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Ears
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These ears are alert, scanning the area for sounds. Think of a horse's ears like satellite dishes, moving around to hear the surrounding noises. When something particular catches the horse's attention, like a snapping branch or beeping car horn, it will turn its head toward the sound with ears pointing forward. This alertness means the horse found something either interesting, and you must recapture the horse's interest, or scary, and you must reassure the horse. While you are riding the horse, its ears will sometimes point back toward you, listening for instruction or praise. However, if the ears are flat, almost horizontal with tensed facial muscles, the horse is displaying its aggression.
Eyes
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This horse's eye shows its calm demeanor. Prey animals have eyes on either side of their head to detect movement all around them, allowing them a head start to run away from predators. Horse's large eyes observe much of the surrounding area, so be aware of your body's movements and position in relation to the horse. Normally, a horse's eye is open and appears soft. Yet when the eyes widen and appear hard, and you may even see the whites of the eye, this means that the horse is frightened. Alternatively, the eyelid relaxing can indicate that the horse is calm, but a drooped eye may mean it is tired or sick.
Voice
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I'm not Mr. Ed. I can't speak like you do. Although horses speak with their voice, the words they say are limited. Neighs, or "whinnies," are a way for the horse to greet others, and this noise can travel over great distances. Squealing sounds, on the other hand, are like a scream, sending out a threatening message. Snorts coupled with nostrils flaring also indicate a warning to invading animals or humans to back away. These snorts are not to be confused with the everyday blow of air through the horse's nostrils signifying boredom or taking in information through smell. Soft throaty sounds, or "nickers," are usually vocalized when the dinner bell rings or as friendly encouragement to other horses.
Head and Tail
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The head and tail indicate this horse is fearful and may be aggressive. Many times a horse's head and tail correspond with each other. A head held high and tail fiercely swishing means the horse is angry or defiant, but a head held high with a relaxed tail indicates the horse is just alert. This is why you must check multiple body language elements so as not to confuse their meaning. Many relaxed, submissive horses will hold their head low with a tail languidly swishing away the flies as it nibbles on grass. The horse's tail will lift when needing to relieve itself and press against the buttocks when nervous, like a dog with its tail between its legs.
Legs and Feet
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Just like in a rodeo, a bucking or standing horse can throw its rider. Since horses spend the majority of their lives on their legs, it is very important to keep an eye out for them. If either front leg is resting, with a bent knee and tip of the hoof lightly touching the ground, it can mean either an object is stuck in the hoof or something is medically wrong. An attentive horse will be sure-footed, and sometimes alternate resting either hind leg, which is completely normal. A tensing of the strong hind leg muscles, in conjunction with a lifted hind leg, suggests the horse may bite, kick or buck. Pawing or stamping the ground also shows the horse's anger or frustration.
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Understanding Equine Body Language
A horse's body language allows it to communicate with other horses and is helpful for humans to determine its state of mind and act accordingly. The following components must be viewed together rather than focusing on just one, otherwise what the horse is trying to say can be misinterpreted. As no two humans are alike, horses also possess individual personalities. In addition to the basic elements of equine body language, you must get to know the idiosyncrasies of your horse.