Basics of Horse Behavior
Understanding horse behavior is one of the most interesting things any individual can do. Whether you want to ride a horse or are going to be spending a lot of time around horses in the racetrack or at the stables, you need to understand the basics of horse behavior not only to keep yourself safe from possible kicks but also to be able to know how to approach them. It can even influence your decision on the equine to place your bet on at the racetrack.
First off, you have to keep in mind that horses are prey animals and as such would instinctively run to the safety of the herd when something threatens them. To overcome this and make the horse manageable, a rider has to build a trusting relationship with the horse by giving it positive experiences while it is under his care.
Obviously, horses can't communicate with us using our language, and being at the top of the animal hierarchy, it is our responsibility to understand what these equines are saying. To do that, we look at other bodily cues that these animals use for communication. You can read equine body language through the ears, tails and the face of the horse.
You can tell how a horse is feeling simply by observing how his ears are positioned. Watch out for a horse who has his ears flat back. In this position, it is angry and when provoked enough, could kick you. An intelligent horse will have one ear cocked to the rider when it is mounted. Where the tail of the horse is concerned, you can read a lot. One who "high-tails" is excited while one whose tail lashes is irritated and annoyed. "Worry wrinkles" form above the eyes when they're bothered and anxious, especially when it is taught something new. When a horse is really irritated, angered and ready to bite your head off, he will bare his teeth to you.
This just touches the most basic of equine behavior. Through observation, you can definitely learn more. Look at how the horse interacts with people like his jockey or his trainer. You will learn to read subtle signals that will tell you what the horse is feeling and what it is trying to tell its handler.
If you get adept at understanding horse behavior, you can observe them before a race so you can bet on one whom you see is more primed to win.
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