"For example, a horse turning her head away from us is just trying to be polite and diffuse potential conflict, but we too often mistake it for avoidance and try to correct it instead of reciprocating." - Amazon Reader Review.
You've Been Misreading Your Horse's "Bad" Behavior
That moment when your horse suddenly spooks, refuses a jump, or seems "disrespectful"? What if I told you they were actually trying to communicate with you the entire time, and you missed every single signal?
In our fascinating interview with Rachaël Draaisma, the Dutch behaviour consultant who revolutionised our understanding of horse communication, she revealed something that will change how you see your horse forever: horses use calming signals to calm themselves and those around them (including humans) to reduce stress, avoid conflict and maintain social relationships.
Who Should Read This Book (And Who Shouldn't)
Perfect For:
Anxious riders whose horses mirror their tension
Horse owners dealing with "sudden" behavioural changes
Trainers who want to prevent problems before they escalate
Anyone who's ever said, "I don't understand why my horse suddenly..."
Not For:
Riders only interested in quick training fixes
Those who see horses as equipment rather than partners
What Makes This Book Revolutionary
Unlike basic horse body language books, Rachael's research shows us a very detailed, nuanced and subtle language that horses use to communicate with each other and with us. Some signs are so subtle that it is very easy to miss them unless you are aware of them.
The Game-Changing Discovery
During the interview with Anna Louise, Rachael explained how she studied under Turid Rugaas (famous for discovering calming signals in dogs) and spent years filming horses to map their stress responses. What she found was groundbreaking: over 20 different calming signals, including yawning, blinking, chewing, head shaking, curving, splitting and immobility, many of which have often been interpreted as other behaviours.
The "Communication Ladders" That Will Save Your Relationship
One of the most practical tools Rachael developed is Communication Ladders, visual maps showing exactly when your horse's stress is rising or falling. The language signs are categorised as Calming signals, Displacement activities, Stress signals, and Distance-increasing signals.
Imagine knowing before your horse reaches their breaking point.
This book gives you that superpower.
What Readers Are Saying
"Must have to anyone with horses! It really breaks down elements of horse language into something we can easily understand and focuses on calming behaviours used to diffuse tension... Changes the way you interact with your horses for the better!" - Amazon Reviewer
"I would go even further and classify it as being in the small collection of books I would consider mandatory for all equestrians." - Thunderhooves
Beyond the Book: Rachael's Latest Research
In our interview, Rachael also shared her groundbreaking work with equine scent tracking, which teaches horses to follow scent trails, providing mental stimulation and building confidence. Other horse behaviour books don't cover this and show how Rachael continues pushing boundaries in equine welfare.
Scent Work for Horse Enrichment
Think of the foal who finds his mother’s nipple moments after he is born, drinking milk to survive, who is later able to find water, grasses, and herbs, and who knows which plants to avoid because they are poisonous. Together with other senses, like sight and hearing, smell enables the horse to detect danger, as well as allowing him to find family members and herd mates.
Why This Book Matters Now More Than Ever
This means you will know what to do to calm your horse before his stress rises to an unmanageable level. In our high-stress world, horses need advocates who truly understand their language, not just their obvious distress signals but their polite requests for help.
Get Your Copy Today
Don't wait until your horse's stress reaches breaking point. This book could prevent your next dangerous situation, improve your partnership, and give you the confidence that comes from truly understanding your horse.
🛒 Get "Language Signs and Calming Signals of Horses" on Bookshop.org
By purchasing through this link, you support independent bookstores and help Curious Equestrian continue to bring you incredible guests like Rachael.
Featuring 275 Photographs and Evidence-Based Research
This isn't just theory; it includes 275 pictures that visualise various language signs, calming signals, behaviour sequences, and facial features. Every signal is documented with clear photography so you can recognise them in real time.
More Equestrian Books That Will Transform Your Horsemanship
Want more recommendations from our conversations with world-class equestrian experts? Browse the Curious Equestrian complete collection of curated equestrian books featuring authors we've personally interviewed.
Each book is chosen because it offers genuine insights that can improve your horse's life—and yours.
Have you read "Language Signs and Calming Signals of Horses"? What calming signal did you realise you'd been misinterpreting? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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