Understanding Equine Behavior: Message in the Muzzle by Alternative Horsemanship

Message in the Muzzle

So many people are drawn to constantly want to touch or be close to the horse's muzzle area as it seems to provoke emotions in the human.
I have found one of the easiest ways to assess the horse's current mental, emotional, and physical state is reflected in how he holds his muzzle.

• Are there wrinkles and worry lines above the nostrils or below the bottom lip?
• Are the nostrils flared, is one held larger than the other, are they elongated and narrow, or look like they are inflated?
• How fast is his breathing, when at a standstill? Are his breaths quick and short?
• Is the bottom lip wrinkled up, and held with tension, or soft and hanging?
• Is the area in general quiet and relaxed, or is there a lot of movement in the horse's upper and lower lips?

As you start to refine what you're noticing, watch for how quickly changes in the horse's emotional state are reflected in the physical tension or softness in the muzzle area.

Have you noticed any patterns or behaviors when working with your horse and what he displays in his muzzle area?

Dear Sam: Horse Help Horsemanship Series *Rarely Discussed Challenges & Realities Horse ownership

Dear Sam: Horse Help Horsemanship Series 

*Rarely Discussed Realities of Horse Ownership 

Alternative Horsemanship with Samantha Harvey addresses the rarely discussed realities of horse ownership and many of the things that horse owners struggle with. often feeling isolated and the challenge of finding quality horse help.

Subscribe to the YouTube channel for weekly videos addressing things like horse learning, horseback rider mindset, and equine behavior. New episodes are posted every Friday.

 #alternativeHorsemanship #RemoteHorseCoach #dearsamhorseseries

Alternative Horsemanship Spring & Summer Clinics 2022

 

Click this LINK  to learn about the in-person Alternative Horsemanship with Samantha Harvey learning opportunities.

Join her at the Oakzanita Ranch winter/spring series in Descanso, CA, audit the ALL-NEW Demo Daily clinics in Idaho, and participate in the Full Immersion Horsemanship Clinics at The Equestrian Center, LLC.

Samantha Harvey Daily Demo Horsemanship Clinics

Horse & Rider Confidence- Bad Weather Opportunities

 Weather Opportunities 

 Often when weather conditions and circumstances are out of our control or are not ideal, we tend to shy away from spending time with our horses to avoid potential conflict or issues.  I find some of the most successful learning situations are when our surroundings are less than ideal. 

Dear Sam: Horse Help Horsemanship Series *Simplifying and Overcoming Equine Challenges

Dear Sam: Horse Help Horsemanship Series 

*Simplifying and Overcoming Challenges 

Sam shares 3 tips for insight into how you can evolve your relationship and improve the equine partnership. Subscribe to the Alternative Horsemanship YouTube Channel for new videos weekly. 

#alternativehorsemanship #remotehorsecoach #dearsamhorseseries 

In-person Learning Distance Remote Coaching Alternative Horsemanship Video Catalogue

Learning from the Horse- Self-awareness Opportunities

 The Best Teachers 

Time with horses can be our greatest learning moments; they reflect our thoughts, emotions, energy, intentions, fears, insecurities, and so much more.

We can learn about our behaviors, habits, patterns, mindset, anticipation, and triggers that may be sabotaging the clarity of communication and limiting the Quality of the Conversation in our equine partnership.

I just read a great quote,

"Those in pursuit if WHY are inspired to do right." SimonSinek

Have you ever considered if your goal and priorities are to do "right" by your horse, or if you are hopeful that he'll do "right" by you?

Humor: Thoughts on Buying the Young Horse by Alternative Horsemanship

Romanticized Idealism vs Reality