A big part of learning to be around horses is being able to read them; anticipate their mood, behavior and actions. This is not always predictable as many will attest, however, if you develop a keen sense of who the horse is relative to the natural world, you have a good chance of being able to use your senses to determine what they are “thinking”.

I use the word “thinking” carefully here because we as humans will default to how we feel, what we think, what we know. We are not horses, we are predators, gatherers, hunters, omnivores, two-legged, with a bigger brain space to process information. We have hands with thumbs to manage everything from an itch, to putting on clothing, to cleaning ourselves.

Horses are prey animals (think mice, rabbits and deer), four-legged, smaller brain for their weight and height, highly reactive senses, herd dependent, herbivores with a very tricky digestive system. They are designed for constant movement, an intake of a variety of forage and minerals, fresh water and seasonal mating to pro-create. And they have one hoof to carry them speedily away from danger.

As people who love them, care for them, work with them, survive through them and provide health care we must step into their way of being.

When you greet a horse do so submissively and quietly. Slow down your movements and actions with your hands and body. Offer a hand to the muzzle with your palm facing down and let them explore you. They get a great deal of information about you by doing this. What kind of energy are putting across to them? They can sense even the deepest disturbance within you. Are you available for communication with them? Are you fearful or extending a handshake for mutual respect?

Horses may in some cases not be happy to see a human. Perhaps they’ve had bad experiences, are in pain, are tired or just need some rest time away from the noise and chaos of our world. Don’t give up on them just try again. Aromatherapy can be very helpful in these cases as it puts a buffer in place between what you represent and what they sense.

Try using calming aromatherapy on your wrists and under your own nose and see how you react. It sends a very soothing and positive message to your brain which then let’s go of tension and stress. It can do the same for the horse. You can use aromatherapy essential oils to “speak” to their senses which means a great deal more to them as this is what they rely on in nature.

If, on the other hand, a horse is welcoming to you, continue with your hand softly rubbing them between and above the eyes and talk to them softly and lovingly. Typically, if they accept you they will lower their head and enjoy the interaction. Give yourself permission to venture into their world and be open to what they say.