One of the ways horses communicate with each other and with humans is by their ears. Their ears can tell you a lot about how the horse is feeling and what he is thinking.

Straight up and forward: The horse is very interested and alert to whatever is in front of him or in the distance.

Relaxed ears: Relaxed ears can be slightly back or to the side. This means the horse is relaxed or sleeping. This can sometimes indicate the horse isn’t feeling well.

Ears going in separate directions: This means the horse is listening to something in different directions. One ear could be swiveled back towards you while riding, indicating he is listening to you, while the other ear is occupied listening to something somewhere else.

Ears slightly back: The horse is listening/paying attention to something behind him.

Ears pinned: This is a sign the horse is angry and could become aggressive.

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“Every time you interact with a horse, you are teaching the horse.” – Buck Brannaman

~ Saddle Up