You’re attentive to when something’s wrong, but can you tell when everything’s right? Horses give us subtle hints to show when they are happy or content, and that’s something every rider deserves to know. Here are 8 ways to reassure you that your horse is living his best life.
1. Neat Bed
Restless or stressed horses tend to pace around their stable, causing the bedding to get all moved around. When you notice your horse’s bed is smooth and in tact, it’s a sign that he is happy and all is well. So next time you’re curious how your horse is doing, head to the stable for a better idea!
2. Soft Snorting
Pay attention to your horse’s breathing, specifically any sounds he makes while breathing out. If he makes a soft snorting sound, it’s a sign his diaphragm is relaxed and he is happy. So if you’re on your horse and hear him let out a few snorts, smile and enjoy the ride.
3. Jaw
Check your horse’s jaw for a quick way to tell how he’s doing. If the lower jaw is loose, then he is feeling calm and relaxed. It’s not uncommon to even notice dribbling as his lower jaw becomes more relaxed. So grab a tissue, wipe his mouth, and bask in the moment with your happy horse for a while.
4. Nostrils
Flared nostrils are a sign of an unhappy horse. When you see his nostrils are soft and round, it’s signifying that your horse is feeling content. As long as your horse’s nose looks relaxed, you can probably guess your horse is feeling that way too.
5. Lip Line
If you see tightness in this area, it’s a sign that your horse is feeling tense or uneasy. On the other hand, a relaxed lip line will naturally curl down in a soft manner. Smiling is another sign your horse may be feeling positive emotions, too! If you catch your horse smiling, spread the love and give your horse a smile right back.
6. Stance
Pay attention to your horse’s overall stance and whether or not you can see any tension throughout his body. If your horse looks relaxed, that’s probably because he is! When your horse is relaxed, it helps you to relax more too.
7. Playing
Though rearing at another horses may look like fighting at first glance, it’s actually a sign your horse is feeling happy. Horses don’t typically play fight when they are feeling sad or stressed. Pawing at the ground can also be a sign of happiness, but beware. If your horse is pawing the ground constantly and aggressively, then it could be a sign of irritated lower legs, anger, or frustration.
8. Grooming
Horses tend to groom each other when they are interested in bonding. Typically, horses only want to bond when they are feeling content and relaxed. If you notice your horse grooming another, take a load off! Your horse is probably having a good time doing so.
Every horse is different, and some may express their emotions differently than others. These are just a few common areas you can pay attention to when around your horse. It’s important to understand how your horse usually acts so you can know what behaviors are normal for him specifically. If you’re unsure whether your horse is happy or trying to tell you something more, it’s always a good idea to get a second opinion.