Do horses flatten their ears when they are worried?

Yes, horses can flatten their ears when they are worried or feeling threatened. It's a common sign of anxiety or fear in horses.

Here's why:

* Communication: Ears are a primary way horses communicate. Flattening ears signals they are feeling apprehensive, and it might be a warning to others to back off.

* Sensory Focus: When a horse is worried, their ears are often flattened and rotated towards the source of their concern. This helps them gather information and focus on the potential threat.

* Body Language: It's important to consider the horse's entire body language, not just the ears. Other signs of worry might include:

* Snorting or blowing air

* Tail swishing

* Lip licking

* Increased heart rate

* Stiffness or tension in their body

Important Note: While flattened ears can be a sign of worry, it's not always the case. Horses can flatten their ears when they are concentrating, listening intently, or even feeling playful. It's essential to observe other body language cues to understand the horse's true emotion.