Have you ever noticed how mobile a horse’s ears really are? They can move in all directions, but it’s not just for the sake of moving! A horse’s ears can be very telling, if you’re willing to listen. Operated by ten muscles, a horse’s ears can quickly help show how they are feeling. Here are 5 common ear movements in horses and what they mean.
1. Neutral – “I Am Calm.”
For horses, a neutral ear is a relaxed ear. When you see a horse with ears loosely pointing forward with the openings to the side, he is probably pretty comfortable. This is the ideal position you want a horse’s ears to be in when you ride. A neutral position shows the horse is scanning the area for danger, while still focusing on the task at hand. His ears might even bounce in this position as you ride because he is so relaxed. For horses, being neutral is definitely a good thing!
2. Pinned Back – “Leave Me Alone!”
If you see pinned ears, beware! This movement appears as a horse flattening his ears against his head. Pinned ears flatten so much that they are no longer visible from the side. Pinned ears are a horse’s way to show aggression, usually because he feels threatened. This movement is an ancient protection technique to keep the ears safe during a fight or attack. Though pinned ears don’t always lead to fighting, they still act as a way to let everyone around know this horse does not feel safe.
Pinned ears may also mean your horse is in pain. If you notice pinned ears when approaching another horse, immediately remove yourself and your horse from the situation. If your horse randomly pins his ears back without another horse around, check to make sure he isn’t in pain.
3. Droopy – “I’m Losing Interest.”
When you see a horse’s ears extend downward to the sides of his head, he may be tuning out. Just like humans, horses can lose interest in the world around them at times and zone out. When this happens, don’t expect him to return on any commands. He probably isn’t listening anymore and might even be sleeping. Droopy ears can also signify an exhausted horse, so he may just need to rest. This movement may also show that a horse is non-threatening, typically given by one who feels inferior to the rest of the herd.
4. Turned Back – “I Am Scared.”
This simple movement may can signify fear. When a horse’s ears are turned back so the opening faces the rider, it is because he fears the rider. The rider may be brutal or strict, which will make the horse want to pay extra attention to any commands the rider makes. Horses point their ears in the direction of where their attention lies. Pointed ears to the rider means the rider is in total control, and he doesn’t want to miss a single sound. If you see a horse with his ears turned back, he probably won’t give you much thought unless you’re the one his ears are pointing to.
5. Flickering – “I Am Alert.”
When a horse’s ears seem to be flickering back and forth, trust that he is very attentive. Horses can hear independently with each ear. This flickering movement allows a horse to listen to any of your commands while also paying attention to the trail ahead. When his ears are flickering, he’s telling you that he’s got things under control. He may even be waiting for you to tell him what’s next!
These are only some of the ear movements horses use to relay messages. Once you know these subtle signs, horses become a lot easier to understand. When you understand your horse, your connection grows even stronger. Keep listening, and watch your relationship bloom!