Working with Horses Need to know: Key elements to be safe Rules/Guidelines Horse Anatomy Horse Communication Behavioral Signals

Heads Up! Safety First! Approach a horse in a non-threatening manner Know horse’s blind spots and remain in line of vision Move calmly and firmly Reassure horse of your presence – use pats and your voice

Horse’s Field of Vision: Blinds Spots Include: Directly in front Directly in back Directly below, on ground

Reading Horse Behavior Interpretation of horse behavior Reading Horse Behavior Horses communicate and we need to be aware! Horse Herd Tendancy Horse Behavior Video Knowing what Normal behavior is will help You see when something is Abnormal Horse V. Car Possible Video?

How is this horse communicating?

Ears upright Head up Neck tight Eyes wide Trying to look away-rope taut

This horse is likely: Somewhat frightened – erectness of body eyes, ears, neck and posture Defiant – not willing to give to the rope Attentive but not cooperative

How is this horse communicating?

Ears back – notice profile in shadow Nose rounded “Roman Nose” Neck stiff Looking “down its nose” at person Lips somewhat pointed

This horse is likely: Angry Bossy Threatening the holder

Similar posture as last photo- notice horse already close to holder and willing to step closer

How is this horse communicating?

Ears upright Defecating Head slightly toward person

This horse is likely: Frightened Anxious - defecation Starting to pay attention to the holder

How is this horse communicating?

Head down Leg up Tail down Ears attentive Rope slack

This horse is likely: More relaxed Cooperative Attentive The same disrespectful horse from the earlier photos after 1-2 hours training.

How is this horse communicating?

Ears back Head and neck extended out forward Tail switching Muzzle pointed and tight Pawing ground

This horse is likely: Informing another horse to get out of its territory.

How is this horse communicating?

Ears back Tail extended Neck and head extended Legs in “pounce” position

This horse is likely: Going to attack a horse in front of it if the other horse does not move away (the horse in danger is not the white horse)

How is this horse communicating?

Ears erect - forward Head and neck up Face angled slightly down Rope slack Muzzle not pointed nor tight Nostril wide open

This horse is likely: Trying to determine what the handler wants Willing to cooperate Not threatening handler Somewhat frightened