peaceful by lowering its head slightly, softening its eyes and relaxing its muscles. On the other hand, tense neck muscles or a fixed gaze are perceived as a threat.

Ear position in horses 

The position of a horse's ears is one of the clearest signals in equine language. Horses can move their ears independently of each other and turn them in different directions - this not only helps them to perceive sounds better, but also to express their mood.

What is the significance of ear position in horses?

A horse's ears are extremely mobile and reflect its attention, emotions and intentions.

A horse with its ears pricked forward shows curiosity or attention. This is often seen when a horse sees a new object or a stranger. If the horse's ears are loosely to the side, it is usually relaxed - many horses let their ears hang this way when dozing or grooming.

The position of the ears in combination with facial expressions and body posture is particularly important. Ears laid flat backwards are a serious warning signal. They show anger, frustration or even pain. If a horse reacts like this to a conspecific or human, it means: "Keep your distance!"

Why do horses put their ears back?

There are various reasons why a horse puts its ears back. Some are harmless, others indicate stress or pain:

Ears as part of the overall body language

A single signal is often not enough to correctly interpret a horse's body language. Ear movements must always be considered in conjunction with other body signals:

• Ears back + raised tail: threat or aggression
• Ears back + wide open nostrils: Surprise or uncertainty
• Ears back + tense back: pain or tension

Important: Some horses have a natural tendency to lay their ears slightly backwards without this being associated with discomfort. You should therefore always observe the horse's overall behavior.

Facial expressions & mimic horse

The horse's facial expressions and gestures provide valuable clues as to how a horse is feeling. While humans often rely on language, horses communicate through subtle changes in facial expression. The eyes, nostrils, lips and jaw muscles in particular play a decisive role in this.

17 Facial expressions of the horse - recognizing emotions

Studies have shown that horses have 17 different facial expressions - more than dogs and cats. They specifically change their eyes, ears, lips and nostrils to express emotions such as joy, fear, pain or stress.

Flehmen in horses - more than just a funny facial expression

Flehmen is a striking behavior in which the horse raises its upper lip and opens its nostrils wide. Many people interpret this behavior as a smile, but it actually serves to perceive smells more intensely.

Why do horses plead?

• Olfactory analysis: Horses often whine when they perceive new or intense odors.
• Hormonal reaction: Stallions often fleal when they smell mares.
• Pain or discomfort: Flehmen can also be a sign of colic or toothache.

Pain triangle in horses - How to recognize pain in the face

Horses are masters at hiding pain. As flight animals, they often only show subtle signs when something is hurting them. A particularly important signal is the pain triangle in horses - a change in facial expression that indicates discomfort or pain.

What is the pain triangle in horses?

The pain triangle describes a striking change in the facial features that can be seen in three areas:

• Sunken eye sockets
• Tightened or sunken region between the eye and nasal bone
• Tense, contracted nostrils and lips

This facial expression occurs when the horse is suffering from pain, stress or inner discomfort. Thepain triangle is particularly commonin horses with colicorthopaedic problems or toothache.

Head & neck 

The posture of the head and neck is a central element in the horse's body language. It reveals a lot about a horse's mood, alertness and well-being. A lowered head can mean relaxation, while a raised neck often indicates tension or uncertainty.

What head postures are there and what do they mean?

The posture of the head is closely linked to that of the neck. A high neck with tense muscles signals tension or dominance, while a low neck with relaxed muscles indicates calmness or confidence.

Horse rubs head against human - sign of affection or disrespect?

If a horse rubs its head against a human, there can be various reasons for this:

• Social bonding: Some horses rub their heads against familiar people as a sign of affection, similar to what they do with conspecifics.
• Itching: After wearing a bridle or fly mask, horses often scratch themselves on the nearest object - sometimes even on humans.
• Dominance behavior: In some cases, a horse uses the rubbing of the head to push the human to the side and thus determine its position.

This behavior should not always be allowed, as it can be rude or unpleasant in some situations. Especially when a horse rubs with great pressure, it can be disrespectful towards humans. Gently steering away or backing off can help to set clear boundaries.

Horse nibbles on me - What's behind it?

If a horse nibbles on humans, this can have various causes:

• Playing behavior: Young horses in particular explore their surroundings with their mouths and test how humans react to them.
• Grooming behavior: In the herd, horses scratch each other, which is considered a sign of social bonding. Some horses transfer this behavior to humans.
• Naughtiness and disrespect: If a horse constantly nibbles at people or tries to pull at clothing, this may be a boundary violation.
• Mineral deficiency: In rare cases, horses nibble on people or other objects when they have a nutrient deficiency.

Gentle nibbling should not be confused with biting, but it can develop into an undesirable habit. Horses must learn to keep a respectful distance from humans.

Horse turns away from me - rejection or insecurity?

