You Are Contagious: How Our Body Language Shapes the Experience

Wiola and Leo. Photo by Christine Dunnington Photography

Imagine stepping into a room where someone is radiating anxiety. Before a single word is spoken, you feel it—the tension in their shoulders, the quickness of their movements. It’s contagious. Now, step into a training session with your horse. The same principle applies: your body language communicates volumes before you even pick up the reins.

Horses, as prey animals, are hyper-attuned to the slightest changes in their environment, especially in us. They read our posture, energy, and micro-expressions—not just as indicators of safety but as signals for how to respond.

The Science of Subtle Signals

Vanessa Van Edwards, in her research on nonverbal communication, highlights how body language accounts for up to 93% of our communication. While her work primarily focuses on human-to-human interactions, the principles extend seamlessly to our relationships with horses. Horses respond not to what we say but to what we “show”—the story our bodies tell. If you’re asking your horse to remain relaxed but your shoulders are tight and your breathing shallow, you’re sending mixed signals.

“You’re contagious” isn’t just a catchy phrase; it’s a scientific truth. When we project confidence and calmness through our body language, our horses are more likely to mirror those states. Conversely, if we’re jittery or tense, our horses will reflect that too, amplifying the very emotions we wish to avoid.

Practical Applications for Horse Training

1. Groundwork: Set the Tone Before You Start

Groundwork is an excellent opportunity to practice intentional body language. Stand tall, keep your movements fluid, and exude calmness. Before you ask anything of your horse, check in with yourself. Are you carrying stress from your day? Are your movements rushed? By pausing to centre yourself, you create a foundation of trust and clarity.

2. Breathing: The Silent Communicator

Your breathing patterns are a powerful yet often overlooked aspect of body language. Deep, slow breaths signal relaxation and safety to your horse. Shallow, rapid breaths, on the other hand, can escalate tension. Next time you work with your horse, consciously match your breathing to the energy you want to cultivate.

3. Posture and Presence

Good posture isn’t about looking rigid; it’s about projecting balance and openness. Even slight changes in posture can dramatically affect a horse’s response. If you’re leaning forward with tension, your horse may perceive this as pressure. Standing upright and balanced communicates steadiness and approachability.

4. Micro-Movements: The Language of Intention

Horses are experts at noticing the “micros”—tiny shifts in weight, flickers of muscle tension, or changes in facial expression. Being mindful of these micro-movements can help you become more intentional in your communication. For instance, softening your gaze or relaxing your jaw can make a surprising difference in how your horse perceives you.

Mindfulness in Motion

The importance of “inner stillness” doesn’t mean suppressing emotions but acknowledging and managing them so they don’t spill over into your interactions. Checking in with yourself—both emotionally and physically—is a valuable practice. Tools like A Horsewoman’s Journal can guide this reflection, helping you tune into your mental state and prepare for more intentional interactions with your horse. When we are mindful of our body language, we create a space where horses feel safe to learn and explore.

Vanessa Van Edwards reminds us that our nonverbal cues are an ongoing conversation. Horses don’t just read our body language; they respond to it dynamically. By becoming more aware of how we carry ourselves, we’re not only improving our horse’s experience but deepening our own self-awareness.

Final Thoughts: What Are You Projecting?

The next time you’re with your horse, take a moment to observe. What is your body saying? Are you calm and open, or carrying tension and uncertainty? Remember, you are contagious. The energy you bring into the arena shapes every interaction, every step, and every moment of connection.

By refining our body language, we’re not just improving our training techniques. We’re building a partnership founded on clarity, trust, and mutual understanding—and that’s a language worth mastering.