Horses are expressive animals, and understanding their body language can help identify signs of submission. Recognizing these signs is crucial for ensuring safe and effective interactions with horses.
What Are the Signs of Submission in Horses?
Horses exhibit several behaviors that indicate submission. These include lowering the head, licking and chewing, and turning the body sideways. Such behaviors are often observed in herd dynamics and during interactions with humans, signaling that the horse is not a threat and is willing to comply.
How Do Horses Communicate Submission?
1. Lowering the Head
One of the most common signs of submission is when a horse lowers its head. This gesture is a clear indication that the horse is relaxed and not feeling threatened. In the wild, horses lower their heads to show they are not challenging the dominant horse.
2. Licking and Chewing
Licking and chewing are behaviors often seen in horses when they are processing information or acknowledging a human or another horse’s leadership. This action suggests that the horse is accepting the current situation and is willing to follow guidance.
3. Turning the Body Sideways
When a horse turns its body sideways, it is usually an attempt to show submission. This posture reduces the horse’s profile and indicates a lack of aggression. Horses often use this behavior to appease more dominant horses or people.
4. Relaxed Ears and Eyes
A horse that is submissive will typically have relaxed ears and soft eyes. Ears that are not pinned back and eyes that are not wide open indicate that the horse is calm and not feeling defensive or aggressive.
Why Is Recognizing Submission Important in Horse Training?
Understanding signs of submission in horses is essential for effective training and building a positive relationship. Recognizing these signs helps trainers and handlers adjust their approach to ensure the horse feels safe and respected.
- Improved Communication: By identifying submission signals, trainers can tailor their methods to reinforce positive behavior and encourage learning.
- Safety: Recognizing submission reduces the risk of accidents by ensuring that the horse is calm and compliant.
- Building Trust: Acknowledging and responding to submission signs helps build a trusting relationship between horse and handler.
Practical Examples of Submission in Horses
Consider a scenario where a horse is being introduced to a new environment. The horse might initially be alert and tense. As it becomes more comfortable, you might notice it lowering its head and licking and chewing, indicating it is starting to accept its surroundings.
In another example, a horse being trained to accept a saddle for the first time might show signs of submission by turning its body sideways and relaxing its ears, suggesting it is ready to proceed with the training.
People Also Ask
What Does It Mean When a Horse Licks and Chews?
When a horse licks and chews, it is often a sign that it is processing information and accepting the current situation. This behavior is a positive indication that the horse is relaxed and ready to follow the handler’s lead.
How Can You Tell If a Horse Is Relaxed?
A relaxed horse will have a lowered head, soft eyes, and ears that are not pinned back. Its body will appear loose rather than tense, and it may exhibit behaviors such as licking and chewing or sighing deeply.
Why Do Horses Lower Their Heads?
Horses lower their heads as a sign of submission and relaxation. This behavior indicates that the horse is not feeling threatened and is willing to submit to the leadership of another horse or a human handler.
What Are Dominant Behaviors in Horses?
Dominant behaviors in horses include pinning the ears back, raising the head high, and using aggressive body language such as charging or biting. These behaviors are typically used to establish hierarchy within a herd.
How Can Understanding Horse Behavior Improve Training?
Understanding horse behavior, including signs of submission, allows trainers to communicate more effectively and build a trusting relationship. This understanding helps in creating a positive training environment where the horse feels secure and willing to learn.
Conclusion
Recognizing and understanding the signs of submission in horses is crucial for anyone working with these animals. By paying attention to behaviors such as lowering the head, licking and chewing, and turning the body sideways, handlers can ensure effective communication and build strong, trusting relationships with their horses. For more insights on horse behavior and training techniques, consider exploring related topics such as “The Role of Body Language in Horse Training” and “Building Trust with Your Horse.”