A horse that turns away from a human sends a clear message:

• Lack of interest: The horse has no motivation to interact.
• Appeasement signal: An insecure or low-ranking horse turns away to avoid conflict.
• Uncertainty: Some horses avoid eye contact if they are unable to assess a situation.
• Disrespect: In some cases, a horse deliberately ignores its human in order to question its leadership role.

Whether turning away should be seen as negative depends on the overall situation. If a horse only turns away briefly and then looks back at its human, this is normal social behavior. However, if it stands with its back to the human or demonstratively turns its head towards him, this can be a sign of rejection or disrespect.

Body & muscles - How to recognize tension and relaxation

A horse's body language is not only made up of facial expressions and ear position - the posture of the entire body and muscle tone also play a decisive role. Horses react to their environment with subtle states of tension and relaxation that are often overlooked.

How do you recognize a relaxed horse?

A relaxed horse has soft, loose muscles and a balanced posture.

• Head and neck carried loosely, often slightly lowered
• Eyes half closed or soft gaze
• Breathe calmly and regularly
• Tail hanging loosely or swinging slightly
• Legs loaded evenly, no weight shifting
• Mouth slightly open, lips soft, possibly chewing or licking

This body language is often seen when a horse relaxes in the pasture or snorts after successful ground work.

What does a tense horse look like?

A tense horse shows a clear change in posture and muscle tension.

• Head held high, nostrils slightly flared
• Muscles in neck, back and croup tense
• Breathing faster or irregular
• Tail stiff or moves jerkily
• Eyes wide open, possibly increased blinking or fixation
• Movements hectic or halting

A horse in a tense posture can react to excitement, uncertainty or pain. Particularly noticeable is the tensing of the back muscles, which is often associated with tension or orthopaedic problems.

How does body language change with pain?

Weight shift - an important body signal

Horses communicate a lot via their leg movements and the shifting of their body weight.

• If a horse stands evenly on all four legs, it is in a neutral, relaxed position.
• If it puts less weight on one leg or frequently lifts one hind leg, this may indicate joint problems or lameness. lameness indicate joint problems or lameness.
• An abrupt retreat or "freezing" in movement shows insecurity or fear.
• A lateral shift of weight or a shift to the hindquarters can be a threat or a preparation for an escape reaction.

📖 Reading tip: Lameness in horses - causes, diagnosis & treatment
Lameness can have many causes - from muscle tension to serious joint diseases. Find out how to recognize the first signs, which diagnostic methods help and what treatment options are available - Read now!

Why is muscle tension important when working with horses?

The horse's muscle tension not only plays a major role in health, but also in communication.

• A tense horse is less able to respond to fine aids.
• A cramped back can indicate an ill-fitting saddle or pain.
• A lack of or asymmetrical muscle tension can be a sign of a lack of balance or tension.

A good example is ground work, where a relaxed horse works with a low neck, soft movements and even breathing.

📖 Reading tip: Groundwork with the horse - trust, communication & gymnastics
‍Groundwork strengthens the bond between humans and horses, improves communication and is a valuable addition to riding. Find out which exercises are particularly effective, how to gymnasticize your horse and why ground work is an important part of training -Read now!

Horse beats with tail - Tail carriage horse

A horse's tail is more than just protection against flies. Horses use it specifically to express their mood, excitement or discomfort. A loose, swinging tail shows relaxation, while a hectic flapping indicates stress or irritation.

What does the tail carriage say about the horse?

The tail carriage gives an important indication of the horse's emotional state and physical condition.

Horse hits with tail - irritation or pain?

If a horse flaps its tail, this can have various causes:

• Fly repellent: A natural reaction to insects.
• Dissatisfaction: Many horses flap their tails when they feel distressed.
• Pain or tension: A horse that constantly flaps its tail may have back problems or saddle pressure.
• Stress or anger: Some horses react to unpleasant situations with violent tail movements.

Tail whipping is an important signal, especially when riding. If a horse repeatedly whips its tail or pinches it hard, this can indicate blockages in the spine or discomfort caused by the saddle.

Why does a horse pinch its tail?

A tucked tail is often a sign of fear, insecurity or pain.

• Young horses often pinch their tails when they feel insecure in new situations.
• When stressed or in pain, many horses clamp their tails tightly between their hind legs.
• Horses with stomach problems or colic sometimes also show a jerky tucking of the tail.

If a horse suddenly carries its tail unusually or pinches it permanently, this should be observed closely as it may indicate physical discomfort or emotional stress.

Why is my horse's tail crooked?

A horse with a crooked tail can have muscular imbalances or back problems.

• Incorrect strain due to one-sided movement or incorrect training
• Blockages in the spine or pelvic area
• Neurological problems, e.g. after a fall or trauma
• Dental problems that affect posture and body awareness

The horse's legs

The movement of the legs is an important part of horse language. Whether a horse paws, lifts a leg or kicks out can have different meanings. Changes in the movement pattern are particularly evident when the horse is in pain or nervous.

