Donna Snyder Smith

Because horses use body language to communicate with one another, they are experts at reading our body language as well. Problems occur when people aren't aware of the body language messages they are sending their horse.

Position is everything in body language: the position of a horse's ears, the positioning (shape) of his nostrils, a movement of his neck, a lifting or turning of his head, a positioning of hip or foot and so on; likewise a rider's position when mounted has an infinite array of meanings. To be a good rider means not just staying on. It also implies an ability to communicate clearly with your horse through the use of your body.


from 'The Classic Western Rider'
By Donna Snyder Smith