horse behavior
How stallions act
The ways horses act, communicate, and respond to their environment.
Horses are prey animals with strong herd instincts, which shapes their behavior—they startle easily, seek safety in groups, and establish social hierarchies.
Understanding horse behavior includes recognizing body language like ear position, tail movement, and vocalizations: The trainer studied horse behavior to better communicate with the mare.
The field encompasses natural behaviors like grazing and flight responses, as well as learned behaviors under human handling.
- flight responseSurvival impulse to escape
- body languageUnspoken physical expression
- ear pinningSurgery repositioning protruding lobes
- aggressionHostile or attacking behavior
- maternal careNurturing by a mother
bite · kicking out · nickering · eating habits · vigilance · herd dynamics · dominance hierarchy · whinnying · pawing · buck · bonding · submission · spook · lunging · nuzzle · mutual grooming · freezing · ears