Post by Nine|9 on Apr 29, 2013 0:46:14 GMT -5
Hello everyone, this is just a simple guide created to help you roleplay your horse character. Each category is broken down into what each body part means to aid in how you make your character behave when around others.
Ears:
- Forward- When a horse has its ears turned forward this usually means that it is paying attention/alert to whatever is in front of it.
- Turned in different directions- Whatever direction a horse's ears are turned signals that that's the direction it's looking or paying attention to. One ear can be turned one way and the other in a different direction; that means its paying attention/looking in those different directions.
- Pinned back- This means that the horse is angry! You'd better watch yourself because a horse with pinned ears is ready to bite and kick.
- Turned out to the side- If a horse's ears are turned out to the side then it is relaxed or otherwise not paying attention to what's around it.
- Turned backwards- This is different from being pinned back. If a horse's ears are just turned backwards then it is paying attention to something behind it.
Eyes:
- Wide Eyes- If a horse's eyes are wide and showing any white this means they are afraid.
- Drooping Eyelids- The horse is completely relaxed. Also it could be sleepy.
Nose:
- Flared Nostrils- Usually means a horse is alarmed or frightened... or it could simply mean it's smelling a strong scent.
- Pinched Nostrils- Means that a horse is angry or in pain. The horse could also be very annoyed about something.
Mouth:
- Snapping- An immature horse (or foal) will open and close its mouth when in a frightening situation. Usually a foal will do this when approaching an unfamiliar stallion.
- Chin Tucked- If a horse has its chin tucked close to its body then this is a clear sign that it is angry or annoyed about something.
- Curled Lip- A horse is showing dominance and aggression to another. Might want to be careful around this guy.
Head:
- Lowered Head Carriage- When a horse has its head in a lower position then this usually means that it is in a more relaxed state.
- Raised Head Carriage- A horse that has its head raised means that it is in a state of arousal or alert to its surroundings.
- Head Titled- Just as you probably would think. It means the horse is thinking about something.
Feet:
- Pawing- A bored horse will usually paw the ground with a hoof. A horse who is anxious and/or expecting something may also paw the ground until that anxiety is relieved.
- Stamping- An angry horse will stamp the ground. A horse can also do this when annoyed or when they have any other feelings like this.
Tail:
- Clamped Between Legs- If a horse's tail is clamped closely to its rear then that is a good indicator that it is nervous or fearful.
- High Raised- A horse with its tail raised unusually high is generally in a hyper state.
- Sharp Swishing- This usually signals irritation, it is a sharper swishing motion than the "gentle swishing" motion.
- Gentle Swishing- A gentle swish that can be used to swipe away annoying flies but can also be used to indicate a change of balance.
Sounds:
- Snorting- This is either a danger signal or a challenge to an aggressor.
- Blowing- If a horse blows gently through their nose then its a signal for relaxation.
- Squealing- males: Done when stallions are fighting or doing mock fights.
females: When mares squeal it can be used as a flirtatious move towards stallions. Also can mean tender teats when a female is nursing.- Neigh- One of the most common sounds that a horse makes, it is the main form of verbal communication. It is used to greet friends, find horses they're separated from, it can also be used for reassurance, continuing old bonds, etc.
- Nicker- A softer neigh that is used for greeting, used between mothers and their foals, and courting couples.
