Why do horses nudge you?
Have you ever been nudged by a horse? Horses use body language to communicate with humans (and other horses), and one of the ways they do this is through touch. Nudging is a way for a horse to get your attention, which can signify affection or impatience.
We will explore why you may get nudged by your horse and what it means when they do it. To better understand this behavior, it is helpful to discuss equine body language and intuition and how to create personal space when working with horses. Stay tuned—it’s going to be an exciting ride!
Equine Body Language
Horses are social animals but lack the gift of gab. They must rely on body language to communicate and use their ears, eyes, tails, and posture to convey messages.
When you understand equine body language, it’s easier to understand what your horse is trying to tell you.
How Horses Communicate
When it comes to horses, learning to understand their body language is key. A subtle flick of an ear or cock of the back leg can tell you whether a horse is angry or simply resting.
Since your horse can’t tell you what’s wrong, it’s important to watch their body language to catch their cues.
Horses also use their body language to communicate with other horses. They will often nudge each other to show affection or to get their attention.
When two horses stand close together, they also may nudge, nuzzle, or nibble each other’s necks or heads to show affection.
Photo Cred: Canva
Equine Intuition
Horses are very intuitive animals. They can often sense when something is wrong or when someone is feeling upset. This intuition allows them to connect with humans on a deeper level.
Although their ability to sense mood may seem magical, horses have evolved over time based on their ability to read body language.
Their socialization with other horses revolves around body language, so it’s not surprising that their ability to read subtle signs also extends to humans.
Horses have been known to engage with people going through difficult times. When a horse nudges you, it may be trying to comfort you, in its own way. This show of affection can be very healing, which is why horses are often used in different types of therapy.
Horses also can sense when someone is afraid or nervous. If you’re working with a horse you’re not comfortable with, it may try to nudge you to let you know that it understands you’re nervous.
Nervous horses also may nudge you to let you know they’re not comfortable and need you to slow things down.
What Does a Nudge Mean?
There are a few different ways that horses can deliver a nudge. One is by using their nose to push on you. This can be a way of showing affection or a sign that the horse is impatient and wants you to move out of the way.
Another way horses can nudge is by moving their body close to yours.
This type of nudging can happen when you’re standing in the horse’s personal space, and they want you to move away. It may be done gently, but it can also be done more forcefully if the horse feels impatient or threatened.
When done aggressively, it can be a bold sign that the horse doesn’t respect you.
It’s essential to look at the entire context of the situation when trying to figure out the meaning of a nudge. For example, what was happening right before the nudge? And is the horse giving you signs that he’s content and relaxed? Or does he seem agitated?
A nudge can be either a positive or negative action; considering the context is essential to understanding the nature of the nudge.
Photo Cred: Canva
Personal Space when Working with Horses
When working with horses, one must be aware of their personal space. Just like humans, horses have their own bubble that they prefer not to be invaded.
You can sense a horse’s personal space by paying attention to its body language. If a horse feels uncomfortable, he may try to move away from you or give you a warning nudge.
Respecting a horse’s personal space and only entering it when invited is essential. When you enter a horse’s space, move slowly and be aware of his body language. If he looks uncomfortable, back off and give him some space.
Respect is a two-way street. Your horse should not crowd you when walking or move into your space uninvited. Your horse should not invade your personal space, either.
Teach your horse to move away from pressure, so you have a way to communicate when he’s in your space.
If you feel your horse is acting in a disrespectful manner, consult a professional trainer to help you safely develop a more positive relationship.
How Horses Show Affection
Signs of affection can be similar whether you’re a human or another horse.
With Other Horses
One way horses show affection to other horses is through mutual grooming. This behavior involves one horse using its teeth and tongue to remove another horse’s dirt, sweat, and loose hair. It’s often seen as a social bonding activity between two horses.
Horses also will stand close and rest their heads on each other. This is a sign of trust and comfort. Additionally, horses may nuzzle each other’s necks to show affection.
With Humans
Horses show signs of affection for humans in similar ways. They may nuzzle your neck or cheek, which is their way of giving you a horse kiss. A sign of affection, furthermore, may include resting their head on your shoulder or chest.
Some horses may nicker or whinny softly when they see their favorite human coming out to the pasture. Sweet!
Photo Cred: Canva
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are horses a good judge of character?
Yes, horses are good judges of character. They can sense when someone is nervous or scared, as well as recognize when someone is being dishonest.
Horses have been known to refuse to work with certain people or be skittish around them. In some cases, horses have even been able to sense when someone will harm them.
So, if a horse doesn’t like someone, it’s probably for a good reason. And on the flip side, horses often display incredible loyalty and friendship with the humans they trust.
Q: How do I stop my horse nudging me?
If your horse is being disrespectful and aggressively nudging you, the best thing to do is consult a professional trainer. They can help you develop a more positive relationship with your horse and teach you how to communicate effectively.
If your horse displays playful or curious nudging, however, you can try basic training exercises to help him understand boundaries. For example, you can teach him to move away from pressure or to stand still when asked.
Remember to be patient and consistent with your horse, and soon he’ll learn what you expect from him.
Q: How do you know if a horse likes you?
There are several ways to tell if a horse likes you. For example, he may nuzzle your neck or cheek, rest his head on your shoulder or chest, or nicker or whinny softly when he sees you coming.
Other signs of affection include mutual grooming and standing close to each other. If a horse doesn’t like you, he may try to move away from you or give you a warning nudge.
Pay attention to a horse’s body language and intuition to understand his feelings. If you’re ever unsure, it’s best to consult with a professional trainer.
Parting Thoughts
Horses are social creatures that form strong bonds with other horses and humans. They show affection in similar ways.
You can develop a strong bond with your horse by practicing patience and consistency based on trust and mutual respect. Remember to respect your horse’s personal space and be aware of his body language. If you ever feel unsafe around a horse, consult a professional trainer.
P.S. Enjoy this article? Trot on over to:
- Let Them Ride: Benefits of Horse Riding for Youth
- Write Your Own Letter to My Rookie Self
- Media Guide: Young Black Equestrians Podcast
- Braided: A Herd Dynamic (Horse Rookie Diversity Initiative)
- Speaking Horse: Translating Equine Vocalizations
- Letter to My Rookie Self: Emily Harris
- Letter to My Rookie Self: Sarah Harris
- Small Business Spotlight: The Positive Equestrian
Source
Listening to the Horse with Warwick Schiller – Horse Illustrated
