There’s no greater feeling than being truly loved by a horse. But how do you know how your horse feels about you? You can’t just walk up and ask them, which means you have to get a little more creative to understand their love language. As humans, we have the power to express our affection toward our loved ones through many different gestures. Though we have a variety of different ways we can show our love, horses are a bit more limited. So, how do you learn the love language of your horse? Here are 5 common ways your horse is saying “I Love You!”
1. Gently Nudging
Don’t be taken back by a gentle nudge from your horse. It’s actually his way of asking for your love and affection. Horses only nudge those who they trust, which means you’re a lucky one! A nudge might be your horse’s way of asking for scratches and pets, or just his way of expressing how much you mean to him. But if your horse aggressively nudges you, he might be due for a training lesson.
2. Licking/Kissing
Much like other pets, horses use licking as a way to show their love! Breathing on you, licking, and kissing are all ways a horse may be trying to tell you how much you mean to them. They also may grasp you with their lips to pull you in, and then lick. Don’t be afraid if a horse lays a wet one on you, it’s just because you are greatly appreciated!
3. Head Rubbing
Now, don’t confuse the act itself as a sign of your horse saying he loves you. When a horse rubs its head on you, he’s usually just trying to scratch an itch. But, horses only turn to those they love and trust to rub their heads on! If your horse uses you as a scratching post, it means you are trusted and loved dearly.
4. Following
When a horse just can’t seem to leave you alone, rest assured you are very admired! Horses follow people they want to be around, often trying to be involved in whatever they are doing. Another way to see how much a horse loves you is by checking to see what they do when you leave. If they stand and stare at you as you’re leaving, they’re already missing you and awaiting your return!
5. Hugging
Yes, horses can hug! But it’s not the way we’re used to. Since horses are rather large, they will wrap their head and neck around you to show their affection. They want you to know they appreciate your company. Often times they will rest their head on your chest, right by your heart. That’s really the most direct way for them to send love to your heart. How beautiful!
These are only some of the ways horses express emotions. Be on the lookout to learn other unique gestures your horse makes to show you love! No matter how your horse chooses to say it, to be loved by a horse is one of the most rewarding and wholesome feelings out there. If you thought of a particular horse while reading this, consider yourself very fortunate to be loved so deeply by a creature so majestic!