Horse pawing with its hooves - impatience or pain?

When a horse paws with its hooves, this can have various causes:

• Impatience: Many horses scratch when they are waiting for food or are impatient.
• Frustration: A sign of boredom or protest, often in the stall or when tethering.
• Pain or discomfort: Horses with colic or other abdominal pain often scratch more.

A horse that constantly paws should be observed closely. If it shows other symptoms of stress at the same time, such as tense muscles, a pinched tail or frequent bleating, it could be a sign of pain or nervousness.

Horse lifts one leg - relaxation or threat?

Lifting a leg is a common signal that can be interpreted differently depending on the situation:

• Relaxation: A horse that relaxes one hind leg feels good.
• Threatening behavior: A raised hind leg can be a warning of a possible kick.
• Pain: If a horse involuntarily lifts a leg or cannot put weight on it, this indicates lameness or orthopaedic problems.

Horse lunges backwards - defense or stress?

A horse that lunges is showing a clear warning:

• Defensive behavior: In the herd, lashing out is a clear demand for distance.
• Reaction to pain or discomfort: Some horses lash out when they have back problems or saddle pressure.
• Playful behavior: Young horses, in particular, will punch the air for fun.

A deliberate lashing out at people or conspecifics should always be taken seriously and can be a sign of insecurity, fear or learned defensive behavior.

Why is my horse kicking its belly?

If a horse kicks its belly, this can indicate itching, stomach problems or pain.

• Parasites or itching: Flies or mites can cause the horse to kick.
• Stomach problems: Colic or stomach ulcers can cause the horse to thrash against its stomach.
• Discomfort caused by equipment: an ill-fitting harness or saddle saddle can exert pressure on the abdominal area.

Why does my horse walk back and forth restlessly?

A horse that is constantly pacing back and forth can express stress or dissatisfaction.

• Box walking: A typical behavior in horses that feel uncomfortable in solitary confinement.
• Herd restlessness: If a horse feels separated from its group, it can run up and down nervously.
• Pain or discomfort: Some horses move restlessly when they don't feel well or feel an inner restlessness.

If a horse is constantly pacing nervously back and forth, this can lead to stress and health problems in the long term. It is particularly important to ensure that box horses get enough exercise and social contact.

Horse language - Why do horses neigh?

The neighing of a horse is one of the best known sounds and is mainly used for social communication.

• Long, loud neighing: Calling for conspecifics or humans, often out of insecurity or separation pain.
• Short, bright neighing: Greeting or making contact with known horses or caregivers.
• Urgent, panicked neighing: A sign of stress, fear or a call for help.

Horses usually neigh when they are hoping for a reaction from conspecifics or humans. Especially when a horse is alone in the pasture or left in the box, it may try to make contact by neighing loudly.

Why does my horse grumble when I come?

The growl of a horse is a low, deep sound that is usually interpreted as a friendly greeting or a sign of expectation.

• Gentle humming when approaching: Greeting or anticipation, often with familiar people or food expectation.
• Growling when interacting with other horses: Social behavior, often in mares with foals.
• Humming while eating: An expression of satisfaction or pleasure.

Not all horses growl, but many use this sound as positive communication with their environment.

Why do horses snort?

The horse's snort is another important signal in horse language and can have various meanings.

• Deep, relaxed snorting: a sign of well-being and relaxation, often after training or in quiet moments.
• Short, loud snorting: Attention or slight excitement, e.g. in case of uncertainty or new impressions.
• Repeated, loud snorting: expression of nervousness or restlessness.

Snorting is often underestimated, but is one of the best signs of a contented and calm horse.

Why do horses squeal?

A squealing sound is often heard during playful fights or at the first contact between two horses.

• Squealing with a tense posture: threatening gesture, often in mares or higher-ranking horses.
• Squealing in stallions or geldings: Expression of dominance or exuberance, e.g. before stepping out.
• Short squeaking when touched: Sensitivity or reaction to an unpleasant situation.

If a horse squeals frequently or reacts sensitively to touch, this can also indicate tension or pain.

Why is my horse yawning?

Yawning in horses is often misunderstood. Many people think that horses are simply tired - but there can be various causes.

• Relaxation yawn: After training or when crawling, often a sign of letting go and well-being.
• Stress or tension: Some horses yawn in uncertain situations as a signal to calm down.
• Pain or stomach problems: Repeated yawning can indicate stomach ulcers or tension.

A horse that yawns frequently or excessively should be observed more closely, as this may be an indication of health problems.

