Ever wondered why your horse yawns during or after training? Is it a sign of contentment, or could it indicate something more? In episode #9 of How Horses Communicate, Belinda Bolsenbroek delves into the subtle yet telling phenomenon of equine yawning, highlighting its role as a form of release and a window into the horse's emotional well-being.
Common Concern: You’ve noticed your horse yawning frequently, and it’s leaving you puzzled. Is your horse simply relaxing, or is there an underlying issue causing stress or discomfort?
Belinda explains that yawning in horses can have different meanings. A single yawn might be a positive sign, indicating a release of tension, much like when we stretch after a long day. However, if your horse yawns repeatedly, it could signal deeper issues, such as stress, discomfort, or anxiety.
Practical Insight: For instance, yawning might occur in anxious or traumatised horses, especially those subjected to repetitive or dominant training methods. Alternatively, it might be triggered by physical issues, like fatigue or TMJ pain, as the horse seeks relief from tightness or discomfort. A relaxed horse typically doesn’t yawn frequently, so spotting this behaviour can alert you to potential problems.
Actionable Tip: If you notice your horse yawning during training, it’s essential to assess the situation. Is your horse overwhelmed or burdened by the current training routine? By understanding and addressing these cues, you can create a more supportive environment that encourages relaxation and trust.
What you'll learn:
Why This Matters:
Explore more in this online course to better understand your horse’s body language through our comprehensive training modules. Engage in interactive learning designed to support your horse’s well-being and enhance your partnership.
Belinda Bolsenbroek is an international authority on the Art of Classical Equitation in which the historic relationship between horse and human is expressed as a spiritual connection between two beings. Belinda harnesses the wisdom of the Old Masters, combines that wisdom with the science of biomechanics and shapes them both into a clear and defined practice that allows you to take your horsemanship to the next level.
Horses have stood at man’s side for over 4,000 years.They are our most noble companions and the ancient relationship of trust, honour and passion endures to this day.From the heroic war horse to the steady plough horse, our shared experience stretches back through the ages and is passed down to us through our genetic memories, our most prized ancestral gift.With Belinda’s guidance, you will discover this ancient inheritance and the pure joy that comes from a deep connection with your horse and look forward to the day when you become an ambassador, educator and an inspiration to others.
Empower yourself with Belinda as your coach - Belinda Bolsenbroek Academy.Now is the time to take the opportunity to invest in yourself, develop your skills and succeed.No matter how long you have been riding, whether you are an old hand or new to the art of horsemanship, there is always more to learn.As you gain greater insight into a topic, the more you learn, the more likely you are to recognise how much there is still to learn.
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