Being able to read your horse’s body language is an important skill for any rider. A relaxed, calm horse will move in a rhythmic, swinging way, while a tense horse may feel choppy or hesitant. Here are some signs to look for to determine if your horse is in a relaxed state while being ridden.
The Horse’s Head and Neck
A relaxed horse will carry its head and neck at a natural level, neither too high nor too low. The poll, which is the area between the ears, will be the highest point. The nose will be slightly in front of the vertical. You should be able to draw a straight line from the horse’s poll down the neck to the withers. A tense horse may poke its nose out or overbend at the poll. It may carry its neck too high or too low compared to its natural carriage.
Softness Around the Mouth
You can check for softness and relaxation around your horse’s mouth by gently squeezing the reins. A relaxed horse will respond softly. There should be a slight give at the corners of the mouth. If the horse feels hard or resistant, it could be tense. Excessive chomping or gaping of the mouth is also a sign of tension.
Relaxed Jaw, Chewing
A relaxed horse will often chew in a gentle, relaxed way as it moves. This is the horse’s way of releasing tension. Look for repetitive motion of the lower jaw. You may also notice the ears twitching back and forth, another sign of relaxation.
The Eyes
Your horse’s eyes can provide clues about its mental state. A relaxed horse will have soft, blinking eyes. The expression will be calm. Glazed or wild eyes, excessive white showing, or a staring expression could mean tension or anxiety. However, some horses naturally have more white visible than others.
Relaxed Facial Expression
A horse’s face is a good indicator of relaxation. Aside from the eyes, look for a soft, quiet expression around the mouth, jaw, and nostrils. There should be no wrinkling or tightening of the facial muscles. Ears should be forward and attentive, not pinned back.
The Body
Rhythmic Movement
A relaxed horse will display rhythmic, flowing gaits rather than choppy, tense movement. There is spring in the step at all paces. The back muscles gently swing back and forth to propel the horse forward from the hindquarters. You want to feel your horse’s back moving fluidly underneath you.
Relaxed Tail
At rest and while being ridden, a relaxed horse will let its tail hang loose and quietly switch it from side to side. A clamped tail carriage brought high up or wringing repeatedly can indicate tension or unhappiness.
Responsive to Leg
Your horse should respond calmly to subtle leg cues. A relaxed horse will move forward or change gaits, make gradual turns, and respond to leg pressure without any abruptness. There should be no kicking out or pinning of the ears in response to your legs.
Loose Rein
It is ideal when your horse lets you ride on a loose rein with no resistance. This shows the horse is not relying on your hands for balance and support. It accepts a light contact and does not lean, pull, or brace against the bit. Ensure you give the horse adequate rein to enable relaxation.
Breathing and Sweating
Check that your horse’s breathing is slow, deep, and regular at all paces. Flared nostrils or exaggerated breathing can signal tension or exertion. A horse that is truly relaxed will show little sweat unless under extreme heat or working intensity. Excessive sweating, especially under cooler conditions, may be related to anxiety or stress.
Willingness
A relaxed horse will have a willing attitude and an easy, amenable disposition. It should look happy to go forward and should work without objection, reluctance, or sourness. There should be no balking, bucking, cutting, kicking out, or bolting. These behaviors result from mental tension and resistance.
Indicators of Tension
Along with the signs of relaxation, also watch for any behaviors that signal your horse is not in a calm state of mind. These include:
- Flattened or pinned back ears
- Wringing tail
- Chomping, gaping, or excessive salivation
- Tossing or swinging the head
- Stiff, choppy, or uneven gait
- Fast, short strides
- Rushed pace
- Heavy leaning on the bit
- Quick startled reactions
- Refusal to move forward
- Balking or spooking
If your horse exhibits signs of tension, speak soothingly, loosen the reins, and gently persuade the horse forward. Slow your pace and help the horse find relaxation again before continuing.
How to Promote Relaxation in Your Horse
If your horse tends to be tense under saddle, there are steps you can take to help it relax:
- Warm up thoroughly at the walk.
- Work on deep breathing to activate the parasympathetic nervous system.
- Practice rhythmical grooming that imitates equine mutual grooming.
- Massage tight or tense areas before riding.
- Try equine massage equipment like massage pads or rollers.
- Use your voice, breathing, and seat to soothe the horse.
- Avoid drilling and over-schooling.
- Incorporate free-flowing longeing and turnout.
- Let the horse socialize and mutually groom with pasture mates.
- Evaluate your tack fit and riding aids.
- Rule out or address pain that could cause tension.
- Practice calm, confident leadership and consistent cues.
Conclusion
Learning to read your horse’s body language allows you to gauge whether it is in a relaxed state before and during riding. Signs of a calm horse include rhythmic movement, a swinging back, soft eyes, relaxed facial muscles, and willing responsiveness. Watch for behaviors that signal tension or resistance. Promote relaxation through thorough warm-ups, soothing routines, conscientious riding, and ensuring your horse’s overall wellbeing. With time and training, both you and your horse can learn to find a relaxed state together during your riding sessions.