How to Communicate With a Horse

Tune i nto your horse's instincts. Given the choice between fight or flight, the horse will almost always choose flight. When you approach the horse, try not to make any abrupt movements or sounds.

Cater to the horse's keen sense of hearing. Call out to the horse from a distance. Once he becomes familiar with your voice, he will respond with happy nickers and snorts as you make your way to him.

Humble yourself to make yourself seem less threatening. When you look the horse in the eye or take a haughty stance, he may interpret your nonverbal cues as a threat and back away. Lower your gaze and soften your posture to make him feel more comfortable.

Don't lead a skittish horse from the front. Stand beside him and encourage him to move forward with your voice and your hand. Horses are able to see all around themselves, except directly in front. Pulling on his lead rope and standing in his blind spot can excite a stressed-out horse.

Look for signs of aggression. Ears pinned back, a swishing tail and bulging eyes could all indicate that the horse is angry and ready to defend himself. Look out for partially raised hind legs: There is a good chance he's getting ready to kick. Aggressive behavior may be a sign that he is in pain. Check to make sure his saddle and bridle fit right.

Look for signs of boredom. Many stall-bound horses take on vices like cribbing (when the horse gnaws on wood or metal and sucks air in) and weaving (when he swings his head and neck from side to side). He might be interested in a stall toy if he can't get out in the open more often.

Train your horse as you would train a dog. Be consistent, correct bad behavior as soon as it happens, and reward good behavior with a nice scratch on the neck or a treat. Never take out your troubles on your horse.

Let your horse know you're part of the herd. Scratch his neck or rump and watch his whole body go limp. His lower lip will start to quiver, and he may even try to groom you back. Just watch out for those teeth!