Oct 30, 2024
In this episode, Stacy Westfall explores three key challenges in
reading horse body language and how misinterpretation can affect
horse-human relationships. Unlike human communication, which
combines words and body language, horses rely solely on physical
expression, making accurate interpretation crucial.
The first challenge involves understanding that horses naturally
fall into two categories: stoic (calm, less expressive) and
animated (energetic, expressive). The second challenge occurs when
horses become well-trained, often appearing less animated but not
necessarily less engaged or emotional. Westfall uses her horse Newt
as an example, showing how a horse can maintain its personality
while developing focus.
The third challenge involves the tendency to cluster behaviors and
emotions, like associating playfulness with happiness or stoicism
with boredom. Westfall cautions against these assumptions and
recommends verbalizing what you think you're seeing in your horse
to become more aware of your interpretations.
This episode provides valuable insights for horse owners seeking to
better understand their equine partners' communication styles.