Help my horse is in pain

Typical pain symptoms in horses

The following table shows the most important signs of pain, organized by body region:

Horse whisperer - The horse-human body language

A horse whisperer knows how to communicate with a horse using body language, energy and subtle signals. Horses react instinctively to the posture, movement and charisma of their counterpart. If you learn to move consciously and read the horse's language, you can build trust and avoid misunderstandings.

How does a horse perceive human body language?

Horses interpret posture, direction of gaze and muscle tension. Even small movements have a big effect.

A horse whisperer knows that horses react particularly well to subtle changes in posture and uses these in a targeted manner.

Using horse language in ground work and free work

Ground work is one of the best ways to refine horse-human communication.

• Build up energy: An upright posture with clear movement signals to the horse to move.
• Reduce energy: A relaxed posture with a calm exhalation means relax or stop.
• Use lateral movements: Horses react more sensitively to a lateral approach, while a direct gaze often generates pressure.

📖 Reading tip: Groundwork with the horse - trust, communication & gymnastics
‍Groundwork strengthens the bond between humans and horses, improves communication and is a valuable addition to riding. Find out which exercises are particularly effective, how to gymnasticize your horse and why ground work is an important part of training -Read now!

Frequent misunderstandings in communication

• Human approaches the horse directly → Can act as a threat.
• Unclear or changing signals → Horse does not know what is expected.
• Hectic movements or lack of body tension → Horse reacts nervously or ignores signals.

Horse body language Conclusion

The horse's body language is the key to communication and the relationship between horse and human. Horses communicate almost exclusively via non-verbal signals, which are often just subtle changes in facial expressions, posture and muscle tension.

FAQ - Frequently asked questions about body language in horses

How many facial expressions does a horse have?

Horses have 17 facial expressions that help them to show emotions and pain. The eyes, ears and mouth in particular change depending on the mood.

Why do horses plead?

The main purpose of the horse's flehmen is to perceive odors more intensively. Stallions, in particular, will often bleat when they detect the smell of mares. However, frequent flehmen can also indicate pain, for example colic or dental problems.

Why do horses neigh?

A horse's neigh is one of the best-known sounds and is primarily used for social communication. Horses neigh to make contact with conspecifics or humans, to communicate or to express uncertainty.

Why does a horse show its teeth?

When a horse shows its teeth, this can have different meanings. In the herd, showing teeth is often a threatening gesture which, in combination with folded ears, is a clear warning to conspecifics. Some horses also show their teeth out of discomfort, such as toothache or tension in the jaw area. In rare cases, it can be a learned behavior if the horse has received a response (e.g. attention or food) in the past.

How do I recognize pain in a horse?

A horse in pain often shows subtle changes in facial expressions and posture. Typical signs are

• Pain triangle in horses: sunken eye sockets, tense nostrils, tense lips.
• Changed posture: pinched tail, lameness or relaxed posture.
• Restlessness or apathy: frequent whining, yawning or disinterest in the surroundings.

Why is my horse turning away from me?

If a horse turns away from you, this can be a sign of disinterest, insecurity or appeasement. Some horses also turn away if they feel pressured or have had bad experiences with people.

Why is my horse scratching its hooves?

There can be various reasons for scratching:

• Impatience: Horses often scratch when they are waiting for food.
• Frustration or stress: Boredom in the box or too little exercise can lead to this.
• Suspected colic: A horse with abdominal pain often paws repeatedly.

Why is my horse rubbing its head against me?

When a horse rubs its head against a human, it can have different meanings:

• Affection: Some horses use this behavior as a social gesture.
• Itching: After wearing a bridle or fly mask, the horse may simply want to scratch itself.
• Dominance behavior: Some horses test boundaries by pushing humans aside with their heads.

Why is my horse nibbling on me?

A horse may nibble for the following reasons:

• Social behavior: Horses scratch each other and sometimes transfer this behavior to humans.
• Play instinct: Young horses in particular use their mouths to test their surroundings.
• Disrespect: If the nibbling becomes too intrusive, it can be a sign of a lack of boundaries.

Why is my horse flapping its tail?

Tail swishing can be a sign of irritation, pain or stress. While light wagging serves to ward off flies, strong whipping of the tail can indicate back pain or discomfort.

How many words can horses understand?

Horses can distinguish between a variety of verbal commands and tones. Studies show that horses can associate up to 50 different words or sounds with certain actions. They understand simple commands such as "stand", "come", "trot" or "ho" particularly well.

Why do horses greet each other with their nostrils?

Horses greet each other by rubbing their nostrils together or sniffing gently. In doing so, they pick up on each other's scent to find out more about their condition and rank in the herd.

How can I improve my horse's body language?

A good horse whisperer pays attention to fine details and makes targeted use of calm body signals. You can improve communication with your horse by:

• Observe and understand his body language closely.
• Consciously give clear, calm and consistent signals.
• Avoid hectic movements and work with a clear inner radiance.
• ground work and free work to strengthen non-verbal communication.