The happiness quotient

How do you know if your horse is truly happy? We reveal all the signs to look out for  

Keeping your horse happy is the constant goal for all horse owners but it can seem impossible when we can’t verbally communicate with them. However, there are plenty of signs your horse can display through his body language that will let you know when he’s feeling happy, grumpy or sad. So, check out our list to help work out whether you have a happy horse.

1. The first sign to notice is the ears. Pricked forward and alert ears signal to us that a horse is happy and listening. Whereas if the ears are laid flat back, they’re often a signal that the horse isn’t in a very good mood.
2. Have you ever thought to check your horse’s nostrils when studying his face? They should be relaxed, soft and round. If he’s unhappy, you’ll notice the nostrils become thin, drawn and tight.
3. A droopy lip is a sign your horse is feeling super-relaxed and happy. Not all horses will display this but when they do, they look so in the chilled zone.
4. If you notice your horse aggressively swishing his tail when you’re on the ground or riding and there are no flies around, it’s often a sign he’s not happy about something. It’s always best to get him checked out by the vet, especially if he’s displaying this behaviour with other worrying symptoms. A happy horse’s tail should be loose and swinging freely.
5. When out in the field, you may notice that he’s relaxed grazing while his ears flick backward and forward listening to his surroundings. If he’s running around or constantly calling, it’s a very good indication he’s feeling stressed out.
6. Leaving your horse in at night and not being able to see him (unless you have a camera installed) can be quite stressful for us as owners. How do you know if he’s okay through the night? When you arrive in the morning, his bed should be relatively flat. If it’s completely trashed and you can visually see a track where he has been pacing, he’s most likely had quite a stressful night. Look into ways to help reduce this. Can he see other horses? Has he got enough food? Is he the right temperature at night? Or does he just generally prefer being field kept 24/7.
7. A happy horse will have a soft, relaxed eye. Widening of the eyes or seeing the whites of the eye is a good indication he’s feeling worried or stressed.
8. Knowing your horse when you’re riding is important. Some horses display excitement through a cheeky buck or a little rear, but if this is not normal for your horse, it could be he’s trying to tell you he’s not happy and in pain. When his behaviour suddenly changes like this, always get him checked out by the vet or body worker.
9. Yawning doesn’t always mean he’s trying to tell you he’s bored. It’s actually a sign he’s feeling calm and relaxed around you.
10. Fully formed droppings not only indicate a healthy digestive system but also that your horse is happy mentally. Loose or runny droppings can indicate he’s either stressed or having digestive issues. Either way, it’s always best to investigate further.