08/30/2026
Does your horse pin his ears, lunge, bite or kick at other horses on a group trail ride?
It is easy to label those actions as bad behavior, and they certainly can become dangerous. But before we correct the behavior, it helps to understand what the horse may be trying to communicate.
Horses use body language to control space and establish boundaries with one another. A pinned ear may mean, “Do not come any closer.” A turned head or quick lunge may mean, “Move away from me.” A bite or kick is often the louder version of a warning that was already given.
The problem is that we frequently miss the quieter signals.
The horse may have pinned an ear several times. He may have tightened his body, swished his tail, moved away or looked back at the horse crowding him. If the other horse keeps coming, he may increase the pressure until the message is finally heard. Then the rider says, “He kicked for no reason.”
This can become even more obvious in an unfamiliar group. The horses have not established how much space each one expects, who gives way or how each horse responds to pressure. One horse may tolerate another riding closely behind him, while a different horse considers that a serious challenge.
A horse that is used to moving others at home may become angry when a strange horse crowds or passes him. A more passive horse may lunge or kick because he feels trapped and cannot get away. Another horse may bite because the horse beside him repeatedly ignores his requests for space.
Understanding the reason does not mean allowing dangerous behavior. A horse still has to learn that he cannot bite, lunge or kick while under the rider’s control. But, it does mean that the riders should also pay attention.
Give horses enough room. Notice pinned ears and body tension before the reaction becomes bigger. Do not allow your horse to ride on another horse’s tail and then blame the horse in front for finally objecting.
Have you ever had your horse act out towards another on a ride, what did you do?
