Trickster

Horse Talk

Discusses how to approach and read a horse, since horses are always on alert for danger despite their size and power. Topics include:

• Why horses evolved to be easily startled, since their ancestors were hunted by big cats
• How to say hello to a horse: approach from the side to stay out of the horse’s blind spots, stay calm and quiet, introduce yourself, let them sniff your hand, move slowly, and ask permission before petting them
• Reading a horse’s ears, which point up and swivel when they’re curious, but flatten when they’re annoyed, frightened, or aggressive
• Reading a horse’s head position, held upright when they’re happy and raised suddenly when something’s wrong
• Reading a horse’s tail, carried high when they’re happy and proud, flicked to the side when they’re irritated
• Reading a horse’s legs, which may lift and prance when they’re excited, or tense up before a kick