Horses and humans speak different languages. While humans primarily communicate through spoken language, horses mainly communicate through body language. It is important that you understand your horse in order to work together harmoniously. Here is a little translation guide to help you.
If your horse's ears are pointed straight forward, it is alert and focused. Ears pointing in two different directions indicate that your horse is aware of its surroundings from several directions at once. With ears tilted slightly to the side or backward, your horse is relaxed or dozing. If your horse lays its ears back, it is threatening. Laying the ears back while riding indicates that your horse is focused on the rider and listening to commands.
If the lips are relaxed, your horse is also relaxed. If the lower lip hangs down, it is dozing. Pressed lips indicate discomfort or pain. If your horse pulls its upper lip up strongly and stretches its head forward, this is called flehmen. Your horse is sniffing for smells such as pheromones (see below). However, flehmen also often occurs in cases of stomach ulcers or colic.
Ideally, your horse's eyes should be bright and alert, but relaxed. Cloudy, expressionless eyes with a strongly angled fold of the upper eyelid are a sign of discomfort or pain. If your horse opens its eyes wide so that the whites are visible, it is very frightened.
When startled or frightened, your horse will flare its nostrils wide. It is preparing to flee. Wide nostrils can also mean that your horse has detected a smell. When horses meet, they make contact with each other via their nostrils.
Yawning is an expression of relief from unpleasant pressure, physical exertion or stress. However, yawning also occurs frequently with stomach ulcers. And, of course, your horse yawns when it is tired. If your horse snorts, it is relaxing. If your horse chews or licks its lips with its tongue, it is processing information. This happens, for example, when your horse has learned something during training. It needs a little time to process it.
If your horse nudges you lightly with its head, it wants to ask you to do something. I would like a carrot or I am bored. If your horse turns its head away from you or walks away, it is not interested in what it expects. If your horse raises its head and opens its nostrils wide, it is positively interested in something. However, if your horse jerks its head up, it is in a defensive posture. Head shaking is a strong signal of too much pressure.
If your horse pushes you away with its shoulder, it is clearly indicating that it believes it is higher in rank. In this case, you should clarify the hierarchy immediately and calmly but firmly reject it with your hand. If your horse walks parallel to other horses or you, this is a friendly sign.
If your horse is relaxed, its tail will swing loosely from side to side. Unless it is being used to ward off insects, tail swishing indicates displeasure and tension. During training, this can indicate dissatisfaction and overstrain. If your horse tucks its tail in, it is insecure and fearful. Horses carry their tails high when they are playing boisterously.
If your horse scrapes its hooves, it is impatient. Stamping with its legs is also a sign of impatience, but can also express dissatisfaction. Stallions scrape or stamp to impress mares.
If a horse suddenly turns its hindquarters toward you and perhaps even lifts a hind leg to kick, this is a strong threatening gesture. Fixing its gaze on you and rearing up shows dominance. Get out of my way.
Pheromones are scents that horses use to communicate with each other. They serve as recognition and sex attractants and indicate that the animals are of the same species. However, horses also perceive the pheromones of other animal species.
Horses do not only communicate through body language. They also make various vocal sounds. Your horse may greet you happily with a gentle whinny or snort. Horses also do this with each other. Horses call to their fellow horses in the distance with a slightly louder whinny. However, a shrill whinny or squeal is a sign of fear, aggression, or that the horse feels threatened by another horse. Horses also squeal playfully when they are bucking and romping around.
For many people, vacation time is the best time of the year. Spending time with family, friends, or simply relaxing on your own. Getting away from everyday life, unwinding, or experiencing something completely different. Everyone has their own idea of the perfect vacation. For dog owners, there is an additional question to consider: Should you travel with your dog, or have a plan B ready? For most people, their best friend is part of the trip—after all, they are a loyal companion in everyday life.
This disease, also known as piroplasmosis or canine malaria, is widespread worldwide, but especially in the tropics and Mediterranean countries. Due to increasing travel and the import of rescue dogs from southern Europe, independent infections are now also being detected in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. The pathogen is transmitted to dogs by ticks and causes anemia and jaundice.
There are also "bleeders" among animals: animals with blood clotting disorders. These are either congenital or caused by another underlying disease. They are rare in animals, but can quickly become life-threatening in the event of major injuries.
Piroplasmosis, also known as babesiosis, is a parasitic infection transmitted by ticks that is particularly prevalent in warm climates. Horses, dogs, and humans are all susceptible to this infection. If left untreated, the disease can be fatal.
The poodle is one of the oldest and best-known dog breeds in Europe. It was originally used as a retriever for waterfowl hunting. Today, the poodle is primarily popular as a family-friendly and eager-to-learn companion. It is bred in various sizes and impresses with its intelligence, energy, and special elegance. Thanks to their unique appearance, poodles are also regular winners at competitions around the world.
Lyme disease is a globally widespread infectious disease transmitted by ticks that can affect both humans and our pets, especially dogs but also horses. Even though the disease is very rare in horses, Lyme disease should always be considered in cases of long-standing lameness, neck pain, or coordination disorders with no clear cause.
Especially during the cold and wet season, dogs can also suffer from painful inflammation of the bladder (cystitis) and the entire lower urinary tract. The causes and symptoms are similar to those of bladder infections in humans. Is your dog urinating more frequently than usual and in pain when doing so, or has it even accidentally urinated in the house even though it has been house-trained for a long time? Then your dog may be suffering from a bladder infection, which should be treated by a veterinarian.
Not a pleasant sight: suddenly, your dog is lying in a wet bed in the morning. It smells of urine and they look at you sheepishly. Their nose is still working well and they clearly feel uncomfortable.
It can occur suddenly or develop slowly and almost unnoticed. The horse seems to be stiff, and riding together is no longer enjoyable. What is going on?
With age, signs of wear and tear become noticeable in the body, even in our horses. Good care, adequate nutrition, and appropriate training are the best prerequisites for a long, healthy horse life. It is always important to remain attentive in order to quickly notice small changes and take action.
You drive to the stable in high spirits and lead your horse out of the pasture full of enthusiasm. But as soon as you start walking it to the grooming area, you notice that something is wrong. The familiar sound of hooves on the ground sounds somehow different. When you lunge your horse, it becomes clear: your horse is lame!
Every dog owner is very alarmed when their previously fit dog suddenly starts limping for no apparent reason. It can happen to anyone, whether your dog is athletic or laid-back. It is important to take a closer look: fortunately, the causes are often harmless and can be treated quickly.
