Horses are individuals, so some love nose kisses as a sign of affection or a learned behavior for treats, while others tolerate or dislike them, but many horses show affection through "sharing breath" (nose-to-nose breathing), which is a natural greeting, and a kiss is a close human equivalent. You'll know if your horse enjoys it if they lean in, get soft eyes, or solicit the action, but always respect their boundaries and look for their preferred ways to connect, like scratches or nuzzles.
Every time I see my horse I always ask for a kiss and always receive one. He knows this is the first thing I am going want form him when I see him. My horses love it!
Some love it and will go as far as shoving their face at you for kisses, others tolerate it, some don't like it. It depends on the horse.
Spending time with them outside of work. Grooming is a great way to bond. Even sit outside their stall or in the pasture/arena with them reading a book or on your phone, it's your presence that matters.
Anyone who has spent any length of time around horses has seen two horses touching noses and sharing air. It is a greeting, but also a way to gather information about each other. Dreamer seems to be a fan of this greeting.
Much like other pets, horses use licking as a way to show their love! Breathing on you, licking, and kissing are all ways a horse may be trying to tell you how much you mean to them. They also may grasp you with their lips to pull you in, and then lick.
The most common cause of death in horses is colic, which refers to abdominal pain and is a leading cause of emergency veterinary visits, especially in horses aged 1 to 20 years, though old age becomes the top reason in horses over 20. Colic can stem from various digestive issues, including blockages, impactions, and ruptures, often triggered by management problems, diet changes, or parasites. In older horses, gastrointestinal diseases remain the primary culprit, followed by conditions like Cushing's disease, lameness, and tumors.
The "1-2-3 Rule" for horses is a critical guideline for monitoring a newborn foal and mare: the foal should stand within 1 hour, nurse within 2 hours, and the mare should pass the placenta (afterbirth) within 3 hours of birth; any delay in these milestones requires an immediate call to a veterinarian to ensure the health of both animals.
A horse that likes you will show signs like soft nuzzling, following you around (not just because you have treats), and a relaxed posture when you're near.
The "20% rule" for horses is a guideline stating the total weight of rider and equipment should not exceed 20% of the horse's body weight for welfare and performance, though many experts suggest a more conservative 10-15% is better for long-term health, with factors like horse build, fitness, rider skill, and activity intensity also crucial. It's a widely cited standard from sources like old Cavalry Manuals, but modern consensus leans towards it being a starting point, not a strict rule, requiring observation of the horse's comfort and fitness.
The "Three Second Rule" in horse training means you must reward or release pressure within about three seconds of a desired behavior for the horse to connect the action with the outcome, because their short memory span makes delayed rewards ineffective. This rule applies to both positive reinforcement (like giving a treat or praise) and negative reinforcement (releasing rein tension), ensuring clear communication and building trust by capitalizing on the horse's "in-the-moment" focus.
Eyes and ears will tell a story too: if their eyes are oriented laterally and are slightly closed, and their ears are pointed forwards or slightly relaxed to the side, it's a good sign they are happy in the company they are keeping.
Horses have shown they can remember their buddies for years, and that includes humans.
Never wrap the lead around your hand or body. Teach your horse to be patient when being turned loose. Do not allow the lead to drag on the ground. Never stand, lead, or back standing directly in front of the horse.
The "3 Fs for horses" stand for Friends, Forage, and Freedom, a widely recognized concept in equine welfare emphasizing natural social interaction (friends), continuous access to fiber-rich food (forage), and ample space for movement and choice (freedom) to ensure a horse's physical and mental well-being. These pillars address core needs, preventing behavioral issues often rooted in confinement and unnatural feeding, promoting happier, healthier horses.
Where Do Horses Like to Be Pet? In a herd, horses groom each other on the withers and around the shoulder area, making it the most natural place for horses to be pet. Once a horse trusts you, you may find they like a pet in other areas, too.
When your horse rests their head on your shoulder, it's more than cute — it's communication. ❣️ This gesture mimics herd bonding behavior and shows deep trust. It can also help them release tension through the poll and upper neck — a sign they feel safe and relaxed!
Horses are incredibly sensitive to human emotions. They can pick up on subtle cues like how you move, your breathing, and your overall energy. If you approach them feeling tense or nervous, they will likely reflect that back by acting restless or uneasy.
Nickering is the sound a horse makes to say “yes, come closer.” Mares nicker to their foals, and bonded horses may nicker when reunited after a separation. Many horses nicker when approached by their favorite human, especially if they're carrying food!
Generally speaking, mating is not painful for female horses. This is due in part to the fact that the mare will not typically allow the stallion to mount unless she is in the right stage of her heat cycle and ready to mate.
Riding can hurt horses if done improperly (heavy rider, ill-fitting tack, harsh bits, unbalanced rider, or riding immature/unhealthy horses), but it's generally not painful for a healthy, mature horse with a suitable rider and well-fitted equipment, though some argue the act itself is inherently unnatural. Pain arises from muscle strain, back issues, or improper handling, but skilled riders, proper training, correct equipment, and appropriate rider weight (under 20% of horse's weight) minimize harm, focusing on a cooperative relationship.
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We find that a typical horse's peak racing age is 4.45 years. The rate of improvement from age 2 to 4 1/2 is greater than the rate of decline after age 4 1/2. A typical horse will improve by 10 (horse) lengths in sprints (less than 1 mile) and 15 lengths in routes (one mile or greater) from age 2 to 4 1/2.
Lifespan of Horses. The average horse lives for 25 to 30 years. However, in rare cases, domestic horses have lived into their 50s or 60s.