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

2. 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

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

4. 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?

5. How is this horse communicating?

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

7. 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

8. How is this horse communicating?

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

10. This horse is likely:
Angry
Bossy
Threatening the holder

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

12. How is this horse communicating?

13. Ears upright
Defecating
Head slightly toward person

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

15. How is this horse communicating?

16. Head down
Leg up
Tail down
Ears attentive
Rope slack

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

18. How is this horse communicating?

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

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

21. How is this horse communicating?

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

23. 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)

24. How is this horse communicating?

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

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