Is licking and chewing a sign of relaxation?

YES!

However, for our horses to be showing signs of active relaxation, they must first be tense or stressed…

Whether they don’t know the answer, are worried about our tools, or in pain, the signs of stress can be subtle:

• avoiding eye contact;

• ears tight;

• tail tight;

• body tight;

• mouth clamped shut.

Once our horses are taking themselves out of holding that tension, we see what we call “relaxation cues”:

• lowering the head;

• rubbing the nose on the leg;

• softening the ears;

• gentle tail swishes.

Licking and chewing are the BIG signs!

Want to know more?

Check out this Starter Course OPENING COMMUNICATIONS