Being good with horses is about way more than just riding. It’s learning how horses feel, think, act and play, naturally. Once you understand your horse’s nature, you can create a partnership with him, on the ground and in the saddle. Let’s start by learning a few important things about your horse and his body language.
Do Horses Talk?
Have you ever wished your horse could talk and just tell you what he’s thinking? It sure would make things easier, wouldn’t it?
Did you know horses really do talk? It’s true! They just don’t speak our language. Because they are horses, they speak the horse’s language.
Horses speak by nickering, whinnying, snorting, and blowing, but most of their language is spoken with their body. It is called “body language,” and horses use it much more often than sounds. If you watch closely, you will see that horses use their eyes, ears, nose, mouth, head, neck, feet, and tail to communicate with each other and with us. All these parts of the body say something about what your horse is thinking.
If you want to have a really good relationship with your horse, it’s very important for you to learn his language. After all, he can’t really learn yours, can he?
Horse Body Language Crossword
Look at the puzzle and see if you can find all the words that have to do with how horses speak!
STOP SCROLLING! Answer key below.
This article about horse body language appeared in the January/February 2026 issue of Young Rider magazine. Click here to subscribe!
Answer Key
ACROSS
- Soft; 2. Braced; 4. Quick; 6. Relaxed;
- Swishing; 11. Confident; 13. Shy; 14. Yawning
DOWN
- Sleepy; 3. Arched; 5. Curious; 7. Blinking; 9. Licking; 10. Fearful; 12. Bossy
