Horses communicate with one another and their human owners on a regular basis.Tone and body language is more important than making sounds in horse communication.To talk to your horse, you will need to understand this physical language.You can communicate effectively with your horse by mixing your words and actions.
Step 1: You should plan what you will say.
It is important to remain calm when communicating with your horse.You will fall back on feelings and instincts if you don't know what you want to do.You will be more likely to overreact to a horse's actions if you stay calm and in control.
Step 2: It's a good idea to watch for an inviting body position.
You want to make sure the horse is willing to talk to you.If the horse wants to talk to you, he will turn his head or front toward you.You can approach the horse slowly once you get this signal.Your horse may turn his head away from you, or even ignore you.The horse will not respond to what you say if he isn't interested in letting you in.
Step 3: The horse is in the front.
Monocular vision means horses can't see directly in front of their noses.The horse can see you clearly if you walk toward him from the side.Don't approach the horse from behind.You are at risk of being kicked by horses if they get spooked, because they can't see in that direction.
Step 4: Become the leader.
Make sure your horse knows that you are the leader.He will not listen to what you are saying if he doesn't recognize you that way.Make your horse move his feet if he isn't showing proper respect.It's a good idea to push on his shoulder or hip.You can poke him with the handle end of a crop if you need more power.Don't shuffle your feet, just make sure you stand in the same place.A horse that doesn't respect you will rub his head on you, nip to get your attention, or walk in front of you when you are trying to lead him.He wouldn't show these behaviors to a leader of his herd.
Step 5: The horse should be approached calmly.
Your horse considers you a predator in the wild because they are hunted by others.He will consider any outsider to be a threat.If you approach the horses calmly, they will think you are walking through the herd rather than a predator.
Step 6: Short words can be used.
Clear words are used when you give commands.When you use longer, more complicated words, it will confuse the horses.Simple words like "Trot" are easier to remember and more recognizable to a horse's ears.Shorter commands will make it easier to be consistent when speaking.
Step 7: Consistency is important.
Make sure you repeat yourself when you speak and give commands.The horse will get confused if you don't tell him what you want him to do.Adding a horse's name to the command changes what the horse hears.Don't address your horse by his name when giving a command because "Whoa" and "Silver" are different things to the horse's ears.
Step 8: You should communicate with your body language.
Horses communicate through their body language.It's possible to get your horse to listen to you when you speak.When you are giving commands, active body language is good to use.Look at the horse directly in the eye.If you want to emphasize the need to do something, lean toward the horse and have a stern look on your face.The assertive stance lets the horse know he needs to move his feet.Keep your body language passive when you want the horse to relax.If you look at him in the eye, don't square your shoulders.Relax and maybe even cock one of your legs.When you tell your horse to calm down, this is a more relaxed stance for you.
Step 9: Look at your tone.
Use your voice to reinforce your body language.This kind of language helps remind you to remain calm and in control when talking to your horse.Don't whisper around your horses and speak normally.The only thing that will happen is that your regular voice will startle the horse and he will react with fear.
Step 10: Don't talk to a lot.
Your horse will associate your voice with commands.He won't learn to associate your voice with anything in particular if you talk constantly to and around your horse.Make sure to limit your communication and make sure your horse follows the commands.
Step 11: Your horse has a chance to respond.
If you give your horse a command, he may not follow through immediately.Wait a few seconds to see if he will follow, rather than punishing him for not responding immediately.If he does, give the command again with more force in your voice, and perhaps a gentle push or squeeze.
Step 12: Look at your horse's body language.
Understanding your horse's activity and position will let you know a lot about how he is feeling and how receptive he will be to your talking.Even from a distance, it is easy to spot the way your horse uses his tail and legs.The tail will be held high if the horse is alert or excited, or low if he is tired, afraid or in pain.If the horse is irritated and won't be receptive to you, be careful if his tail is swishing around.If your horse is pawing his legs, that is a sign of fear.It is possible that the horse is getting rid of flies or that he is a threat.Keeping an eye on the horse's body is something else.The horses will either be very tense or shaking.If you see a horse doing this, take a few minutes to give him time to calm down.
Step 13: The horse has facial expressions.
The heads and faces of horses are used to communicate.You can determine your horse's mood by watching how he moves his head, eyes, and ears.Good facial expressions from a horse include having his ears forward or relaxed, eyes open and bright, and their head held high.Negative facial expressions include your horse's ears being pinned backwards, as well as showing the whites of his eyes.If your horse has his jaws open with his teeth exposed, this is a sign of aggression.
Step 14: Listen to your horse.
One of the ways your horse is communicating is by making noises.You won't want to mimic these sounds, but they can be used to determine your horse's mood.It can be a sign of relief if you draw a deep breath and let it out slowly.It is a sign that he is feeling good.It's a sign of boredom if it comes while you're doing exercises, and you might consider doing something different to keep your horse interested.Groaning can be a sign of pain, either from a rider or activity.If your horse is groaning while going over jumps, check for injuries or other health problems.Nickering is a soft sound made with the mouth closed.Horses make noise with one another.If accompanied by fearful body language like pacing, flicking ears, and eye rolling, it means your horse is feeling threatened.A sound of excitement is blowing or snorting.He should calm down once you start exercising with the horse.He will try sudden movements if he is still snorting.Try to calm the horse down with some sudden stops and signals that you are in charge.You need to watch his body to see what he is thinking when he neighs.A confident horse will make a bugling sound, and be combined with forward looking ears and a slightly lifted tail.A nervous horse is usually accompanied by pacing, sweating, flickering ears, and a lifted tail.