Q&A for How to Talk to Your Horse

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Do horses like when you talk to them?

Kate Jutagir
Equestrian Specialist & Trainer
Kate Jutagir is an Equestrian Specialist, Hunter/Jumper Trainer, and the Owner of Blackhound Equestrian, a premier training barn located on 65 acres in Castro Valley, California. Originally designed to be a riding school used as a springboard for dedicated students into careers in the sport, Blackhound Equestrian has grown into a hunter/jumper training program for all levels focusing on providing a solid foundation needed for personal advancement in the sport. Kate has over 25 years of equestrian instruction and training experience. Her focus on developing horse and rider partnerships provides a complete equestrian education for both beginners and advanced riders alike.

Kate Jutagir

Equestrian Specialist & Trainer

Expert Answer

Spending time with horses and interacting with them in general are the best way to make them feel loved. Keep showing up for them from day to day as much as you can, and really take that time out of the saddle to be their friend and their partner.

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Question

What does it mean when the horse's head goes up and down?

Redwing47

Community Answer

It could honestly mean a lot of things. He/she could simply be greeting you, want a treat, have an itch, etc. To know what your horse is trying to communicate, read his/her body language apart from the head nodding.

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Question

How do I make a horse happy?

Kristen Wright

Community Answer

Brush your horse, spend time with it, even take it on walks. If you get a good relationship with your horse, he or she will love you for life.

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Question

How do I get my horse that I haven't seen in a long time to recognize me?

Community Answer

Horses can usually recognize you by your scent, voice, or even the way that you treat/work with them. Like humans, they do have a keen memory.

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Question

How can I tell when my horse is happy?

Community Answer

The horse should be calm, not prancing nervously, and the ears should be forward.

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Question

Is it true that if you blow in your horse's nose that it will trust you?

Community Answer

No, that is an old wive's tale. The only way to get your horse to trust you is to spend time bonding with it.

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Question

What does it mean if they toss their head from side to side?

Community Answer

It normally means there is something wrong with their tack or mouth, or it could possibly be a problem with the way you're riding. If all else fails, consult a horse behavioral specialist.

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Question

How do I tell my horse to dance?

Community Answer

You can ask it to trot and then teach it to do all kinds of dressage moves.

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Question

Why does my horse sneeze when I‘m riding it？

Community Answer

It may have allergies to dust, pollen or other air or ground pollutants in the area. Spores or other allergens might have gotten into its nose. If it keeps happening, talk to your horse's vet about it.

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Question

How do I teach my horse to come to me?

Community Answer

A horse can be trained to come when called just like any other animal. Reinforcing positive behavior with food is the most common method. In order for this to work, you must build a bond with your horse, make the link between a treat and good behavior, and then teach your horse this new behavior.

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What do I do if my pony is aggressive?

Community Answer

Hate to say it, but the aggressiveness comes from the owner. The pony has learned that they can push you around. To change the horse, you have to change yourself. Research groundwork, which will get him to respect you, and start teaching him that you are the boss.

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Question

How do I get on my tall horse without hurting me or my horse? And what treats do you use to teach them stuff? How do I get my horse to be faster?

Equestriangoose

Top Answerer

You can get on your horse using a mounting block, or a block of wood. For training treats I recommend using grain, feed about a teaspoon at a time. Subtract the amount you use from his next grain ration so he won't get to much. I find carrots and apples are to large for training. To get your horse to speed up, squeeze your legs against his sides.

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