Horse's ears to go forward?

Question

My horse is good but she always puts her ears back even when being ridden. Its not to be mean its just a habit. but she looks hideous when she does it. her father did the same thing. how do i get her ears to go forward and them to look perky?

Answer 1

one of my old horses used to do this as well. Honestly, I would say not to do anything about it unless you are showing in pleasure or halter or other events that judge the horse on appearance. Besides, you don't want the horse's ears to go straight foreword because then she wont be listening to you. Consider that her ears are back so that she can hear you.

Answer 2

Some of them are just naturally like that. I see it all the time in ponies. Make sure nothing is bothering her, but otherwise there's nothing you can do about it. Consider it "character."

Answer 3

Good heavens, you can't *make* a horse do anything with its ears!  I would be a lot more concerned with WHY her ears are always back, instead of worrying about her not looking "perky".  How do you know she's not in pain?  Are they back as in she's listening behind her, or are they pinned like she is upset?   This is what you need to find out.  Sounds to me like she's angry or in pain.

Answer 4

She is listening to you or listening to what is behind her if both her ears are turned back. One ear tilted back and then switching to the other ear back is her rearward listening radar. The horse is angry if both ears are pinned back flat. Ears tilted slightly forward signals friendliness and ears tilted far forward signals fear. Ears perked signals she is alert and happy. Seems what you are describing is a horse listening to what is behind her or listening to you while riding her. I bet that you talk to her when you are riding. If that's it, she is listening and that is a good thing.

Answer 5

well if she's not in pain then i would say the only other reason would be that she's paying attention to your voice a lot or other noises behind her.  this is just something to try and i dont know how you ride but maybe you use your voice a lot? but like i said, i dont even know if you do use your voice too much so i cant say anything... good luck

Answer 6

You need to find out what it is that she's unhappy about - obviously there's something, she should be moving her ears around and listening to the sounds around her and at least showing some interest.

Ears constantly back is not a good sign.

Answer 7

Some horses do this to listen for verbal cues from the rider.  After a while it becomes ingrained with them.  It is very hard to stop.  Sorry but I am not sure how to stop that, especially since the horse is doing its best to get signals and obey.  Truth is I am not sure I would want mine to stop if that is why she had them back.  

Sorry Jordan didn't mean to step all over your answer.  I usually write my response and then read the other answers.

Answer 8

maybe shes bored with what you're doing? is she like that even on trails? it might just be that she wants to do things that are more interesting and challenging. or maybe she has a sensitive back?

Answer 9

If you could provide a little more information like....

When ridden, do you ride bareback or with a saddle..point being,  something with the saddle could be disturbing her...poor fitting, something pinching, sore back, improper placement, etc.

What about her mouth..could it be her teeth, the bit your using..is it too harsh..not placed properly, too big or small...etc., etc.

Is it your riding style..heavy hands..imporoper balance, spurs, etc., etc.

Is it when she is in season,  have you checked her feet, etc.

Does she do this when being led around..during grooming, playing in the pasture?

This list can go on and on..but I'm here and your there..so if you honestly feel that you've ruled out the above possibilities (and others), then perhaps she is just not into looking purty.

You say it is a "habit"..but I would consider it "horse talk" or communication of some sort...ears can tell alot of the mood of the horse...there are only so many ways they can communicate their needs to us or for us to be aware of a potential need. And my experience tells me that a horse with their ears pinned back are not happy about something or acting mean.  Does she try to bit you at all...how is she around other horses..is she a kicker or a biter?

If you want to see her ears go forward, you can put some rocks in a can and shake it..that "should" make them perky..for a minute or two anyhow!!

just some food for perky ears!!

PS~I don't think pinned back ears is hereditery...size and shape.... yes!!

Answer 10

with a hunter i use to show he would always pin his ears back in the hack. i always had to whisper at him and kind of throw my voice, and it would usually make him put his ears forward. but i don't think there is really anything you can do to make your horse put her ears forward, if she isn't in pain (no stomach problems or anything?) then thats just the way she is.

Answer 11

If the inside of her ears are facing you. That means she's paying attention to YOU . and not anything else. You should be thankful for that. In shows a lot of judges in the pleasure classes like to see that the horse is responsive to you and not focusing on anything else. If they are actually laying flat on her head, she's mad.