ABSTRACT
The language of the horse is the language of expression. Without the ability to communicate through a wide variety of vocal sounds, the horse developed a language capability based upon his evolution-derived sensitivity to movement. The example of the expression for fear is used to make a point: Horses and other animals in close association with the man "read" the emotional expressions of their masters. Instead of this being a "tale," trainers need to use the language of expression to better communicate their desires to their pupils. In order for an expression to be considered a primary emotion, the language component had to be expressed by a young foal. This supposition led to the recognition of 6 basic expressions: peaceful, curious, submissive, spirited, confident, and desirous. As with human language development, it takes time and maturation for the horse to develop more sophisticated expressions such as trust and arrogance.
