Language Signs and Calming Signals of Horses : Recognition and Application – Rachaël Draaisma

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Language Signs and Calming Signals of Horses: Recognition and Application – Learning to Listen to What Horses Are Telling Us

Horses are communicating all the time. Through subtle changes in posture, facial expressions, movement, and behaviour, they respond to their environment, other horses, and the people around them. But how many of these signals do we actually notice?

In Language Signs and Calming Signals of Horses, equine behaviour specialist Rachaël Draaisma invites readers to discover a more detailed and thoughtful understanding of equine communication.

Drawing on extensive observation and analysis of horses' behaviour, the author explores the signals horses use in social interactions and potentially stressful situations, with particular attention to what she describes as calming signals.

Recognising the smallest changes

A horse turning its head away, blinking, lowering its neck, chewing, yawning, or changing its position may be communicating something important about its current experience.

However, no individual behaviour has one universal meaning. Context, the horse's physical condition, and the surrounding circumstances are essential when interpreting these signals.

The book explores:

• Calming signals: Behaviours the author associates with reducing tension and avoiding conflict.

• Displacement behaviours: Actions that may appear when a horse experiences conflicting motivations or uncertainty.

• Stress signals: Recognising changes in expression, posture, movement, and behaviour as tension increases.

• Distance-increasing signals: Understanding when a horse is attempting to create more space.

• Fight-or-flight responses: Recognising escalating reactions and their possible causes.

• Withdrawal and reduced communication: Identifying situations in which a horse becomes less responsive to its surroundings.

• Recovery after stress: Observing how behaviour changes as tension decreases.

Understanding the communication ladder

One of the book's central features is the use of communication ladders – visual frameworks that organise different behavioural responses according to the author's interpretation of their relationship with increasing tension.

These frameworks encourage readers to notice early changes in behaviour rather than waiting until a horse displays an obvious defensive or fearful reaction.

From observation to practical application

The final section focuses on how this understanding can influence everyday interactions with horses.

Topics include:

• Creating opportunities for relaxation

• Adjusting management and training situations

• Recognising when a horse needs more space or time

• Using body position and movement more thoughtfully

• Supporting socialisation and confidence

• Encouraging greater independence

• Reducing unnecessary conflict during handling and training

Richly illustrated with 275 photographs

The book uses extensive photographic material to demonstrate facial expressions, body postures, behavioural sequences, and other details that can be difficult to recognise in real time.

This visual approach makes it particularly useful for readers who want to improve their observational skills and become more attentive to subtle changes in equine behaviour.

Who is this book for?

• Horse owners interested in behaviour and communication

• Trainers seeking more considerate approaches to handling and learning

• Equine behaviourists and welfare professionals

• Veterinary professionals and students

• Anyone interested in reducing stress and improving the human–horse relationship

Language Signs and Calming Signals of Horses offers a detailed exploration of equine communication and encourages readers to observe horses with greater patience, curiosity, and sensitivity.

An important distinction is that the interpretation of individual behaviours as specific calming signals is not universally established in equine behavioural science. The book is best approached as a detailed observational framework to be considered alongside broader research into equine behaviour, learning, and welfare.

A thought-provoking, visually rich guide for anyone who wants to understand horses beyond the most obvious behavioural signals.