How often do you see a horse being thanked by its rider with an enthusiastic pat?

Here’s what we’d actually prefer, and why.

We horses are herd animals, and interactions across the group are really important at creating bonds between us. Mutual grooming helps keep our coats clean and in good condition. Whenever you see two horses scratching with their teeth at those inaccessible parts of our backs, you know they’re friends.

I’m not sure why humans decided to pat us. Is it because you thump each other on the back? That seems a weirdly aggressive way of saying thank you to me. We might be big, but our skin is actually really sensitive to touch – which is why skilled riders can communicate with us with almost invisible aids.

If you’d like to say thank you in horse language, a good scratch or rub around the withers will always hit the spot. And if it makes your horse pull faces and curl their lips, that’s a sure sign that they’re loving it. If they turn their head to you and rub you in return, that means they recognise you as a friend.

Try a little horse language next time you’re about to pat a horse. They’ll love you for it.

Prodney is Chief Equine Officer (CEO) at Park Lane Stables, and achieved celebrity status following the TV coverage in 2021.