Horses are some of the most beautiful and majestic animals in the world.
All that magnificence and grace (not to mention their size!) can be a bit intimidating if you aren’t used to horses, but the people who know and love horses know that while they might look regal and stately, most of our four-hooved friends are just as affectionate and silly as any puppy dog.
Of course, horses are generally quite a lot bigger than their humans, plus they have a reputation to maintain. As a result, they may not be quite as lovey-dovey and open in their demonstrations of adoration as dogs.
But at the end of the day, even the most persnickety thoroughbred in the world knows how to say “I love you.” You just need to learn how to speak “horse” in order to understand!
Horses can’t talk the way that we do, and they can’t curl up in your lap like a cat or a puppy (at least not easily), so they usually show us their affection using body language.
A lot of the time, all you need to do is look at the way horses interact with one another to spot the signs of a horse who loves his or her human very much!
Nuzzling And Snuggling
The movies always seem to show people reaching up to pat horses on the nose. While horses might tolerate this, it's not necessarily their favorite thing.
But if a horse comes up to you and rubs her cheek or her nose against you? That's a good sign that she just loves you to pieces, and would like you to stroke her neck, now, please.
Coming When Called
Does your horse come bounding around the corner the second she hears your voice? Horses are incredibly smart animals, and if they want to spend time with you, they will learn your voice, whistle, and maybe even the sound your car makes on the gravel!
If she comes shooting across the paddock when you call her name, ears pricked and eyes bright, that should tell you that your horse looks to you for guidance and loves to spend time by your side.
Using You As A Chin Rest
This is a behavior that you see horses show to one another, sometimes called a "horse hug." According to Jeanne Grunert, horses will stand facing each other and hook their necks together to show affection.
If your horse tries this with you, she'll probably drape her head right over your shoulder, or try to use your head as a chin rest. She knows you're not as big as a fellow horse, but she just can't resist giving you a hug!
Lipping And Giving Kisses
Did you know that horses like to give out kisses just as much as dogs do? They may lick you (a somewhat slimy experience) but they're more likely to "lip" you, or gently grasp you with their lips.
For horses, this is a great way to say hello, frisk you for potential hidden treats, check to make sure that you're in one piece after a tumble, and make a bird's nest out of your hair. And of course, to say, "I love you! Did you bring me an apple?!"
Turning Into A Lap-Horse
Not all horses are cuddle bugs. Plenty of them are a bit standoffish and may not ever go for snuggling.
But if you're in the process of foaling, you will probably become very familiar with turning into the favorite chair for a lap-horse. Babies are more flexible and a lot closer to the ground, and will jump right on you given the chance!
Of course, grown-up horses have been known to try this, too; a lap-horse is a lap-horse, no matter how big!
Nickering and Murmuring
Horses may not be able to speak quite like we do, but they can be awfully chatty when they want to tell you something. They might neigh to blow off steam, or whinny to say hello when you show up, but if they nicker softly at you, they probably want some quality time!
A nicker is a horse's veries of a murmur, it's an affectionate, happy noise that they make when they see their favorite person, usually while slightly nibbling on their hair.
Tagging Along Behind You
If your horse would follow you to the end of the Earth and back again, she basically thinks that the sun rises and sets on you. In her eyes, you're the leader of the herd.
According to horse behavior expert Franklin Levinson, where you go, she'll follow, and she trusts you implicitly to keep her safe and take care of her.
Breathing In Your Face
For us humans, it's downright rude to breathe in someone's face, but in horse world, it's a sign of trust. Called "sharing breath," it's something that you see horses do together when they're old friends or related.
It's a greeting, a sign of respect, and a display of affection. If your horse breathes into your face, it's because she sees you as part of her family!
It’s not easy to earn the love of a horse. Once you’ve accomplished that, it’s a gift to treasure for eternity; that horse will love you for all her days!
If you know what it’s like to see a horse say “I love you,” make sure to SHARE these signs for everyone who knows and adores horses!
