Have you ever wondered why horse experts warn against looking a horse directly in the eye? If you want to stay on good terms with horses, it’s important to understand their body language and psychology. Read on to learn the reasons behind this peculiar equine behavior.
If you’re short on time, here’s the quick answer: Staring directly into a horse’s eyes can be seen as threatening behavior. Horses instinctively view prolonged, unbroken eye contact as an act of dominance or aggression. They may respond defensively to protect themselves.
A Horse’s Eyes Convey Vital Information
Horses Have Nearly 360-Degree Vision
Horses have a wide field of monocular vision (seeing with one eye) of about 350 degrees, and binocular vision (seeing with both eyes) of about 65 degrees where both fields overlap.
| Field of monocular vision | About 350 degrees |
| Field of binocular vision | About 65 degrees |
With such a wide scope of vision, horses can detect threats approaching from nearly any direction.
Horses Communicate Through Eye Expressions
Horses rely heavily on visual communication. Their eyes convey a lot of information on their mood and intent through changes in expression. Relaxed eyes with soft focus show contentment. Stiff stare with tensed muscles around the eyes signal alertness or aggression.
Rolling eyes exposes significant white area indicating fear.
Horses also threaten each other by staring intently. So prolonged staring is considered an act of aggression in horse culture. Staring at a horse straight in the eye can be perceived as challenging or threatening.
Staring is Considered Rude or Aggressive
In horse herds, staring behaviors such as giving prolonged hard stare or eyeballing are often associated with threats and warnings. Horses show submission by averting their eyes when stared at by a dominant horse. So staring straight at a horse’s eyes can be considered rude, hostile or offensive.
Also due to their wide field of vision, horses feel comfortable with visual contact coming from the side rather than head on staring. The handler should stand near shoulder facing the same direction to maintain visual contact without a harsh head-on stare.
Direct Eye Contact Triggers a Fight-or-Flight Response
Horses are Innately Wary Prey Animals
As prey animals, horses are hardwired to be cautious and wary of potential threats. This instinct helped their wild ancestors detect and flee from predators. Even domesticated horses retain that deeply ingrained flight response.
Prolonged direct eye contact can activate a horse’s prey animal wariness, triggering the fight-or-flight reaction.
Prolonged Stares Can Seem Predatory
Staring intensely at a horse can seem aggressive, similar to the fixed gaze of a stalking predator. Horses may interpret sustained eye contact as an attempt at domination or a prelude to attack. This can cause the horse to become anxious, fearful, or even aggressive in response.
So staring contests should be avoided. Quick eye contact showing friendly intention is fine, just don’t prolong it.
Horses Use Eye Contact to Establish Rank
Within the herd hierarchy, prolonged eye contact signals a challenge from a lower-ranking horse to a higher-status animal. In response, the dominant horse may react aggressively to force the other horse to submit and look away. So fixed staring can trigger dominant behavior in some horses.
It’s best for humans not to try to outstare a horse, since you can lose that battle of wills!
How to Look at Horses Respectfully
Glance Briefly at Their Eyes
When interacting with horses, it’s important not to stare them directly in the eyes, as this can be seen as aggressive by horses. Instead, make brief eye contact for a few seconds when first approaching, then move your gaze away. Prolonged direct eye contact should be avoided.
As herd animals, horses use eye cues to communicate within their groups. Direct eye stares signal dominance and aggression, while glancing away shows submission. Humans shouldn’t try to outstare a horse.
Focus Your Gaze Near the Horse
Rather than making prolonged eye contact, focus your gaze on the horse’s shoulder, neck or body when interacting. This shows the horse you are not challenging them while allowing you to still observe their body language for cues.
Additionally, avoid putting your face right up to a horse’s face uninvited. This can startle them. Give them space and glance near their face if needed.
Watch Their Ears and Nostrils for Cues
Horses communicate a lot through their ears and nostrils. Ears forward signifies attentiveness and interest. Ears flicking back can signal irritation or upset. Flared nostrils may mean anxiety or excitement.
By respectfully observing a horse’s eye area for cues, you can better understand their state of mind and adjust your behavior accordingly without challenging them with direct stares.
Build Trust Through Proper Handling
Approach Horses Calmly and Confidently
When approaching a horse, it’s important to be calm and project confidence. Sudden movements or nervous energy can startle horses and make them wary of you. Move slowly but deliberately toward the horse, speaking in a soothing tone if the horse seems apprehensive.
Maintain an upright, assertive posture when near horses rather than crouching or hunching over. This shows the horse you are strong and steady pack leader, not a predator. As herd animals, horses relate best to calm, consistent handlers that they view as dominant.
Let Them Sniff Your Hand Before Touching
Before touching or petting a horse, always let them sniff the back of your hand first. This allows them to gather your scent and become accustomed to you. Horses depend heavily on their sense of smell to gather information about their environment, so this simple act of letting them sniff helps them recognize you.
Extend your hand slowly and loosen your fingers so as not to seem aggressive. Keep your palm angled slightly away at first rather than shoving your hand right at the horse’s nose. Let the horse close the remaining distance as they feel comfortable. This gives them greater control of the interaction.
Reward Desired Behaviors with Treats
Positive reinforcement through treats is highly effective for training horses. According to equine experts, over 80% of horse communication should be positive reinforcement for optimal results. Food rewards take advantage of horses’ strong food drive to motivate them.
Give treats immediately when horses display a desired behavior, such as standing still for grooming, loading onto a trailer, or allowing their feet to be picked. The timing is key— the reward must come within 1-2 seconds so they associate it with the proper action.
Useful treats include chopped carrots, horse cookies, apple slices, or commercial horse treats.
Avoid giving horses treats randomly or when they display undesirable behavior. This can inadvertently reward the wrong thing. For example, if a horse crowds your space and you give them a treat to back them off, they learn crowding earns treats! Stay patient and reward only good behavior.
Conclusion
Horses are sensitive creatures that rely on body language and visual cues to feel safe. By avoiding direct eye contact and using gentle, confident handling techniques, you can build an atmosphere of mutual trust and respect.
Understanding the horse’s perspective is key to forming a cooperative relationship built on clear communication and positivity.
