Communicative and expressive behaviour is common to all horses, not only those living in wild or feral herds. However, husbandry and management of domestic horses frequently inhibits or prevents natural communication and interactive behaviour.

Equine communication is a well-researched subject. In its subtlety of expression and movement, it goes far beyond the threatening gestures familiar to the layman, such as flattening the ears, curling the upper lip, presenting the hindquarters or cornering (Schäfer 1993).

Communication between horses makes use of all the senses.