How do Clydesdales communicate without words?

Primarily through body language—ear position, gentle nudges, sighs, resting a hoof, soft vocalizations (whickers), eye contact, and leaning in. Each cue reflects attention, affection, relaxation, trust, recognition, connection, or comfort.

What does an ear flick mean on a Clydesdale?

Ear position shows attention. Forward ears signal curiosity about what’s ahead; a flick back toward you means they’re tuned into your voice or presence; quick swivels indicate they’re tracking multiple things at once.

Why does a Clydesdale nudge or rest its nose on you?

A soft nudge is an affectionate request for attention—often a friendly 'don’t forget me.' It’s a gentle, social gesture rather than pushy behavior.

What does a heavy sigh from a horse mean?

A long exhale typically reflects relaxation and contentment, especially during grooming or quiet time. It’s a sign the horse feels safe and at ease.

Why does a Clydesdale rest one back hoof?

Cocking and lightly resting a hind hoof often indicates comfort and trust in the environment—a relaxed stance rather than readiness to move.

What is a horse’s whicker and what does it mean?

A whicker is a soft, low vocalization—quieter than a whinny—used for friendly recognition or anticipation, like greeting familiar people or mealtime.

What does eye contact from a Clydesdale signal?

Calm, steady eye contact communicates connection and trust, and sometimes playful curiosity. It’s part of how horses read and respond to you.

Why do Clydesdales lean on people?

A gentle lean-in shows comfort and closeness—often a sign the horse feels safe by your side. It’s a physical way of saying, 'We’re good here.'

Where can I experience these Clydesdale behaviors in person?

At JFP Equine in the St. Louis area. Our Ultimate Clydesdale Experience helps guests recognize these seven signals and build real connection with our herd.

The Secret Language of Clydesdales | JFP Equine Experiences

When you spend enough time around Clydesdales, you start to realize something magical — they’re always talking to you.

Maybe not in words, of course, but in subtle shifts of their ears, the way they move their heads, even how they lean against your arm.

At JFP Equine, one of our favorite parts of welcoming guests is watching their eyes light up when they “get it” — when they start to understand the quiet ways these gentle giants communicate.

So today, we’re letting you in on a few secrets: here are seven ways our Clydesdales speak without ever saying a word.

1. The Ear Flick

A quick swivel of the ears tells you where their attention is.

Forward ears? They’re curious about what’s ahead.

Flicking back toward you? They’re tuned into your voice.

Our herd often swivels both ways at once — proving they can multitask better than most of us!

2. The Soft Nudge

If Fred leans his nose against your shoulder, it’s usually his way of saying, “Hey friend, don’t forget me.”

Dexter has been known to take it a step further with full-on cuddles. These gentle nudges are affection in action — a giant horse’s version of a hug.

3. The Heavy Sigh

Spend time grooming Ace and you might hear him let out a long, deep sigh.

That sound? Pure contentment.

Horses tend to exhale like that when they feel safe, relaxed, and completely at ease in your presence.

4. The Resting Hoof

When a Clydesdale cocks one back hoof and rests it lightly on the ground, it often means, “I’m comfortable. I trust you.”

It’s a small sign, but once you notice it, it’s impossible not to smile.

5. The Whicker

It’s softer than a whinny, almost like a horse’s version of a whisper.

Our crew often gives this low, throaty sound when they recognize someone familiar or when dinnertime is approaching.

Blaze’s whicker is especially unmistakable — always a mix of mischief and excitement.

6. The Eye Contact

Look into a Clydesdale’s eyes and you’ll see more than reflection — you’ll see connection.

Horses communicate volumes through eye contact: calm, trust, even a bit of playful challenge.

With eyes as deep and soulful as Flame's, it feels like they’re speaking straight to your heart.

7. The Lean-In

There’s nothing quite like the weight of a horse leaning into you — gently but purposefully.

It’s not clumsy; it’s closeness. Many times it's their way of indicating, “I feel safe with you. We’re good here.”

Guests in our barn often say this is the moment they’ll never forget.

Final Word: Listening Without Words

Learning to understand a Clydesdale’s “language” changes the way you see them forever.

It’s not about commands or control — it’s about connection.

And the best part? You don’t need years of horse experience to hear it. You just need time, openness, and a chance to step into the barn.

Ready for an Ultimate Clydesdale Experience of your own?

Fall sessions are filling quickly. Book today and discover what our Clydesdales have been waiting to tell you all along.

Photo Credit (header): Jim Descher Photography

The Secret Language of Clydesdales: 7 Things They’re Saying Without Words