Horses are social animals and generally enjoy being in the presence of others. They often form close bonds with their owners.
After spending time together, your horse will often show fondness for you. There are many different ways to tell if a horse likes you.
Here are 8 Signs a Horse Likes and Trusts You
1. They Come Up to Greet You
If a horse likes you, they will often come up to greet you when they hear you coming. They may run up to the pasture fence or be eagerly waiting for you at their stall door.
If a horse is eager to greet you, that is their way of showing they like you. When they come up to greet you they are excited to spend time with you.
2. They Nicker or Whinny For You
Horses often nicker and whinny towards people they are familiar to. They often vocalize with a whinny or nicker when they are trying to get the attention of other horses or people.
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When your horse nickers when they hear you coming, they are eager to see you. Nickering is a way for them to greet you as someone they care about.
Also read: 40 Funniest Horse Memes
3. They Rest Their Head on You
When a horse rests their head on you, it’s a sign of trust. They feel comfortable around you and like you enough to rest their head on you.
When a horse rests its head on you, it’s a way for them to bond with you and show their affection. They are letting you know they enjoy being in your presence. It’s like their way of giving a hug.
4. They Nudge You
Though nudging can mean other things, it is often associated with a horse that is showing affection towards you. Nudging can be the equivalent of a horse giving you a hug or kiss.
If a horse likes you, they will often nudge you to seek out your attention. Gently nudges can be a way for a horse to show their love for you. They mean even lick or lip at you in addition to their nudge.
Also read: 10 Reasons Why You Should Own a Horse
5. They Are Relaxed Around You
When a horse is relaxed around you, it is a sign that they like and trust you. When you see your horse is relaxed when with you, it is a way of them saying they feel safe with you.
Signs your horse is relaxed around you is that they will be doing things such as licking and chewing, lowering their head, letting out a sigh, and cocking a back leg.
A horse that trusts you will be comfortable enough to relax around you.
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When a horse lets you come up to them while they are lying down, that is a true sign of trust. Horses are vulnerable when they are lying down, so when they let you come up to them while they are lying down they have lots of trust and love for you.
6. They Groom You Back
Grooming is one of the best ways to bond with your horse. When your horse grooms you back, they see you as a friend.
Horses groom each other in the wild not only because it feels good to them, but also because it is a way to show affection towards one another. They will nibble at each other’s withers, backs, and necks.
If your horse nibbles on your shoulder or head, it is their way of grooming you. This is a way they can show you they like you.
Also read: 40 Interesting Facts About Horses
7. They Show You Respect
In horses, respect is a sign of trust. If your horse likes and trusts you, they will respect you.
A horse that trusts you will see you as a leader. They will respect your space and commands. A horse that likes you is willing to follow your lead, which is also a sign of respect.
Some horses will even follow their owners around. When a horse follows you, they trust you to take care of them. This is a way that they will show their respect for you.
8. They Breathe on Your Face
If a horse comes up and takes a breath on your face, it is a sign of respect and trust. Horses will show affection by gently blowing air on each other through their nostrils.
When a horse blows on your face, it is a sign they see you as a trusty companion. Horses will breathe in your face if they see you as part of their family.
It is one of the top ways horses show affection to the ones they love.
Also read: 10 Signs You Were Born to Be an Equestrian